Panthers Primary Logo
The Northern Iowa Panthers have a long and storied history of success in NCAA basketball, and their primary logo has been an integral part of that story. The current logo was designed by the school's official graphic designer, John E. Smith III, in 2003 as part of a rebranding effort for the team. It features two panthers facing each other with one paw outstretched toward the viewer to create an aggressive yet inviting image that embodies UNI’s spirit on and off the court.
This design is based on previous logos used by Northern Iowa since 1957 when they first adopted their mascot name “Panthers” from nearby Cedar Falls High School (now known as Valley High School). Their original mark featured a black panther headset against white lettering spelling out ‘Northern Iowa’ which quickly became iconic among fans across campus and around the town alike. In 1975 this classic look was updated slightly to include red accents along with some minor changes to make it more modern but still retain its timelessness; this version would become synonymous with Panther pride until 2003 when Smith created his own interpretation for use today!
Over time, small tweaks have been made here or there—most notably adding stripes down either side of both cats—but overall its essence remains unchanged since being unveiled almost 20 years ago: strong yet approachable as any good mascot should be! As such it will likely remain just as beloved throughout future generations who proudly wear these colors into battle come game day!
2021 - Present
Initials “UNI” in purple with yellow trim over a yellow, white and purple panther’s head.
Changed purple and gold to brighter shades.
2014 - 2021
Initials “UNI” in purple with yellow trim over a yellow, white and purple panther’s head.
Change the outlines on the initials “UNI” from two to one.
2013 - 2014
Initials “UNI” in purple with yellow trim over a yellow, white and purple panther’s head.
Removed the wordmark of the school name.
2002 - 2013
A yellow with the purple trim wordmark “University of Northern Iowa” and “UNI” in purple with yellow trim over a yellow, white and purple panther’s head.
2001 - 2002
3D letter of “U” with the initials “NI” on the U in purple and white.
2000 - 2001
Initials “NI” in purple with gold trim.
1986 - 2000
A purple and white growing Panther above a wordmark “NORTHERN IOWA” in gold.
1983 - 1986
Dome roof above the initials “UNI” in purple with a gold panther coming through the letter “U.”
The UNI-Dome represented in this opened in 1976.
1976 - 1983
A strutting panther with the initials “UNI” on his sweater.
Changed the paws placement and removed the shoes. The tail also became more visible.
1973 - 1976
A walking panther with the initials “UNI” on a sweater in black and white.
