Southwest Tennessee Community College serves as a vital gateway to education and opportunity for students across Memphis and beyond. Born from the 2000 merger of Shelby State Community College and State Technical Institute at Memphis, Southwest embraces a mission rooted in adaptability, inclusion, and community. As a teaching and learning college, it provides associate degrees, technical certifications, and workforce training that prepare students for success in today’s rapidly changing marketplace.
As the college approached its 25th anniversary, there was a unique opportunity to refresh the identity of Saluqi Sports, an emblem that hadn’t seen a significant update since the 2000 merger. While the original Saluqi logo represented a strong tradition from Shelby State, it no longer reflected the full breadth of Southwest’s current energy or its vision for the future. The challenge was clear: modernize the Saluqi identity in a way that honors the college’s athletic legacy, embraces its Memphis roots, and signals bold momentum ahead.
The Rocket Chimp team partnered with Southwest to craft a new athletics logo that reflects both the fierce spirit of the Saluqis and the college’s evolving brand. Drawing on the original mark as a foundation, the reimagined design introduces sharper lines, more expressive motion, and a contemporary form that feels as competitive and confident as the athletes who wear it. Special attention was paid to building a system that worked across uniforms, facilities, fan gear, and digital platforms, helping unify the brand across teams and audiences.
Unveiled in Fall 2024, the new Saluqi Sports logo marks a transformative moment for Southwest. It reintroduces the college’s athletic identity with a bold, modern look that speaks to current and future students, alumni, and the broader Memphis community. As Athletic Director and Men’s Basketball Head Coach Jarrett Stephens shared, “The new logo shows the fierceness of the Saluqis and lets other colleges know we are going to compete!” It also gives student-athletes a renewed sense of pride, confidence, and swagger, amplifying a legacy that’s now equipped to thrive for the next 25 years and beyond.
Southwest Tennessee Community College unveiled a bold new Saluqi logo, modernizing its athletics identity while honoring the legacy of Shelby State.
The updated design bridges tradition with a fresh look that reflects the college’s pride, Memphis roots, and forward momentum.
The rebrand reenergized Southwest Athletics, giving students and athletes a renewed sense of pride, confidence, and unity.
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