Deadline looms for mascot name
submissions

Oct. 12, 2007 -- Arkansas State University fans have less than three weeks remaining to submit ideas for the name of the university’s new mascot. More than 900 name ideas have been submitted so far, but more ideas are welcomed and in fact encouraged, according to ASU-Jonesboro Chancellor Dr. Robert L. Potts.

The deadline for submission is October 31 at midnight.

"From the start, we have attempted to make this a collaborative effort, with broad-based public participation. Obviously, only one name can be chosen, but there is certainly value in having an extensive group of potential ideas to consider. The more ideas we have, the more likely we are to determine the perfect one that best reflects the heritage and persona of our great university and its athletic program," Potts said.

To submit a name or names, persons may visit http://www.astate.edu/mascot/suggestions.php or access "Mascot Information" from the ASU home page. The list of suggested names submitted thus far is contained on the Mascot Information page.

But fans don’t need a name suggestion to participate in the online naming opportunity.

"Even if you do not have a name to suggest, please log on to give support for the names already submitted that you would like to see at the top of our selection list. We would be thrilled if we had tens of thousands of our fans coming to our web site expressing their views on this historic process," Potts explained.

Beginning November 1, nine major constituent groups will begin reviewing the lists. Each will choose 8-12 favorites for further consideration; the Mascot Selection Steering Committee, chaired by former ASU Board of Trustees Chairman Jim Pickens, will then review the narrowed list.

"Regrettably, this will be the last year that many ASU alumni will celebrate Homecoming as ‘Indians’, Pickens noted. However this is a historic opportunity to shape and market our athletic program and provides the occasion to move forward and broaden our vision for ASU."

The new name and mascot is expected to be announced next spring and sports teams would compete under the new imagery, beginning fall of 2008.

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