Southwest Tennessee Community College Unveils New Saluqi Sports Logo

Southwest Tennessee Community College proudly announced the unveiling of its new Saluqi sports logo during the 2024 Hall of Fame ceremony held on Nov. 1 at the Verties Sales Gymnasium on the Union Avenue Campus. It was met with cheers, applause, and positive reviews by student-athletes, alumni, faculty, and staff.

The new logo marks the first significant change to the emblem since the merger of State Technical Institute and Shelby State Community College in 2000. 

This new logo not only honors the institution's rich history but also reintroduces Southwest Athletics with a fresh, dynamic identity as the College approaches its 25th anniversary. The logo reflects the College’s forward momentum and growth.

“The new athletics logo represents a modernization of the traditional Saluqis logo,” said Jarrett M. Stephens, head Men’s Basketball Coach and Athletic Director. “A high level of pride is connected to the rich tradition of success that the Saluqis represent. Not only did we want to honor the history but also include the connection Southwest Tennessee Community College has to the city of Memphis and the state of Tennessee.”

The new Saluqi logo reintroduces Southwest Athletics with a bold and contemporary design that resonates with current and future students, alumni, and the community. It signifies the college's ongoing efforts to enhance its athletic programs and foster a sense of pride and unity among its athletes and supporters.

The original Saluqi logo, which represented the athletic program of Shelby State, has been a symbol of pride and tradition for more than a quarter of a century. State Tech, known for its vocational focus, did not have an athletic program, making the Saluqi emblem a unique heritage from Shelby State. The updated logo pays homage to this legacy while embodying the spirit of innovation and excellence that defines Southwest Tennessee Community College today.

The new modernized Saluqi Athletics logo was introduced during the 2024 Hall of Fame
ceremony. It marks the first significant change since Southwest’s establishment in 2000,
honoring the 40-year athletic legacy inherited from Shelby State Community College.

“By creating the new logo, we are showing that we are evolving and keeping up with the time,” Stephens said. “Our student-athletes will have a heightened level of pride, confidence, and swagger while wearing the new logo. The new logo shows the fierceness of the Saluqis and lets other colleges know we are going to compete!”

Rolling out the new look on merchandising, signage, and promotional materials is planned to happen over time.