Who Should Be Credited for the AAMU Logo?
Think you know? Think again.
It's a question that has come up before.
There's some tension behind it, almost to the extent that some would prefer to leave the topic in the far corner of the room. But let's see if it can be settled once and for all ...
Who is responsible for Alabama A&M University's logo?
The names that rise to the top are all top-notch men in the AAMU chronicles, and all
have passed on to leave impressive legacies, even if the logo was never mentioned.
There's A. A. Burks, Sr. (top left), the beloved former educator and principal who served as the distinguished
director of university relations at AAMU. Another name often associated with the
University logo is Dr. George O. Jones (right), a dedicated AAMU professor who also established the 
Department of Drafting and Design at J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College
in Huntsville. Finally, there's Dr. Theo Weir (bottom left), the respected educator, mentor and Mississippian who once chaired
AAMU's Department of Industrial Education and Technology.
After a few dead ends, the search for answers led to one sure-fire source. Desperately
needed was a true Bulldog, one who had no skin in the game, one who 
knew the history of the school and its people and--most importantly--one who still
had the Bulldog wherewithal to explain it all. Another criteria: someone always ready
to lend a hand and/or to set the "real" record straight.
Someone like retiree Joe Hudson. Hudson, former AAMU printer and industrial technology educator, knew all three men. Hudson's account is not only a logical picture, but it also frames images endearing to all three men. Here is how Hudson explains it ...
The late and great Mr. Arthur A. Burks, Sr., can be credited for conceptualizing the logo. From there, draftsman/designer George O. Jones deserves accolades for taking that concept and placing it on paper. Finally, Dr. Theo Weir was able to take that design and build the physical logo edifices that we see around the campus today.
Someone once said, "There is no limit to what can be done if no one worries about getting the credit." But, to counter that assertion, what if "everyone" gets the credit?
Still not quite satisfied? Something missing still? Send us a note at public.relations@aamu.edu. If there are enough "insightful" responses (subjective, yes!), we'll add to the above story. But as for now, the AAMU logo is a story of vision, school pride and teamwork.
- Jerome Saintjones