A Fresh New Look: Minnesota West’s Modern, Reimagined Rebrand

Posted on August 25, 2025
President Terry and the Bluejay mascot posing with the new vibrant logo on t-shirts
old logo to new logo

In 1997, five locations—Canby, Granite Falls, Jackson, Pipestone, and Worthington—came together to form Minnesota West Community & Technical College, building a strong educational presence in southwest Minnesota. The college expanded its reach with the addition of learning centers in Luverne and Marshall.

Last November, we launched a fully redesigned website, marking the start of a bold new chapter. Today, we’re proud to unveil a fresh new look that honors our history while embracing a future of innovation, inspiration, and continued commitment to student success.

The journey began with a simple realization: the original logo, though iconic, no longer reflected the vibrant, innovative spirit of the college today. It was time for a change.

Through a collaborative process, the college partnered with a design company to explore new visual directions. Surveys, focus groups, and discovery sessions engaged voices from every corner of the Minnesota West community—faculty, staff, students, alumni, and local partners. The message was clear: people wanted a brand that was modern, bold, approachable, and unmistakably Minnesota West.

The result? A fresh new wordmark and a custom MW monogram that radiates movement and simplicity. The equal-weighted letters convey forward momentum, while the connected M and W reflect the college’s geographic roots and its unified presence across the region. The new identity is simple yet powerful, instantly recognizable, and designed to thrive across digital and print platforms.

At the end of summer, faculty and staff come together for an academic kick off held the week before students return. This year, our marketing and communications team introduced the new brand with an internal soft launch for staff, followed by a campus-wide reveal during Bluejay Days—our energetic welcome event filled with food, games, and giveaways to kick off the school year. Our goal: spark anticipation and pride, celebrate the launch, and drive engagement.

In tandem with the rebrand, Minnesota West unveiled its completely redesigned website last fall. Led by the Marketing and Communications team, this two-year initiative was more than a facelift—it was a strategic overhaul to better serve students, families, and staff.

Throughout the branding journey, one theme echoed across every conversation: Minnesota West is a place where people care. Staff are passionate about student success. The culture is friendly, supportive, and driven by a belief that education should move you forward.

This rebrand isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about identity. It’s about creating a symbol that students wear with pride, that communities recognize instantly, and that reflects the transformational change happening across the college.

We believe in helping students go from good to better to their very best. Whether you're mastering a trade, preparing for a four-year degree, or forging your own path, we’re here to support every step of the journey.

With a bold new look and a powerful digital presence, Minnesota West is more than ready for what’s next.