OBU’s visual identity manual provides guidelines for presenting our graphic elements to both internal and external audiences.
These guidelines exist to support users across the institution, including all colleges and programs, in the consistent and effective representation of OBU’s unified identity—from printed materials to visual presentations to the institutional website.
Imagine you have just settled into your seat at one of your favorite Broadway musicals. The curtain rises, the cast emerges, and you see Mary Poppins, the Phantom from Phantom of the Opera and Simba from the Lion King. Each character begins to recite their lines with emphatic emotion. While you may be fond of each of these musicals, to make sense out of having them all in the same production would be overwhelming, confusing and disorganized. Chances are, you would soon lose interest and leave.
This scenario, however, is not unlike the university that fails to demonstrate consistent branding.
A brand identity that is communicated with discipline and consistency can have the same pleasing effect as a Broadway musical. As cast members from the same production, we all contribute something unique, that needs to be delivered in a cohesive, coordinated effort.
We believe that Oklahoma Baptist University will be a stronger place, and the programs will prosper best, if there is awareness both here and in the outside world that all are part of OBU. A coordinated and professional visual identity reflects the university’s excellence in all its areas.
OBU’s visual identity helps communicate who we are to students, alumni, donors, parents, church members, and other publics. However, OBU’s brand identity is only one aspect of OBU’s brand. OBU’s brand is much more broad than the logo or stationery; our brand is built on who we are and what people expect when they interact with us. Every unit of the campus is a vital part of the brand; therefore it is critical that our campus believes in the brand and that employees serve as its biggest evangelists.
The OBU Logo
The OBU logo is the keystone of our visual identity and is used on all communications materials.
The OBU logo is assertive, relevant and striking. It conveys school pride through the elements of the spire and through the use of the official color.
The OBU logo is for use in all areas of the University when communicating to internal and external audiences. It is to be used for all institutional branding, marketing, communications and promotional purposes.
Uniform use of the logo builds awareness of the university in the academic community and beyond. It is crucial for everyone to use the logo in accordance with these guidelines.
Full information on proper logo usage, including instructions for college logos and departmental/organizational lockups, is available in the OBU Branding Guide PDF.
The University Seal
The University seal is not to be used for general branding, marketing, communications and promotional purposes. Its use is restricted to official documents, publications and materials associated with the Office of the President and Board of Trustees, or for purposes approved by the President or the Board of Trustees. Examples of approved uses include:
- Diplomas
- Transcripts
- Official certificates
- Printed programs, banners and other materials associated with commencements and convocations
- Award plaques presented on behalf of the Board of Trustees or Office of the President
The seal can be presented in black or reversed out on a dark background.
Before using the University seal in your communications efforts, please gain approval from Marketing and Communications.
Official University Colors
Green is an integral part of the University’s brand identity. OBU green should be incorporated—and highlighted—whenever possible, especially in high profile and core applications.
OBU’s school colors of green and gold were chosen by students in the first year of classes in 1910 because the campus was located in the middle of a green prairie covered with wild golden coreopsis flowers.
Primary and Secondary Colors
| Name | Pantone | CMYK | RGB | Hex Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OBU Green | 357 C | 80 9 88 60 | 41 91 48 | #295b30 |
| OBU Gold | 3547 C | 0 34 100 18 | 196 139 43 | #c48b2b |
Tertiary Colors
A tertiary color palette is also available for instances where additional complementary colors are needed, such as for data visualization. Tertiary colors should never be used to replace primary or secondary colors unless specifically authorized by Marketing and Communications.
Vintage is an approved alternative to OBU Gold when used for fundraising-related publications. Usage of this should be approved by Marketing and Communications before distribution.
Information on additional tertiary colors can be requested by contacting the Marketing and Communications office.
| Name | Pantone | CMYK | RGB | Hex Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vintage | 6009 C | 16 35 60 16 | 182 151 109 | #b6976d |
Neutral Colors
| Name | Pantone | CMYK | RGB | Hex Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White | 0 0 0 0 | 255 255 255 | #ffffff | |
| Gray | 0 0 0 7 | 238 238 238 | #eeeeee | |
| Charcoal | Black C | 0 0 0 100 | 34 34 34 | #222222 |
| Black | 60 40 40 100 | 0 0 0 | #000000 |
University Typefaces
A palette of type fonts complements the logo design. Like the color palette, its use furthers the recognition of OBU communication materials.
ITC Berkeley Old Style and Univers Next are OBU’s preferred institutional fonts for publications and in marketing materials.
More information is available in the OBU Branding Guide PDF.
Stationery Orders
Stationery is one of the most frequent uses of OBU identity. Consistent and coordinated use of official university stationery provides the opportunity to visibly solidify the university brand.
OBU has one official academic format for letterhead, envelopes, business cards, and name badges.
The type and quality of paper used for printed material is an important part of the identity system. Royal Sundance bright white linen paper by Neenah is used for the letterhead. Second sheets, envelopes, business cards, and other related materials are available in matching stock.
Please contact Marketing and Communications with any questions.
Athletic Branding
All athletic branding should be done in accordance with the official Athletic Style Guide. Any variation from this guide must be approved by Marketing and Communications.