Name Change
At its quarterly meeting on November 7, 2024, The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents approved the renaming of Texas A&M University-Commerce to East Texas A&M University. This decision, effective immediately, marks an important chapter in the university’s history and identity.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
To address questions from our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the broader community, we've compiled this FAQ page to provide clear answers about the reasons behind the change, what it means for you, and how it will affect different aspects of university life.
General
We believe this name change is necessary to position our university for future success and expand our regional, national and international name recognition.
Aside from the name, everything that makes us Lions will stay the same.
Our colors will remain blue and gold, Lucky will continue as our beloved mascot, and we'll keep honoring our storied past and traditions. As always, “Once a Lion, Always a Lion!'”
Yes, each site will be rebranded to East Texas A&M University. For example, the Dallas site will be called East Texas A&M University at Dallas.
There are only four correct ways to refer to our university:
- 1. East Texas A&M University
- 2. East Texas A&M
- 3. ET (informal)
- 4. ETAMU (informal)
Usage Notes:
- In publications for external audiences, use “East Texas A&M University” on the first reference and “East Texas A&M” on the second reference.
- In publications for internal audiences, “East Texas A&M” may be used as the first reference.
- On East Texas A&M webpages, use “East Texas A&M” on the first reference.
- Use the abbreviations “ET” or “ETAMU” as informal references.
This merchandise will be slowly phased out and replaced with the new branding.
The Office of Marketing and Communications is redesigning the logos and branding guides and will soon have them available on the university website. For now, you can contact them at [email protected].
Texas A&M University-Commerce is part of our story and history. You may continue to wear A&M-Commerce gear, and we hope you will purchase new gear to help grow our name and brand within your respective communities.
The transition to East Texas A&M University will begin immediately, and the full transition will be completed in six to eight months.
The Office of Marketing and Communications is working with MyPlates to make the update. It will take a few weeks to complete the process. Once completed a notice will be sent advising that the new East Texas A&M plate is now available online.
The university's official tagline is “We Transform Lives.” This tagline should not be substituted or changed.
Please avoid using the following taglines:
- We Care!
- Stay Close. Go Far.
- Find Your Match.
- Or any other variables
The one exception to this policy is the University Police Department (UPD). Their motto will continue to be “Protect. Serve. Educate.”
Costs
The final dollar amount is unknown at this time; however, The Texas A&M University System has provided generous funding to cover many of the expenses associated with this name change.
The university has a loyal donor base that continues to support our mission to transform lives. The university's administration and staff have communicated with countless donors who are excited about this opportunity.
The name change will not directly lead to an increase in tuition.
Name Change Process
In a recent survey, the unaided awareness of Texas A&M University-Commerce was low within a market where our university should have a strong presence. Only two percent of North Texans mentioned us when asked to list colleges in North Texas.
Also, some misinterpret the term “commerce” for a business school without understanding that we are located in the city of Commerce. Changing the name eliminates this confusion.
The Office of the President at our university submitted a formal request to The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents.
- The Board of Regents decided to add it to the official agenda for discussion.
- The Regents voted on the measure.
- The name change became effective immediately after the vote approved the measure.
A name change for the university has been under consideration for approximately six years.
The name became official on November 7, 2024, following The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents meeting.
All the elements involved in the name change, including signage, will need to be completed in six to eight months.
Graduation and Diplomas
It is advisable to use East Texas A&M University, formerly known as Texas A&M University-Commerce and/or East Texas State University.
East Texas A&M University will appear on all new transcripts.
Yes, alumni may request a diploma with the new university name.
- FREE option: In the coming weeks, the Lion Alumni Association will provide details on how to receive a new diploma, free of charge, by joining as an annual or lifetime member. This benefit also applies to current members. Please stay tuned for updates that will be posted on the Alumni Association's social media platforms, via email, and on the university's website.
- Pay option: Alternatively, alumni who want a new diploma may contact the Office of the Registrar via email: [email protected] to purchase one for the standard replacement cost of $30.
The university will provide the students with both a Texas A&M University-Commerce and an East Texas A&M University diploma and diploma jacket. Diplomas will be mailed.
No matter the name, the university has and will continue to produce excellent graduates whose professional accomplishments reflect the quality and value of our university.
Faculty & Staff
Students should be directed to the appropriate department or office based on their questions. Please refer to the university directory for contact information.
We believe the name change will positively impact and support our efforts to reach and retain a Carnegie R2 designation.
It will remain the same for a while. The university will update faculty and staff email addresses soon to reflect the new university name.
Here's the link to the signature tool: http://inside.nbzhiai.com/signature/. For best results, please paste the copied signature into the Outlook signature tool without any subsequent editing. This is the official signature block of the university and should not be altered in any fashion.
The IT department is working to update the university's URL; however, this will take several weeks to complete. The updated URL will be available between February 12 and 15, 2025.
Latsons and Personalized Printing have approved templates for name badges, letterhead and business cards. Please send your requests to them.
Note regarding business cards: The website’s URL and email addresses will be officially updated from February 12 to 15, 2025. If possible, please wait to reprint business cards until the new URL is live.
The Office of Marketing and Communications is updating all unit logos, which will take several weeks to complete. Marketing and Communications will notify each department and office when your unit logo has been updated. In the meantime, departments and offices should not design or produce their own lockups. Every lockup must adhere to strict brand guidelines.
Athletics
Uniforms and equipment will be updated to reflect the university's new name.
No, the logos and colors will remain the same. With the adoption of the new name, the athletics department will reintroduce the interlocking “ET” logo that previously adorned the football helmet as a secondary mark. The lion head logo will remain the primary mark.
Yes, we will remain in the Southland Conference.
Yes, we will remain in Division I.