The Logo

The university’s logo is a visual representation of Lee’s mission, and is required to be clearly visible on all printed materials officially representing Lee. It is composed of two parts – the icon and the name. The icon is a flame which signifies both the eternal flame of God’s Holy Spirit and the flame of knowledge which is passed to each generation. In its various forms, the flame provides a source of iconic continuity throughout the university’s distinguished long history. The navy blue represents truth and is also symbolic of heaven. Maroon represents the blood of Christ and purifies the souls of believers. Because the name of the university is extended, the typography is important in order to maintain continuity while projecting the name in a clear and confident manner.

Approved Logo Configurations

There are two approved logo configurations: Primary logo and Left-aligned logo. The primary configuration is preferred for communication and marketing, but the additional option is available to meet unique formatting needs. Downloads are provided as PNG files in various color, black and white, and reversed option formats. Additional file types can be provided upon request at [email protected].

Restrictions: Do not attempt to create additional logo configurations, including changing colors, rearranging the flame/name spacing, or changing the Lee University font. Do not attempt to add a unit-level name, logo, or graphic to the university logo. A unit-level “lockup” system has been developed to display unit-level identification with the logo (see the Lockup System for details). The logo is not to be used in a way that might suggest university endorsement of any non-university product or service.

Logo Color

There are two primary color variations of the logo. The preferred version uses two colors: maroon and navy on a white or light background.  When using the one or two color version, the background should be white or a very light solid color or overlay. Never place the color variations on a medium or dark colored background, as it will diminish the legibility of the logo. In these cases, display the black or reversed (white) version of the logo. The only acceptable colors for the logo are maroon, navy, black and reversed (white).  No other colors should be used.

Logo Size and Spacing

The logo should not be combined with other logos or graphics. It is important to maintain a buffer of clear space around the logo to ensure visibility. Clear space is not a fixed measure but is defined instead by a variable (x) equal to the height of the capital “E” in the word “Lee.” This should scale proportionately as the logo is enlarged or reduced in size. The logo may not be stretched, squished, distorted, or altered in any other way with special effects. The logo should not be reduced in size in order to position it closer to other graphics in a way that it becomes subsumed by other graphics. Because the proportional relationship between the flame and wordmark is unique to each configuration, the minimum-size criteria is based off the wordmark, specifically the height of the capital letter “E.” This assures that the Lee University name remains legible when scaled. The minimum size for each configuration is based off the height of the “E” being no less than 0.1 inch or 14 pixels. To make it easier to measure, minimum sizes for each configuration are provided below.

THE FLAME ICON

The flame icon is symbolic of the University, its mission, and overall presence. The icon may be separated from the name in restricted situations, such as small digital display ads, social media avatars, digital graphics, wayfinding and digital display signage, or subtle background graphics (watermarks).  The icon may also be used as a secondary graphic element in marketing and other communication designs. Icon color, spacing and sizing standards should reflect the standards set above for the primary logo.  The icon should never be enlarged, reduced, or manipulated to the point that it is unidentifiable. At no time should the icon be skewed, cut apart, or disfigured. For any special requests, please contact the Office of Publications.

The Shield Icon

The shield icon is symbolic of the University and its establishment. The shield icon may be separated from the name in restricted situations, such as small digital display ads, social media avatars, digital graphics, wayfinding and digital display signage, or subtle background graphics (watermarks).  The shield icon may also be used as a secondary graphic element in marketing and other communication designs. Icon color, spacing and sizing standards should reflect the standards set above for the primary logo. This icon would be best for areas of branding and marketing to fulfill the need of a strong, simple branding mark that would be instantly recognizable as a part of our institution. The shield icon should never be enlarged, reduced, or manipulated to the point that it is unidentifiable. At no time should the it be skewed, cut apart, or disfigured. For any special requests, please contact the Office of Publications.

Logo Trademark and Registration

Lee University has registered all logos, seals, icons, and other Lee University marks to protect against inappropriate use. The use of any Lee University logos or icons, in part or whole, black and white or in color, without proper authorization is prohibited and will be considered illegal.  All entities not officially associated with Lee University must obtain written permission for logo usage. Please address requests for use of University logos and icons to the Vice President for Information and Marketing by e-mail at [email protected].

Lee University sells apparel and other miscellaneous items through a number of retail outlets. Items for resale must be approved and must comply with the U.S. Trademark Registration policy. Any product bearing the university names, logos, or marks and sold to the general public is subject to the requirements of the trademark and licensing policy and is not permitted without prior written approval by the Vice President for Information and Marketing.

The symbol “®” that is “R” within a circle, or the words “Reg U.S. Pat. & Tm. Off” should be used adjacent when applied to the services for which each mark was registered and which is specified in the Registration Certificates kept on file in the Office of Publications. Failure to do this requires actual notice to be given an infringer to avoid loss of monetary damages.

The Lee University Trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office and with the State of Tennessee through Miller & Martin, PLLC, Attorneys at Law.