GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. - Colorado Mesa University today released the last piece of its new visual identity - the Maverick.

"It is a bolder version that complements our new athletic signature and graphics," said CMU Executive Director of Marketing Rick Taggart. "We kept some elements of the previous look but this, I think, is a much stronger look."

The new Maverick logo will gradually replace the previous version as upgrades are done to athletic floor and locker rooms.

Last August, Mesa State College officially changed its name to Colorado Mesa University and revealed the new logos and word marks for the university and for athletics. The new logos and word marks were developed in-house by a creative team that included alumni and students. The same team designed the new mascot mark.

Just as it was when the new university and athletic word marks and logos were developed, students, faculty, staff and alumni had the opportunity to give input into the selection of Anchorthe new Maverick logo.

A comprehensive university located in the center of western Colorado, Colorado Mesa University provides exceptional educational opportunities on a state-of-the-art campus. As western Colorado's largest university, Colorado Mesa serves students on its main campus in Grand Junction, its satellite campus in Montrose, its community college, Western Colorado Community College, and via online offerings.

Colorado Mesa University serves as the primary intellectual and cultural center in western Colorado and promotes the exchange of ideas that are of regional, national and international importance. Founded in 1925, it's a dynamic university enrolling 9,000 students at the associate, baccalaureate and graduate levels.