Over 400 Southeastern students, faculty and staff erupted in applause Thursday afternoon in the Glen D. Johnson Student Union as a new Savage Storm mascot was revealed for the first time. The concept will personify Southeastern's Savage Storm nickname with Pride, Resilience and Strength.
"This is a very historic day as we prepare to unveil our new mascot," said SE President Dr. Larry Minks in front of the capacity crowd. "I know that we have waited on this day for a long time and it is indeed an exciting time. I just want to thank all of the many people who have been involved in the process – and this includes students, student-athletes, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members. This has truly been a grassroots effort and a thoughtful and thorough process that we have taken very seriously as it relates to the University's identity and branding. Thank you for your support of Southeastern Oklahoma State University and go Savage Storm!"
The mascot will first appear at Homecoming on October 4-5, 2013. Southeastern launched a Savage Storm mascot naming contest as a part of the launch. Students, alumni, faculty, staff, and fans around the world can suggest a name at www.SE.edy/macot until September 15. Visit www.SE.edu/mascot to make your submission. Ideas are being collected until 9/15 when a list of finalists will be announced and #SavageNation can vote on their favorite name for the Savage Storm mascot.
The University has faced the far-reaching mascot and nickname issue for the better part of the past two decades and creating a mascot for the Savage Storm nickname is one the University has been working on for over two years. Through the entire process, the Mascot Task Force reformed by President Minks has tirelessly sought then used the perspective of as many of Southeastern's constituents as possible: male and female students from a variety of areas of study, Band, Cheer, Dance, Student-Athletes, tenured faculty, adjunct faculty, Faculty Senate, SE staff and its staff association, coaches, boosters, fans, season-ticket holders, Family Pass holders, SE legacies, Alumni and members of the community. The Task Force commissioned over twenty surveys, polls, interviews, and focus groups that reached over 1,000 people connected to Southeastern during the process.
Southeastern was forced into changing from the Savages in 2005 when the NCAA adopted a new policy to prohibit NCAA colleges and universities from displaying "hostile or abusive racial, ethnic, national origin mascots, nicknames or imagery" at any of the NCAA's national or regional championship competitions. In 2006, Southeastern transitioned from Savages to the Savage Storm, a nickname chosen by then-President Glen D. Johnson who now serves at the Chancellor of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. It is a proud legacy of the Chancellor and a nickname Southeastern will continue to utilize.
The Story of the Savage Storm Mascot
Like the thunderstorms that roll across Oklahoma and the bison who live there – we do not back down from challenges. Drawing from our storied history of Pride, Resilience and Strength we band together and face adversity head on.
Southeastern Oklahoma State University continues to build its reputation and tradition on the foundation laid by great people.
Southeastern is filled with PRIDE.
Our rich history, dynamic present and bright future unites Southeastern students, alumni, faculty, staff, fans and community.
Southeastern epitomizes RESILIENCE.
Unique in their instinctive defiance, bison face adversity head on. We are also facing life's challenges with courage and patience. We refuse to give up. Southeastern continues to not only weather harsh conditions but finish the fight and become a driving force.
Southeastern embodies STRENGTH.
With faith in ourselves and one another, the obstacles we overcome unite us as they make us strong. Our tenacious spirit separates us from others. Poised for the future, our collective potential becomes immeasurable.
United in our love for Southeastern and for each other we personify the Pride, Resilience and Strength that make our University great.
Together we roll to victory.
Southeastern's Nickname & Mascot History
From the Fighting Teachers to the Savages to the Savage Storm – Southeastern has celebrated 111 conference championships, 149 All-Americans, 48 national tournament appearances, including nine national championship games and the 2000 NCAA Division II Baseball National Championship.
