WS Chronicle

On June 24, the Piedmont University Board of Trustees voted to change the university’s name from Piedmont International University to Carolina University.

“[The name] Carolina University is compelling for several reasons,” shared President Dr. Petitt. “First, it just beautifully rolls off the tongue, and the more you say it, the sweeter it sounds. Second, it is a big, powerful, bold name that feels truly aspirational. It is not a name to grow out of but a name that the university is growing into with strong enrollment growth, numerous new degree programs, etc. Third, Carolina plays very well in marketing and recruiting across the country and around the world. Market research across several countries on multiple continents yielded the same results. ‘Carolina’ and ‘North Carolina’ evoke affirmative connotations, and many reference the same three positive things when they hear it: Michael Jordan, First in Flight, and quality higher education. That is why over 20 colleges and universities include Carolina in their names. Of the most significant names that PIU leaders tested over the past year, the only one that unanimously resonated in every single market was Carolina University.”

With the university’s name change, athletics will keep the Bruins as our current mascot. Over the next year, the university will transition into our new name by rebranding our facilities, uniforms, and equipment. 

If you would like to assist the Carolina Bruins financially during this transition, please visit piubruinclub.com.