PEORIA — After implementing a new team logo, Bradley University is now ready to create a team mascot to represent its sports teams.

In August, the university unveiled a new set of team logos and word marks that were designed by Joe Bosack Graphic Design Company of Pottsville, Pa. A couple of months later, the university distributed a survey to the Bradley Community to determine whether they should change the Bradley nickname from “Braves” to “Brave.” The survey also asked the Bradley Community if they’d like a team mascot.

The survey, which was closed Oct. 18, was completed by more than 4,100 people within the Bradley Community. Approximately 60 percent of the people who filled out the survey were alumni, 30 percent were students and 10 percent were community and Bradley athletic supporters.  

The results of the survey showed that while respondents would like to keep the current Bradley nickname of “Braves,” they are supportive of pursuing a Bradley mascot. 

“Based on analysis of the survey data and in-depth internal discussions about the data, we have determined that Bradley University will retain the nickname ‘Braves,’” said Bradley University Director of Athletics Michael Cross. “We appreciate the time that so many people took to be part of this process. The input was, and will remain, valuable as we continue to move forward to develop a mascot.”

In the survey, respondents were given the choice between a lion, eagle or gargoyle as a Bradley mascot. The majority of survey respondents chose the gargoyle.

“The gargoyle got more response than any other mascot,” said Cross. “But the success or failure of the mascot depends on what the art looks like and whether it can be something that Bradley can resonate with.”

According to Cross, Bradley University plans to hire Joe Bosack Graphic Design Company for expert advice and sketches of possible mascots.

“We have discussed the possibility of heeling with mascot design, but we have not yet been engaged to work on this project,” said David Haney of Joe Bosack Graphic Design Company. 

Joe Bosack Graphic Design Company has designed logos and mascot designs for several NCAA colleges and universities as well as semi-professional and professional sports organizations. Some of their clients include the Arena Football League, National Hockey League, National Football League, Women’s National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball, New Jersey Devils, Mississippi State University, Boise State University, University of North Dakota, Iowa State University and Northern Illinois University.

Bradley University attempted to create a mascot during a 2006-2007 campaign. The campaign that included options such as clocks and firefighters, failed. Before that, from 1993 to 2000, Bradley kept the nickname Braves, while adopting a Bobcat mascot. The mascot was eliminated because administrators ruled students lacked affinity for it. Prior to the Bobcat, Bradley had an Indian mascot up until 1988. 

In 2010, Kyle Malinowski during his position as student body president, asked Bradley University President Joanne Glasser to act upon requests for a university mascot. Glasser and the president’s cabinet responded to the resolution and stated that at the time, the university would not be pursuing a mascot.

Now, as a Bradley graduate student, Malinowksi said he is excited the athletics department is pursuing a mascot.

“I am very excited that they decided to keep the name of ‘Braves’ since we fought for the name for so long,” said Malinowski. “But I’m very excited about the search for a mascot. I think the university and athletics department will have a challenge to rebrand ‘Braves’ as one of the three mascots, but they can do it.”