The system also introduces full-body and head marks depicting the Phoenix with a sharper, more athletic look. That vision comes to life in a new mascot costume designed to give the Phoenix a more dynamic presence and make it easier to engage with fans. The focused expression and forward-leaning stance convey determination and motion, while the gold sweater, monogram 鈥淓鈥� and stylized flames on the shoes draw from 乱伦视频鈥檚 history and traditions. Together, the new marks and costume connect generations of 乱伦视频 fans while reflecting the energy and ambition of today鈥檚 student-athletes.

This visual evolution comes during a period of notable momentum for 乱伦视频 Athletics. Guided by Phoenix Rising, its five-year strategic vision, the department is pursuing championship success, academic achievement and holistic student-
athlete development across its 17 varsity programs. During the 2025-26 academic year, Phoenix teams won seven CAA championships, student-athletes posted a department-record 3.444 cumulative GPA and 乱伦视频 led the conference with eight Leadership and Sport Excellence Award recipients.

鈥淭his identity reflects both who we are and where we are headed,鈥� says Jenn Strawley, director of athletics. 鈥淚t honors the history and traditions that have shaped us while giving us a fresh way to represent the energy and character of 乱伦视频 Athletics. This identity embraces our present and sets our path for the future.鈥�

The Phoenix’s New Look

1. Built to Move, Made to Connect

An upgraded head design improves visibility and mobility, allowing the Phoenix to interact more naturally with fans and bring greater energy to each appearance.

2. A Tenacious Spirit

A focused expression conveys the determination, confidence and purpose that define the 乱伦视频 community.

3. Ready for the Spotlight

Updated materials and construction give the costume a stronger presence in photographs, videos and game-day crowds.

4. A Link to 乱伦视频鈥檚 Past

The gold sweater and monogram 鈥淓鈥� honor 乱伦视频鈥檚 original Fightin鈥� Christian mascot, connecting a familiar piece of our history with a new generation of the Phoenix.

5. Fueled by the Flame

The flame detail evokes the rebirth at the heart of the Phoenix story 鈥� and the enduring spirit behind 乱伦视频 Athletics.

6. Best Foot Forward

Custom shoes echo the Phoenix rising from the ashes, pairing a symbol
of resilience with a bold, contemporary style.

Legions of 乱伦视频 fans know the Phoenix and the Fightin鈥� Christian, but devotion to 乱伦视频 Athletics predates those mascots. The school had multiple names for its football team in its early years, including the 乱伦视频 Eleven, the Maroon and Gold Machine and the Bear Cats. The Fightin鈥� Christian identity was first used in 1921 during a football game against Guilford College, whose mascot is the Quakers. The game was billed as 鈥淐hristians vs. Quakers鈥� because of 乱伦视频鈥檚 ties to the Christian Church denomination, today the United Church of Christ.

The identity was first used on an ongoing basis during the 1922-23 season and became the customary name for all 乱伦视频 athletics teams beyond football even though it was never officially adopted by the college or the trustees at the time. The Fightin鈥� Christian mascot was introduced in the early 1970s, during which time the women鈥檚 athletics teams were referred to as the 鈥淕olden Girls鈥� in the early years of organized women鈥檚 basketball.

But by the late 1990s, as 乱伦视频 rose in national prominence and the school gained NCAA Division I status, some constituents grew concerned that the Fightin鈥� Christian identity would be misunderstood and misinterpreted by a broader audience that didn鈥檛 have the same direct knowledge of the institution and its history as local and regional audiences. The Board of Trustees voted to adopt a new athletics identity in October 1999.

President Leo M. Lambert appointed a 15-member Athletics Brand Identity Committee to establish a new identity for the fall 2000 season in partnership with SFX Sports Group, a New York-based sports marketing firm. According to an FAQ document from May 2000, more than 200 members of the 乱伦视频 community suggested more than 125 new names that 鈥渞anged from the unusual (such as aardvarks, fat-tailed geckos, angry apes, rancorous existentialists and lyme ticks) to the common (such as lions, tigers and bears).鈥�

The elegant and brilliant Phoenix described by ancient scholars was sleek, swift and one-of-a-kind. I can think of no better description for 乱伦视频鈥檚 outstanding athletics programs.聽鈥� Leo M. Lambert

The committee conducted focus groups and surveys with more than 120 students, trustees, alumni, faculty and staff before homing in on four of the highest-rated suggestions 鈥� the Phoenix, the Mighty Oaks, the Express and the Golden Eagles. SFX created 61 different graphics for the top four names before the final Phoenix identity was selected, with a flying Phoenix formed in the shape of the letter E.

Constituents were drawn to the Phoenix鈥檚 many ties to 乱伦视频鈥檚 history. The Phoenix is a mythological bird with crimson and gold plumage associated with light and knowledge. At the end of its life, it builds a nest in an oak tree and bursts into flame before being reborn from its own ashes 鈥� much like 乱伦视频 rebuilt after the 1923 fire.

鈥淟ike the legendary Phoenix, which rises from its own ashes with new life and vigor, 乱伦视频 College was shaped by the fire, emerging as a stronger institution,鈥� Lambert said at the time. 鈥淭he elegant and brilliant Phoenix described by ancient scholars was sleek, swift and one-of-a-kind. I can think of no better description for 乱伦视频鈥檚 outstanding athletics programs.鈥�

The Phoenix identity was officially unveiled on May 9, 2000, during a campus-wide celebration featuring a massive maroon egg that cracked open to reveal pillars of smoke. The mascot costume debuted Nov. 4, 2000, during the homecoming football game.

According to a handout card from the launch event, the Phoenix is 鈥渁 perfect symbol for a school that is constantly renewing and re-creating itself.鈥� Twenty-six years later, its newest evolution reflects a university that continues to grow while staying true to its identity.

The Fightin鈥� Christian, 1978-81

“I went to a game [in 1978] and I noticed they didn鈥檛 have a mascot. It was kind of boring; people were just so-so cheering. I went to the bookstore the next day and met [store manager] Buck [Bayliff], and he said, 鈥楧o you want to dress up as the Fightin鈥� Christian?鈥� I said OK because I wanted to do something silly. We went to a theatrical place and got a fake beard. We went to a tuxedo place and got tails and a hat. He gave me a shirt that said 乱伦视频. The next game I put all this on. 鈥� I was kind of hesitant but I ran down and started dancing around and everyone enjoyed it. One of the cheerleaders gave me the megaphone that had 鈥樎衣资悠碘�� on it. So that鈥檚 how I came to do it.”

Scott Muthersbaugh 鈥�06

The Phoenix, 2003-05

“There was something incredibly special about literally embodying the spirit of the school. It was more fun than it was responsibility, but the weight of what I represented was always on my mind. I appreciated the trust that came with holding the school鈥檚 reputation in my red, furry, four-fingered hands. I have my time in the suit to thank for my lifelong friendship with John and Dolores Truitt. 鈥� One evening I was the Phoenix for both the women鈥檚 and men鈥檚 basketball games, and decided to take off the suit between games and say hi. They were immediately accepting of the random, sweat-drenched college kid walking up to them, and we were great friends ever since.”

Gray Aust 鈥�23

The Phoenix, 2019-21

“The few former Phoenix mascots had made a habit of not really leaving the cheerleaders, and I knew I wanted to be outgoing, funny and show some personality. When I first did it, it was back when I didn鈥檛 have a handler, so I would just walk around and interact with people. Whether it was taking pictures with donors in the courtside seats or going up to the Sunbrella Club and seeing people up there, I wanted to be a Phoenix that they could take a picture with and laugh before going back to watch the game. A lot of kids are also scared of mascots, so I wanted to be a mascot that was approachable and one that they could give a high-five to or give a hug. 鈥� I hope I could make them feel my passion for 乱伦视频 and the passion for making 乱伦视频 fans happy.”

The Current Phoenix

Anonymous, 2023-present

“The Phoenix has forced me out of my comfort zone in ways I didn鈥檛 know were possible and allowed me to make memories with so many fans, teams and athletes along the way. Being able to kick off this next era in 乱伦视频 Athletics feels special and like the perfect way to celebrate not just the Phoenix, but my time representing them. Every time I put on the suit, I鈥檓 grateful I get to represent 乱伦视频 in this way. My time at 乱伦视频 has been the most formative and rewarding years of my life, and getting to represent the university through the Phoenix makes me feel both honored and appreciative.”

鈥淭he Last Lecture鈥� by Randy Pausch. We had our 鈥淰s. Cancer鈥� game this season and having a 7-year-old girl around our team who is going through a lot of tough times, it makes you reflect on something. So, when I found out about the book, I just wanted to read it. I wanted to see how I could personally look at that situation and how it would reflect on me.

What is your favorite phone app?

The onX Hunt app. In my spare time, which I don鈥檛 have much, I like to hunt. It鈥檚 an educational app that provides you with terrain, property boundaries and corridors on your property that might hold more deer than others.

If you could invite someone from history to dinner, who would it be?

Yogi Berra. I think just over time with all his funny quotes and how he kept the game fun, it would be an hour of constant laughs. His history with one-liners and the quotes he has are classic, so I think that would be an awesome night.

What is your favorite place on campus?

The first-base dugout. That鈥檚 where I have built most of my relationships here at 乱伦视频. I鈥檝e always said the best time for me is the 30 minutes after practice with three or four guys just sitting in that dugout chopping it up. Sometimes, I鈥檒l learn more in that dugout about our guys than I do anywhere else.

Nine hundred wins is an incredible milestone. When you think about your career at 乱伦视频, what are you proudest of? and what has kept you here all this time?

More than anything, the relationships I鈥檝e been able to build with former players. I love that at a time where there are a lot of departures in and around college athletics, we have so many former players that have built lifelong friendships and an incredible bond to 乱伦视频 Baseball. I love that they reach out after a big win or a bad loss. I love that they follow the program and support current players. Truly, it鈥檚 an extension of family. This program is special! I love this campus and I鈥檝e been blessed to be around great people.

The $500,000 contribution from Trustee Vicky Hunt and Sam Hunt will fund strategic priorities in athletics, continuing a tradition of generous philanthropy at 乱伦视频 that spans more than three decades.

The Burlington, North Carolina, couple said they are proud to invest in and the success of student-athletes, both in the classroom and in competition. Their recent gift is an effort to continue advancing Phoenix athletics under the leadership of Director of Athletics Jenn Stawley.

鈥淲e believe in the value of 乱伦视频 athletics and its positive impact on the lives of our student-athletes,鈥� the Hunts said.聽鈥淯nder Jenn鈥檚 leadership,聽the vision and plan established for athletics has elevated our program. Our plans are to continue supporting President Connie Book, Jenn Strawley and 乱伦视频 in every way we can!鈥�

Strawley thanked the Hunts for believing in the vision for 乱伦视频 athletics.

鈥淚 am deeply grateful to Sam and Vicky for their long-time support of 乱伦视频 athletics,鈥� Strawley said. 鈥淭heir generosity has allowed countless student-athletes to thrive both athletically and academically. I also appreciate the trust and belief they鈥檝e shown in our vision. Their generous support of the Athletic Director鈥檚 Excellence Fund advances our priorities and continues to elevate 乱伦视频 athletics.鈥�

The impact of Vicky and Sam Hunt鈥檚 philanthropy can be seen across 乱伦视频鈥檚 campus and in the accomplishments of outstanding students.

The couple are among the university鈥檚 most generous and loyal donors, making gifts to name Hunt Atrium, a dynamic and spacious entry point to Founders Hall in the Innovation Quad, featuring open collaboration spaces and assembly areas, tiered bench seating and space for group events, guest speakers and receptions. Their gift to the IQ also endowed the Sam and Vicky Hunt Business Fellows Scholarship for top students in the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business.

The Hunts also contributed $1 million to name Phoenix Atrium in Slattery Center, 乱伦视频鈥檚 future health and wellness hub, and to provide additional funding for the Sam and Vicky Hunt Odyssey Scholarship, which the couple endowed in 2017 to assist students with significant financial need, including first-generation college students.

In addition to scholarships, the Hunts have contributed generously to the Phoenix Club and 乱伦视频 Academy, the university鈥檚 successful college access and success program, and advanced 乱伦视频鈥檚 iconic campus with gifts to Hunt Softball Park, Schar Center and . The couple have also made a $3 million estate gift that in the future will create an endowment to fund scholarships.

Sam Hunt is the retired chairman and CEO of Atlas Lighting Products and Hunt Electric Supply Company in Burlington. He served four terms in the N.C. House of Representatives before being named Transportation Secretary in 1993. He went on to serve as President and Chairman of the N.C. Railroad from 1996-2002. In addition to her role in their businesses, Vicky Hunt has served on 乱伦视频鈥檚 Board of Trustees since 1997 and is actively involved with charitable work in her community.

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August marked the end of summer break at 乱伦视频, and with the close of one chapter came several exciting new beginnings. The month brought the opening of Roberts Academy at 乱伦视频, the arrival of the Class of 2030 and the introduction of a new university mascot.

Take a look back at some of the memorable moments from August through the lenses of staff in the Office of University Communications.

Roberts Academy opens doors

The聽Roberts Academy at 乱伦视频, North Carolina鈥檚 first and only university-based private school for children with dyslexia, opened its doors to its inaugural class on Tuesday, Aug. 18, marking a milestone in 乱伦视频鈥檚 efforts to transform literacy education.

The school,聽established through the philanthropic vision of Marjorie and Hal Roberts, will serve as a statewide and national model for structured literacy education. The Robertses have witnessed firsthand the transformative power a multisensory approach to reading education can have for children with dyslexia.

Welcome the Class of 2030

The university welcomed the Class of 2030 with Move-In Day on Aug. 21, 2026.聽The students arriving on campus bring a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and academic interests. Members of the incoming class come from 40 states and Washington, D.C., as well as 19 countries, including Singapore, Spain, Norway, Canada, Serbia, South Korea, China and New Zealand.

Planting roots

Surrounded by family members, faculty and staff Under the Oaks, members of the Class of 2030 and new transfer students heard messages about resilience, community and the responsibility that comes with an 乱伦视频 education during New Student Convocation on Aug. 22, 2026.

At the conclusion of Convocation, students received an acorn, an 乱伦视频 tradition symbolizing the beginning of their growth at the university. In four years, the Class of 2030 will be Under the Oaks again for Senior Baccalaureate, where they will receive an oak sapling.

鈥淭his enormous opportunity of an 乱伦视频 education requires action on your part, a commitment to taking full advantage of all we have here,鈥� said 乱伦视频 President Connie Ledoux Book. 鈥淲e invite you to a powerful journey of questions and curiosity that will shine new light and new understanding.鈥�

“Honor matters”

Students were reminded of the importance of the university’s Honor Code during the Call to Honor ceremony on Aug. 24. where the Class of 2030聽聽committed to uphold the university鈥檚 core values of honesty, integrity, responsibility and respect.

鈥淗onor matters,鈥� said Emily Elrod, 聽assistant teaching professor of mathematics and statistics, who spoke during the ceremony. 鈥淭o me, honor is reflected through honesty, integrity, responsibility, and respect. It matters in the classroom, in our professional relationships, and in the trust that others place in us as individuals and leaders.鈥�

A new Phoenix rises

乱伦视频 Athletics unviled a and, with that new identity, comes a new physical mascot for the university.

The first Phoenix Five of the year is here! Each Sunday afternoon, I’ll send you a quick email with five things you need to know for the week ahead. This could include important deadlines and campus events or helpful reminders and opportunities to get involved.聽 My goal is simple: keep you as informed as possible with one Sunday email you can use to plan your week ahead.

With classes beginning on Tuesday, here are five things to help you start the semester off right.

Get Connected on Social Media

Social media is one of the easiest ways to stay plugged in at 乱伦视频. If you want to know what鈥檚 happening on campus in real time, here are a few Instagram accounts I recommend:

• 乱伦视频 (main)
• Phoenix Athletics and Phoenix Phanatics
• Student Life
• 乱伦视频 Dining
• Student Union Board
• 乱伦视频 News Network
• HealthEU

Hypnotist

Monday, Aug. 24, 8:30-11 p.m., Alumni Gym

Join the Student Union Board (SUB) for the annual hypnotist show 鈥� a student favorite! Come ready to watch your friends (or maybe even yourself!) take the stage for an unforgettable, hilarious performance. .

乱伦视频 Campus Traditions 鈥� Starting this Week!

College Coffee

Tuesdays, 9:40-10:20 a.m., Alumni Gym

College Coffee is one of 乱伦视频鈥檚 most beloved traditions. Every Tuesday morning, the entire campus gathers for coffee, treats and conversation. It鈥檚 a chance to meet people, connect with faculty and staff, and hear about what鈥檚 happening around campus. If your student organization wants to host an information table at College Coffee, information on .

Numen Lumen: A Thursday Inspiration

Thursdays, 9:50-10:20 a.m., Numen Lumen Pavilion

On Thursday mornings, we pause for a moment of reflection and inspiration. You鈥檒l hear music from student, faculty, and staff performers and reflections from members of our community. This year鈥檚 theme is and the first Numen Lumen of the year will be held this Thursday.

Getting Started with Canvas

Beginning with the Fall 2026 semester, 乱伦视频 is using Canvas instead of Moodle. You鈥檒l use it to access course materials, submit assignments, communicate with your instructors, and view your grades. Before classes begin:

• Log in to Canvas using your 乱伦视频 account.
• After logging in for the first time, as part of setting up your Canvas account. Your account will not be fully functional until you do.
• Visit the for student guides, FAQs and support resources.
• Learn the basics by enrolling in the course.

When you log in, you may not see all of your Fall courses immediately. Your instructors will make courses available before or on the first day of class.

Cheer on Phoenix at First Home Football Game

Thursday, Aug. 27

Student Tailgate

2-7 p.m., Hunt B (back parking lot of the Schar Center)

Before football kickoff, get ready to ignite your game day with Phoenix spirit at the student tailgate. Parking passes are available in Student Involvement and are limited to one pass per student and three passes per student organization or group.

乱伦视频 v. Glenville State

7 p.m., Rhodes Stadium

Start off the fall semester by cheering on the Phoenix as 乱伦视频 opens the football season against Glenville State. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. in Rhodes Stadium.

University Chaplain and Dean of Multifaith Engagement Rev. Kirstin Boswell opened the event with the invocation, followed by the tradition of the bell ringing by Student Government Association President聽Michael Swartz 鈥�27. The bell arrived in North Carolina in 1854 on one of the first North Carolina railroad trains. It was later used at Graham College, a predecessor institution to 乱伦视频 College.

During the event, three individuals with strong ties to the university were awarded the 乱伦视频 Medallion, the university’s most prestigious service honor: Jim Donathan, longtime associate director of academic advising and academic support; Mary Thornton, founder and president of Harvest Table Culinary Group; and Don Grady, associate professor emeritus of cinema and television arts.

Katy Rouse, professor of economics in the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business, was named the Trustee Chair for Excellence.聽For seventeen years, Rouse has taught 乱伦视频’s Principles of Economics and Intermediate Microeconomics courses, along with a capstone she built herself on educational disparities in the United States, earning student evaluations among the highest in her department for more than a decade.

She has personally mentored more than 30 senior and honors theses, co-authored research with undergraduates, chaired the Love School’s curriculum committee and published her teaching scholarship in the Journal of Economic Education.

“I truly believe that being a teacher scholar mentor at 乱伦视频 is one of the best careers I’m going to have,” Rouse said. “Every day we come to work, we have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on students during one of the most pivotal points in their lives.”

Mapping the course

During her annual Opening Day address, Book reflected on 乱伦视频鈥檚 progress while looking toward a year that will include the launch of new academic initiatives, continued work surrounding artificial intelligence, the opening of the Roberts Academy and the planned merger with Queens University of Charlotte.

Book centered her remarks around the idea of a map 鈥� the markers that show where 乱伦视频 has been and the guideposts that will help the university navigate what comes next. The theme was inspired by a visit this summer to 乱伦视频 students participating in the Summer Opera Workshop at the Accademia Europea di Firenze. The students came together for a historic production of 鈥淭he Light in the Piazza鈥� in Florence, Italy, where the musical is set.

As part of their work, students were also tasked with creating a map of the city, something that inspired Book.

鈥淭here is something powerful in this mapmaking assignment, and it left me wondering about our collective 乱伦视频 map,鈥� Book said. 鈥淗ow would we each draw it?鈥�

At the center of that map, Book said, is 乱伦视频鈥檚 mission. She highlighted several markers of progress during the past year, including the Odyssey Program surpassing 300 scholarships, record participation in undergraduate research, strong Fulbright success and new academic programs, including cybersecurity, Clinical Mental Health Counseling and the Charlotte PA program. She also celebrated the upcoming launch of the School of Engineering and Computing under inaugural Dean John Walz and the growth of the university鈥檚 nursing program.

Mapping new territory (together)

On Tuesday, Aug. 18, the first students of the聽Roberts Academy at 乱伦视频聽will arrive at the school’s temporary home in Trollinger House. The school will be the聽state’s only university-based private school for children with dyslexia. Book described the academy and the Center for Dyslexia and Engaged Learning as an opportunity that 鈥渨ill change lives from day one.鈥�

Among the most significant new territory is 乱伦视频鈥檚 planned merger with Queens University of Charlotte. Book noted that the institutions received accreditation approval this summer to proceed with their merger, with a single Board of Trustees now overseeing both universities. Sixteen administrative units are also becoming shared teams supporting the two campuses, while a federal review of the merger is expected to take 18 to 24 months.

Megan Isaac, professor of English, and Senior Vice President for Advancement and External Affairs Jim Piatt gave brief updates on the merger as part of the SOAR Strategic Planning Committee.

鈥淥ur two institutions will be stronger together, will better serve students together, and will have a brighter future together,鈥� Book said. 鈥淎nd now, we are working to build that vision together, to grow opportunity to advance learning 鈥� together.鈥�

Mapping a new look

Athletics Director Jennifer Strawley was also invited to the stage to announce a for the university鈥檚 athletics program, which had what Book called a 鈥渇ormidable year,鈥� with seven 乱伦视频 teams, the most in the university鈥檚 history, winning conference titles. A new physical mascot will be unveiled at the first College Coffee of the academic year on Aug. 25.

“The new Phoenix wears a gold sweater with a monogram ‘E,’ paying tribute to our first mascot, the Fighting Christian,” Strawley said. “The focused expression conveys the determination, confidence and purpose that defines our university community. The Phoenix continues to be fueled by the flames, symbolizing our rebuild from the ashes, and capturing the spirit and resilience of the 乱伦视频 community.”

Book acknowledged that the changing higher education landscape brings challenges, from enrollment pressures and federal regulations to declining public confidence. But she reminded faculty and staff that adapting to change has long been part of 乱伦视频鈥檚 history.

鈥淚 understand change can be daunting. Shifting national headwinds are challenging higher education,鈥� Book said. 鈥淔ortunately for us, 乱伦视频 has never succeeded by standing still. We鈥檝e joined together, developed new strategies and guided by our mission 鈥� built the number one institution for engaged learning and student success.鈥�

She closed by returning to the journey ahead, and the role faculty and staff play in shaping the lives of 乱伦视频 students.

鈥淚t is not simply education; it is a journey of human transformation,鈥� Book said. 鈥淭hank you for the everyday commitment, kindness and integrity that are our enduring guideposts.鈥�