Northern Arizona University (NAU) is a public research university. It is home to a number of cutting-edge research centers and institutes. NAU offers an unbeatable combination of academic excellence, stunning natural surroundings, and a lively college town atmosphere. NAU is known for strong programs in environmental sciences, forestry, education, and health professions. The university is involved in various research initiatives, particularly those related to environmental science, health, and sustainable development.
Established in 1899, it is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the state. It originally began as a teachers’ college, known as the Northern Arizona Normal School. In 1925, it became the Northern Arizona Teachers College, reflecting its focus on training educators. The institution expanded its curriculum in the 1930s and 1940s, offering a broader range of degrees beyond teacher education. In 1966, the college achieved university status and became Northern Arizona University.
What is NAU?
NAU is classified as a research university. It is recognized for its commitment to providing a comprehensive education and for its beautiful mountainous campus. NAU has a student body of around 30,000, with a diverse range of students from across the country and over 70 countries worldwide.
At the heart of the logo is the full name of the university. It is printed using a bold, geometric font with a modern and futuristic style. It is accompanied by a stylized image of an evergreen tree that is placed on a deep blue shield with a white border. Its branches are reaching upward in a nod to the university’s commitment to growth and perseverance. It also shows that NAU puts great effort into sustainability, adaptability, and a deep connection to nature. Behind, there is a triangular shape that stands for San Francisco Peaks, which hints at the location of the institution.
The updated logo is simple yet powerful. The company preserved the same font for the inscription. It is centered as there is no more shield. Instead, the designer added the name initials across the top. They are made to be the same length as the other lines, creating an almost square logo shape. The initials are stylized in such a way that the center of the “A” is done as a yellow triangular shape that represents the mountains.
Before the 2018, the institution used a combination of bold and regular version of a geometric font. The inscription can be replicated using Bank Gothic Pro Bold font, Science Gothic font, or other similar font. Later, it added a bold font with wedge serifs to print the short version of the university name.
The main color in two latest NAU logos is a deep blue. It is often linked with trust, loyalty, and wisdom. It also came to represent professionalism, stability, and reliability. The white creates a good contrasting base. In 2018, the institution added a yellow. It was a symbol of energy, happiness, and enthusiasm.