“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” – William Shakespeare
What is a name? Can identity be carried within a name? For Mesa State College, a possible name change is in the future. With the progression towards seeking a university status, a discussion has arisen as to what this university should be named.
Throughout the nation, a poll was conducted to see where people thought Mesa State was located geographically. The results were that most people thought this school was located in Arizona. Not many people connect the name to western Colorado.
So to change the name of this institution to something that is connected to the geographic location has come up in several discussions. University of Western Colorado, Colorado’s Western University and several others are all being considered at this point.
But before it’s too late we should look at what Mesa State has come to mean. It started as a junior college, with Houston Hall as the only academic building on campus. It has grown and changed. The campus is beautiful now and will only continue to progress outward. Mesa State has come to be an example of growth and progress.
Perhaps people outside of Colorado don’t know where Mesa State is, but the people who attend here know that it is the school sitting in the Valley. It offers comfortably small class sizes. It is a school that has nurtured educational relationships between students and professors.Mesa State is a campus with a diverse population of students. Many cultures are represented, and there are many different types of students. Mesa State is home to many first generation, non-traditional, and commuter students. It is an institution that prides itself on being flexible and accommodating to its students’ needs.
Mesa State is affordable. It means that even low-income students who want to learn are given that opportunity. Mesa State is one of the few colleges in Colorado that has planned so well for future years that tuition has remained relatively low. Mesa offers quality education that anyone can afford if they try.
Mesa State is the proud home of the Mavericks. We are a non-conformist, strong, and dignified school. We are the school for everyone.
People in Ohio or California might not know where we are on the map. But they also don’t know our identity. The people here, the students, faculty, alumni and even the community know Mesa State. They know our colors. They know our voice.
Several successful schools don’t have a geographical tie to their names; Duke, Harvard, John Hopkins. It wasn’t the place that made the school. In many cases, it is the school that makes the place.
Mesa State is more than just a name. It is an identity. Besides the huge monetary investment to change all of the logos, mastheads, letterheads, sports equipment and all clothing sold in the Bookstore, changing the name is still a bad idea.
Changing Mesa State to something generic like the University of Western Colorado rips away from who and what this school is. It strips away all of the history and identity. Changing to a university is already going to be a big step. People will already question whether this school is going to lose the small class size and individual feel.
Changing the name will completely change what this school is. It will be like starting from scratch. And the cheerleaders are going to have to get real creative with, “Go University of Western Colorado Mavs.”
cmartine@mesastate.edu
I would like to note that neither of the names mentioned in this article are on the table as potential changes. Also, I would like to note that Mesa is not and does not plan on being Duke, Harvard, or John Hopkins. I believe Mesa is known as a regional college.
I would like to add my two cents and opinion. I would be in favor for a name change based on a few details. One is that Higher Education funding in CO isn’t the best in the country….actually its one of the worst. If we are able to make a name that would promote enrollment to our campus, that in turn would help provide funding to keep it going. In order to do that I believe that have a geographical location within the name is a very good idea (put us on the map). I have personally been to Michigan for a Hockey Tournament and everyone thought we were from Arizona. In terms of making it a University it would be economical to do both at the same time as the marketing material would only take one hit, as apposed to two if we decided in 10-15 years to down the road to change it to a University.
In the terms of University, some people say its better to have a degree from a University than a “College” or a “Community College”. I really don’t know enough to worry about that. In terms of small class sizes our college is currently locked in, in such a fact that we can’t grow our class rooms. I don’t believe that will change at all. Even if it wanted to, it can’t because our classrooms are already built to hold a limited capacity.
I would be in favor as this would help keep us fiscally able to maintain the beautiful campus and experiences we already have, and allow us to share it with more people around the country.
Ben Guska