Ohio Valley Conference Logos
The Eastern Kentucky Colonels are the intercollegiate athletic teams of Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Kentucky, competing at the NCAA Division I level including the Football Championship Subdivision as charter members of the Ohio Valley Conference.
Meaning and Symbolism
- The distinctive maroon (#611f34) creates unique identity in college athletics, distinguishing EKU from standard red or blue programs
- The Colonels nickname honors Kentucky’s historical tradition and the honorary title of Kentucky Colonel
- The color conveys tradition, dignity, and the heritage of the Commonwealth of Kentucky
- The simple, bold design reflects the straightforward competitive character of the athletic program
- The monochromatic maroon with white accents provides strong visibility for uniforms and branding
History and Evolution
Eastern Kentucky University, founded in 1906 as a teacher’s college, established its athletic program with teams known as the Colonels, embracing Kentucky’s distinctive cultural identity. The university became a charter member when the Ohio Valley Conference was founded in 1948, creating one of the oldest continuous conference memberships in Division I athletics. This long-standing OVC membership has produced intense rivalries with programs like Murray State, Morehead State, and Austin Peay.
The Colonels have achieved notable success across multiple sports, particularly football and basketball. The football program won NCAA Division I-AA (now FCS) national championships in 1979 and 1982, establishing EKU among the elite programs in that classification. The men’s basketball program has earned multiple OVC championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. While women’s teams were historically called “Lady Colonels,” the university now emphasizes unified branding with all teams identified simply as “Colonels.” The athletic facilities include Roy Kidd Stadium (named for the legendary football coach) and Alumni Coliseum for basketball. Mascot “The Colonel” represents the teams at home events in Richmond.
Typography and Design
The Eastern Kentucky Colonels wordmark features bold, athletic letterforms in the distinctive maroon (#611f34) that defines the program’s visual identity. The typography emphasizes strength and tradition, often incorporating serif elements that reference military and historical themes associated with the Colonel title. The design prioritizes readability and impact across various applications from uniforms to arena signage. The maroon color creates differentiation within the OVC and provides a sophisticated alternative to more common athletic reds. When paired with white, the color scheme delivers excellent contrast for visibility while maintaining the dignified character appropriate for the Colonels nickname and Kentucky heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed the Eastern Kentucky Colonels logo? The Eastern Kentucky athletic identity has evolved through multiple iterations developed through university athletic department leadership and design professionals, with specific designer credits not prominently documented for the current brand system.
When was the Eastern Kentucky Colonels logo last updated? Eastern Kentucky has periodically refreshed its athletic branding, with recent updates modernizing typography and refining color applications while maintaining the distinctive maroon that has long defined the Colonels identity.
What is a Kentucky Colonel? The Kentucky Colonel is the highest title of honor bestowed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky, recognizing individuals for noteworthy contributions to the state, society, and community, with the Eastern Kentucky athletic teams adopting this distinguished title as their nickname.
