Methodist University logo.

METHODIST UNIVERSITY

METHODIST UNIVERSITY

CASE STUDY

A 25-Year Partnership and a Defining Transformation

Methodist University is a private university in Fayetteville, North Carolina and is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. It has a total student population of approximately 40,000.

Institution

With a 25-year long partnership, The Parish Group and Methodist University collaborated on multiple projects including photography, video, publications, and student search print materials. When the institution’s designation changed from college to university, The Parish Group helped forge a new brand that strengthened Methodist’s presence and unified its messaging.

objective

To support Methodist’s transition from college to university, The Parish Group developed a comprehensive brand initiative aimed to expand recognition, clarify messaging, and establish a visual identity for the institution’s next chapter.

TPG’s Approach

Research & Discovery

Our process began with a deep dive into the Methodist brand, gathering insights from both internal and external audiences.

  • Stakeholder interviews
  • Peer evaluations
  • Market and perception research

Brand Development

Using those insights, we created a cohesive brand platform that reflected Methodist’s heritage while positioning its institution for the future. This included new university logo concepts, brand strategy and messaging, and tagline development.

The selected logo drew inspiration from the iconic Yarborough Bell Tower, connecting the university’s visual identity to a recognizable campus landmark and its Methodist roots.

Identity System

To bring the brand to life across campus, The Parish Group developed:

Official University Logo

The primary visual identifier of Methodist University, combining the iconic Yarborough Bell Tower and wordmark to represent the institution’s heritage, mission, and academic excellence.

Tagline

A concise expression of the Methodist University experience, reflecting the journey of engagement, growth, and empowerment that defines student success.

Monarch Athletics Logo

The official mark of Methodist University Athletics, representing the pride, tradition, and competitive spirit of the Monarch community across all athletic programs.

Identity Standards Manual

The official resource for maintaining a consistent Methodist University brand across print, digital, marketing, and athletic communications.

Outcomes

The resulting brand gave Methodist University a distinctive identity that successfully marked its momentous transition, with all key elements remaining in use to this day. Through this longstanding partnership, the branding continues to serve as a foundation for Methodist University’s communications and marketing efforts—a testament to the power of strategic, research-driven brand development.

“Methodist University has enjoyed an outstanding relationship with The Parish Group. It has provided our institution with excellent strategy and execution for over 20 years. MU has experienced tremendous enrollment growth, and I am confident that our partnership with The Parish Group has played a vital role in our growth.”

—Rick Lowe, Vice President for Enrollment Services, Methodist University

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