WSU Logo (Washington State University Logo) PNG
The educational institution depicted on the emblem produces strong, confident, athletic, and educated people. The WSU logo focuses on the personality of the student. Education has one task – to help reveal the talents and abilities of the student.
WSU: Brand overview
Washington State University was founded in 1890 as the state’s agricultural college and experimental research station, shortly after Washington gained statehood. Originally focused on agriculture, engineering, and home sciences, it soon broadened its scope by introducing general arts and sciences into its curriculum. From its early days, the college often competed fiercely with the nearby University of Washington for resources and students, which created tension between the institutions for many years. These rivalries eventually led to cooperation when financial difficulties during the Great Depression forced both universities to reconsider their strategies and relationships. Over time, the institution grew steadily, eventually becoming Washington State University, known widely today as WSU. The university now holds recognition as an R1 research institution, with programs spanning veterinary medicine, pharmacy, humanities, engineering, and medical sciences. Beyond its main Pullman campus, WSU has campuses in Spokane, Vancouver, and the Tri-Cities area. It continues to expand, welcoming more than 30,000 students from around the globe and maintaining active participation in NCAA Division I athletics within the Pac-12 conference.
Meaning and History
What is WSU?
This large public research institution in Washington State, with its main campus in Pullman, is known for its extensive engineering, veterinary medicine, agriculture, and viticulture programs. Across its 11 colleges, the university offers over 200 academic programs, including the state’s only veterinary school. The main campus, situated on the rolling hills of the Palouse, is distinguished by its red-brick architecture. The institution plays a key role in the region’s agricultural research and viticulture development, with its vineyards and winery for student training—one of its unique features. The mascot, Butch, symbolizes pride, and the athletic teams compete in the Pac-12 Conference.
Today
The emblem of Washington State University carries a distinctive style that has become part of the region’s identity. Its defining feature is the cougar head, first introduced in the mid-1930s through the work of student Randall Johnson. Since then, the symbol has been integrated into nearly every aspect of campus life—from graduation diplomas and official documents to athletic uniforms, student apparel, and even the spacesuit worn by astronaut John Fabian.
The current version presents a unique visual idea: the animal’s head is constructed entirely from the university’s abbreviated name. The letter “W” outlines the shoulder and neck, the “S” shapes the head and upper muzzle, while the “U” forms the lower jaw. Together, these elements create a cohesive and readable mark, despite the complexity of the concept.
The symbol is placed within a clean five-sided shield, with the university’s full name to the right. The name is arranged across two lines, using a clear, precise typeface that maintains visual balance. The initial letters in each word appear larger, adding a sense of formality without removing the emblem’s approachable tone. Some letter pairs—like “AS,” “UN,” “VE,” and “RS”—are subtly linked, adding rhythm and continuity to the text.
The color palette consists of deep crimson and shades of gray, connecting the mark to the university’s tradition and reinforcing its presence as a forward-facing institution rooted in a strong academic legacy.
The Seal
WSU’s seal is circular, but it is still not a classic seal. The centerpiece is a portrait of George Washington, shown in profile and framed in gray tones. It is a tribute to the state’s great historical heritage and a connection to the area where the university is located. The lack of inner and outer rings and standard frames sets this stamp apart from traditional seals. They do not exist. Therefore, the expanded name of the university is located in the surrounding space, which is not outlined in any way and is a frame for the portrait of the first President of the United States. The letters are smooth and straight, without serifs. At the bottom is the year of the institution’s appearance: “1890”.
Font and Colors
The visual identity of Washington State University combines classic symbols that reflect its history and spirit. The central figure—a cougar—embodies the energy and strength of the institution, highlighting its connection to athletics and student life. This symbol is paired with the image of George Washington, adding historical depth and a sense of authority.
The university’s official color palette blends a rich crimson and soft gray. Crimson creates a sense of vitality, representing youth, ambition, and determination within the student community. Gray acts as a grounding background tone, introducing a sense of composure and academic discipline to the composition.
Typography includes two primary typefaces: the modern, sans-serif Proxima Nova and a refined serif typeface with minimal detailing. Thin lines and elongated proportions of the lettering align with the emblem’s visual tone, enhancing the design with elegance and restraint.
The composition is clean and uncluttered. Combining symbolic elements, color schemes, and typography creates a cohesive and well-balanced identity that reflects the university’s traditions. The emblem communicates a clear balance between academic rigor and the dynamic character of student life.