Brand Messaging
Statement of Visual Design
The visual design of Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University communications should leave the user with an impression of a fresh, forward-thinking institution that cares deeply about the community it serves.
The aesthetic of the brand is clean and minimal; approachable and welcoming; and clear and purposeful.
Implementing these attributes visually within Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University communications and branding reinforces how the institution serves a diverse community through reliable patient care, integrated academic programs, and innovative research.
Introduction
The Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University Brand Identity Guide is a comprehensive tool for anyone designing, printing, or producing institutional communication materials. With your help, we can ensure that all communication from our institution is integrated and consistent, making each individual component, as well as our marketing efforts, stronger and more effective.
This guide provides details about the messaging, creative elements, and design specifications that form Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University’s visual identity. These visual standards have been created with a great deal of flexibility to address the complexities of Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University, while providing a high degree of consistency and quality.
Download a PDF of the Brand Toolkit
WHAT ARE BRAND GUIDELINES AND WHY ARE THEY IMPORTANT?
Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University comprises a spectrum of people, programs, departments, and centers, each with unique qualities, but all working toward a common goal. The strongest, most recognizable brand that any department, program, or center can project is the brand of Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University. Our visual identity reflects our commitment to excellence, our goals, and the values that represent the core of this institution. Correct and consistent use of the visual identity unifies the diverse array of activities, achievements, and audiences, and builds a stronger reputation for Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University.
Consistency is key to successfully conveying the Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University “brand” to the world. A strong and consistent visual identity helps shape the way key constituents view our school, both now and in the future. That visual identity begins with this Brand Identity Guide.
This guide will help Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University avoid confusion in a crowded landscape by helping us clearly define the institution and maintain the consistency necessary for effective communication to the public.
WHO IS THIS GUIDE FOR?
This guide has been developed for use by all academic, research, outreach, student services, authorized student organizations, and administrative departments of Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University. Our branding policy requires that all departments must follow these guidelines. Outside agencies that create print or electronic publications, or any other materials, for any Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University department are also required to abide by the guidelines.
The guidelines are to be applied to all uses of the institution marks, whether for advertising, signage, stationery, uniforms, vehicles, web content, or other items that carry the Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University brand to the world.
When applied in tandem with those governing the visual standards of the EVMS Medical Group, these guidelines help build a robust, mutually reinforcing foundation for Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University’s external and internal communications.
It is our policy that the official logotype, signatures, and marks described in these pages are the only sanctioned marks for use. No other marks or symbols may be used or created to represent Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University as a whole or any part thereof.
Marketing & Communications is entrusted by the Old Dominion University Board of Visitors to enforce institutional branding standards, and as such, reserves the right to determine art direction for branded projects (both print and electronic) that are representative of the institution.
Branded items (print, merchandise, etc.) designed outside of Creative Services must be approved by Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Marketing & Communications at Old Dominion University or ODU’s Division of University Communications prior to printing/purchase.
Positioning: Integration
This is an internal facing articulation of differentiation and relevance in narrative form.
Together.
At the nexus of seven cities, where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic, you will find Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University. In our home — among a vast and vibrant network of supporters, partners, neighbors, patients, and friends — we see grand new horizons in healthcare. Here, academics, research, care, and community engagement converge to form something new. Something bold.
We are born at the intersection of two institutions — Old Dominion University (est. 1930) and Eastern Virginia Medical School (est. 1973) — steeped in a history of collective impact. A confluence of expertise and purpose forging an academic health sciences center like no other in the commonwealth. As one, we amplify our impact and unlock greater opportunities to shape young minds, make new discoveries, and improve the health of our community.
Our intertwined roots run deep, embedded in the community we proudly serve. A community intrinsically linked to our identity. Here, where we have the privilege of fostering growth and impacting lives, we find our calling.
All of this reflects a passion for care. The force that moves us, sending ripples through the commonwealth and beyond. We improve the health of our community. This is our inspiration.
In the pursuit of our passion, collaboration is our blueprint. With unparalleled diversity in disciplines, aspiring minds converge with seasoned practitioners. Through the harmony of interdisciplinary collaboration, boundaries blur, knowledge flows freely, and new ideas are born.
Around our campuses — in classrooms, clinics, labs, and meeting rooms — we find our identity personified. Medical and health professionals. Researchers spanning public health to health sciences. Aspiring and practicing. A diverse and welcoming community, eager to chart the path of progress with curiosity, ambition, unwavering determination, and a commitment, always, to our community.
We work every day to be a symbol of unified strength and purpose, a trusted leader guiding our community to a healthier, more enlightened future, together.
Message Architecture
Our net perception shapes how we want our audiences to think and feel about our brand, capturing the desired sentiment and impression we aim to foster among key stakeholders.
Our key messages form the cornerstone of our communications, encapsulating our values, mission, and vision to ensure consistent and compelling messaging across all channels.
NET PERCEPTION
Old Dominion University (est. 1930) and Eastern Virginia Medical School (est. 1973) came together July 1, 2024, to form Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University. In doing so, we seized an opportunity to expand and amplify the impact of both institutions.
As one, we aim to transform the health and economy of Hampton Roads by attracting and developing a diverse pool of faculty and students and shaping health education, clinical research, and healthcare delivery in Virginia and beyond.
KEY MESSAGES
Community
Community is an integral part of Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University. We work alongside partners to enhance health equity in the Hampton Roads community while strengthening the clinical workforce pipeline, local economy, and capacity for research innovation.
Collaboration
A history of collaboration fueled the establishment of Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University. This commitment to collaboration is a trait that defines our world-class community of faculty, staff, alumni, partners, and philanthropic supporters and empowers us to magnify our collective impact.
Aspiration
Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University exists to push the boundaries of research, health education, and healthcare delivery. Guided by the diverse and determined community, we aspire to become a nationally recognized leader and "hub of excellence" for diagnostic validation, clinical translation, and community-engaged population health research.