A UNIVERSITY has spent more than £20,000 on changing its name.

The University of Teesside will be known as Teesside University, after a decision was made to update its image to coincide with the launch of a new prospectus.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Graham Henderson said: “The new brand builds on our heritage but also reflects how far we have travelled since becoming a university in 1992.

“We’ve trebled student numbers and are now providing opportunities for tens of thousands to benefit from higher education.

“The exciting, colourful and positive new visual identity will make it easier for us to get our business, partners and others to see Teesside as the confident and innovative university it has become.

“It will also help us to enhance our visibility and impact both nationally and internationally.

“Changing what we call ourselves from the University of Teesside to Teesside University reflects the name we are colloquially known by among our students and the outside world, and works well with the fresh new visual identity.”

Leaflets and prospectuses will be reprinted as part of the rebranding, and signs will be replaced as and when the university can afford it.

Prof Henderson said: “It is not just a question of developing our logo, but letting more people know what we’ve achieved and the contribution we are making to the economy.

“PriceWaterhouseCoopers put the total gross domestic economic impact of the university at £815m per annum, which highlights just what an important contribution the university is making, not just to individuals but also to the regional and UK economy.”

The original logo was introduced after Teesside became a university in 1992.

The design had seen little change since then. However, it was felt that it was beginning to show its age, and graphic designers found it difficult to use.