The Evolution of the UTEP University Logo: A Symbol of Heritage and Progress

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), a public research university situated in El Paso, Texas, boasts a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1914. As the second oldest academic institution within the University of Texas System, UTEP has evolved significantly, marked by academic achievements, athletic milestones, and a distinctive architectural identity. This evolution is also reflected in the university's logos, which have served as visual representations of its identity and values over the years.

From Humble Beginnings to Research Powerhouse

Originally founded in 1913 as the State School of Mines and Metallurgy, UTEP's early focus was on mining and metallurgy education. The institution officially opened on September 28, 1914, with 27 students. A practice mineshaft on campus serves as a reminder of this heritage. The devastating fire of October 29, 1916, prompted the school's relocation to its present site above Mundy Heights in 1917.

UTEP holds the "R1: Doctoral Universities - Very high research activity" designation from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. This recognition underscores UTEP's commitment to cutting-edge research and its role as a leading research institution.

A Unique Architectural Identity

Kathleen Worrell, wife of the university's dean, proposed designing early buildings of the mining school in the dzong style, inspired by photographs of Bhutanese monasteries in a 1914 issue of National Geographic magazine. In a period when United States architects were designing in styles adopted especially from Europe, the resemblances between the local terrain and mountainous features of Bhutan inspired her. The administrations have continued to choose that style for additional facilities, including the Sun Bowl football stadium and parking garages. The architectural style, characterized by massive sloping walls and overhanging roofs, has become synonymous with UTEP's identity.

Milestones and Achievements

UTEP has celebrated many achievements in its history. In 1966, Haskins' Miners won the NCAA basketball championship, defeating an all-white Kentucky team, 72-65 in the championship game. In 1969, UTEP won the first of seven NCAA Men's Cross Country Championships. In 1974, UTEP's first doctoral degree program in Geological Sciences was approved. Also in 1974, UTEP won the first of seven NCAA Men's Indoor Track and Field Championships. In 1975 UTEP won both the NCAA Men's Outdoor and Indoor National Championships.

Early Logos and Symbols

As the second oldest academic branch of the University of Texas System, UTEP shared much of its early heritage with the Main Branch in Austin. In 1916, while preparing for the School of Mines first commencement, a decorating committee selected the orange and white of the University of Texas for the school’s colors. In 1920, the students voted to keep orange and white as the school’s colors, again to reinforce their standing as a branch of the University of Texas System.

For over 50 years, from 1924 until 1976, UTEP used an orange letter “T” logo with white accents. Professor J.R. Buford designed many other university symbols for institutions across Texas during this period including The University Of Texas At Austin and Baylor University among others. Because students attending the State School of Mines and Metallurgy referred to the school as TSM, short for Texas School of Mines, the monogram “T” became associated with TSM’s early athletic program. In 1919, the students rejected a faculty proposal to officially designate T as the school’s monogram for athletic uniforms, despite the added prestige of it being the monogram of UT Austin. Instead the students selected “M” for Mines. The iconic M was first painted on the Franklin Mountains by students in 1923.

The "Miners" Nickname and Mascot

James G. Brann, a sportswriter for the El Paso Herald, first used the Miners nickname to refer to the School of Mines football team on October 15, 1914. It is presumed the nickname "Miners" came from the fact that the school was founded as the "State School of Mines and Metallurgy."

In April 1919, the students of the School of Mines voted to make the burro the school’s official mascot. The UT System Board of Regents officially confirmed the selection of the burro fifty years later in 1970.

The Modern UTEP Logo

The current UTEP Miners Wordmark Logo features two overlapping picks crossed together forming an upside-down triangle shape while still retaining much of what made previous iterations so recognizable: bold block letters spelling out MINERS along with smaller text beneath indicating where they are located - namely EL PASO TEXAS USA. The ubiquitous UTEP hand sign represents the pickaxe, the main tool of miners. The hand sign is made by making a fist, while extending the thumb and pinkie to form a pick. The proper motion for the pick is a downward spiking gesture. Starting by the ear, move the arm downward as if the pick is striking the ground.

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UTEP's Colors

In the early 1980s, the students voted to add blue to the original colors of orange and white. In 1985, the student government adopted Marty Robbins’s hit ballad, El Paso, to be UTEP’s new fight song. When the new athletic department logo was introduced in 1999, a darker hue of blue was added, as well as a silver accent.

Traditions and Spirit

UTEP has a strong rivalry with New Mexico State University, known as "The Battle of I-10". The winner of the UTEP vs. New Mexico State University football game receives a pair of traveling trophies: "The Silver Spade" and "The Brass Spittoon". “Bhutan Days” has become a regular celebration that brings Bhutanese archers, artists, dancers and musicians to the UTEP campus, and honors Bhutanese students - from freshmen to Ph.D. Each fall, alumni return to the campus to reminisce about their days as students. Many departments and organizations host events for alumni, while students participate in spirit competitions.

UTEP Today

The University of Texas at El Paso is subdivided into nine colleges and schools, each of which offers a variety of degree programs including undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate. UTEP offers the USA's only bilingual M.F.A. In 1967, the name of the school was changed to The University of Texas at El Paso. In 1990, UTEP undertook a concerted effort to redefine higher education in West Texas by adopting a mission that promoted social mobility and increased research.

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