Minnesota State College Southeast unveils new logo, branding and identity at celebration events in Red Wing and Winona
In April 2022, officials at Minnesota State College Southeast were thrilled when the Lumina Foundation announced the top 10 finalists in the Million Dollar Community College Challenge.
Hundreds of colleges across the nation had applied for the challenge. As a finalist, Southeast was awarded $100,000 to support brand building and strategic marketing efforts.
On March 21, the results of almost two years of intensive effort were presented for the first time, as Minnesota State College Southeast announced its new core messaging and revealed its new logo.
The process involved surveys, focus groups, and interviews with more than 300 people in the college and in the wider community, designed to identify brand challenges and reveal the qualities that set Southeast apart from other higher education institutions in the region.
"This work has helped us understand that Minnesota State College Southeast has a simple, clear, and focused purpose, to help anyone who wants to take their next step forward in life by nurturing student success," said President Marsha Danielson.
She added, "At Southeast, we believe college is for everyone. We believe in meeting students where they are. And we believe every step toward reaching their educational goals should be simple and achievable."
The college worked closely with Object, a Twin Cities design firm, on designing the graphics and crafting the brand refresh, which includes new messaging, signature typefaces, and standardized colors in a range of greens.
Vice President of Strategic Initiatives Jennifer Hawkins was excited to unveil the college's new symbol and logo, the SE monogram and the name of the college, Minnesota State College Southeast, in bold green lettering.
"In the coming months, you'll see our new logo in our website, social media, advertising, and across all communications," she said, adding, "We will also be updating exterior signage and graphics throughout our Red Wing and Winona campuses."
She noted that, "Our brand is much more than just a logo. What we say and what we do contributes to how students, parents, partners, and communities perceive the college. We are all ambassadors for Southeast."
In addition to providing financial support, Lumina Foundation provided extensive staff training opportunities and access to branding and identity consulting services.
"We cannot thank the Lumina Foundation enough for making this extraordinary opportunity possible," said Dr. Danielson. "Strengthening our brand will benefit Minnesota State College Southeast and the community."