A consultant says it's time to ditch the ungainly name of Minnesota's largest higher education system and try something simple: like Minnesota State.
The old name, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, just never rolled off the tongue easily. And that's especially true for its abbreviated nickname, MnSCU (pronounced Minn-skew), according to a report Tuesday to the Board of Trustees.
The branding experts at Padilla concluded that the system of 31 state colleges and universities is much better known by its individual parts: St. Cloud State University. Normandale Community College. Winona State University.
"Currently, MnSCU's brand is both weak and misunderstood," reports Padilla. So why not simplify and build on its strengths?
One suggestion: Just call it Minnesota State. Not to be confused with the University of Minnesota (which is a separate institution).
And label each school like so:
Anoka-Technical College A Minnesota State College The Board of Trustees will have a chance to chew over the 53-page report before making a decision.
But the current name is "a mouthful" and "communicates very little," the branding experts say. "This is the right time to explore alternatives."
