To simplify the brand while revamping it in a new direction, Western Michigan University has unveiled a new primary logo featuring an updated color scheme.

For the past few years, Western Michigan was known by a “W” as one logo and a bronco head as the other. Now, the university will be seen in a different light on both ends.

Let’s start with the "W" logo. WMU was exemplified as a gold "W" with a simple, brown outline, with the university’s script right below. Now, the gold "W" is surrounded by a brown circle with a gold outline. Instead of creating a complex look to change it up, it has been simply updated to fit the new times and avoid any confusion.

With that logo, the script moved from under the letter "W" to next to it. The font also became much larger and changed to a more inviting appearance. Instead of having to squint to read “Western Michigan University” it is now easier than ever. Although the script is typically not considered part of the main logo, it is a subtle change worth noting.

They could have gone away with the simple "W," but it is so ingrained into its identity that it was going nowhere.

“Our ‘W’ logo has been part of our heritage for nearly all of Western’s history,” Tony Proudfoot, vice president for marketing and strategic communications, said in a release. “Moving forward, we will transition to the new marks as cost-effectively as possible. While its basic shape has remained consistent, it has evolved with the times.”

The most significant changes are associated with the Bronco logo, which is also being updated. With this comes the dropping of some logo colors. Before, there were seven colors on the official color palette. Now, there are only two colors, brown and gold.

This is probably the most significant move toward simplicity. The older color scheme features colors such as white, light brown, black, silver, and a variety of gold shades. Cutting from seven colors to just two is a significant change and is an integral part of this entire new effort. This makes it even clearer that WMU is focusing on simplicity.

The Bronco of the ghost variety that was seen a few years ago will continue but instead of taking on the white and black colorway, they are using the simplified brown and gold. This keeps it simple while still giving that running bronco a bit of spotlight.

The new "W" logo has already been seen on a soccer jersey during a summer league game and on banners scattered across the campus. Once the fall semester kicks into full swing, those logos will be far more prominent as they will take center stage. Additionally, merchandise featuring the new look will be available for sale soon, allowing you and your loved ones to rock it in the fall.

See the Western Michigan Broncos logo history.

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