Collegiate Bears: A Guide to Colleges with Bear Mascots

College mascots are more than just symbols; they embody the spirit, traditions, and identity of an institution. Among the diverse array of mascots, the bear stands out as a popular choice, representing strength, courage, and resilience. This article explores a comprehensive list of colleges and universities that proudly sport the "Bears" moniker, delving into their unique traditions and the stories behind their beloved bear mascots.

The Ubiquity of Bears in College Athletics

Research indicates that "Bears" ranks among the top 10 most common nicknames for college sports teams. There are 31 institutions with the "Bear" nickname. "Eagles" tops the collegiate list. This widespread adoption speaks to the bear's enduring appeal as a symbol of power and determination in the competitive world of collegiate athletics.

NCAA Division I Institutions with Bear Mascots

Several NCAA Division I universities have embraced the bear as their mascot. These institutions compete at the highest level of college sports, and their bear mascots are often highly visible figures at games and campus events.

Mercer University (Macon, Georgia): Mercer University's mascot officially became the Bears after a vote by the student body. According to the late Steadman Vincent Sanford, the Bears reference originated in the first football game played between Mercer and Georgia in 1892 when a bemused spectator asked, “Whence cometh that bear?” The name stuck. In 1949, students voted to name the bear mascot Toby, and Tot for the female bear mascot. Mercer's school colors are orange and black. Mercer is steeped in traditions new and old, from its school colors and mascot to cherished annual events for students, faculty, staff and alumni. Mercer University was established at Penfield, Georgia, in 1833 by Baptists in Georgia. The institution relocated to Macon in 1871 and expanded in 1972 when Atlanta Baptist College merged with the University, creating what is now the Cecil B. Day Graduate and Professional Campus. Hundreds of students celebrate Mercer’s heritage with a pilgrimage each fall to the Penfield campus. Jesse Mercer was among the most influential of the University’s founders. Statues of Jesse Mercer are situated at the center of both the Macon and Atlanta campuses.
Missouri State University (Springfield, Missouri): The Missouri State University Bears compete in Conference USA.
Morgan State University (Baltimore, Maryland): Morgan State University's Bears compete in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.
University of Northern Colorado (Greeley, Colorado): The University of Northern Colorado Bears participate in the Summit League.

NCAA Division II Institutions with Bear Mascots

NCAA Division II schools also feature bear mascots, representing a balance of academic and athletic pursuits.

Lenoir-Rhyne University (Hickory, North Carolina): Lenoir-Rhyne's Bears compete in the South Atlantic Conference.
New York Institute of Technology (New York, New York): The New York Tech Bears participate in the East Coast Conference.

NCAA Division III Institutions with Bear Mascots

NCAA Division III institutions prioritize academics while still fostering a competitive athletic environment.

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Coast Guard Academy (New London, Connecticut): The Coast Guard Academy Bears compete in the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference. The number one likeness in the two mascots is the sailor cap which rests on both Bear heads.
St. Joseph's College-Brooklyn (Brooklyn, New York): St. Joseph's College-Brooklyn Bears participate in the Skyline Conference.
Ursinus College (Collegeville, Pennsylvania): Ursinus College's Bears compete in the Centennial Conference.

NAIA Institutions with Bear Mascots

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) is another governing body for college athletics, primarily for smaller institutions.

Pikeville University (Pikeville, Kentucky): The University of Pikeville Bears compete in the Appalachian Athletic Conference.
Rocky Mountain College (Billings, Montana): Rocky Mountain College fields the Battlin' Bears.
Shawnee State University (Portsmouth, Ohio): Shawnee State University's Bears participate in the River States Conference.
Truett-McConnell University (Cleveland, Georgia): Truett-McConnell University's Bears compete in the Appalachian Athletic Conference.

NJCAA Institutions with Bear Mascots

The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) governs two-year colleges.

Des Moines Area Community College (Des Moines, Iowa): Des Moines Area Community College's Bears compete in NJCAA Region 11.
Mott Community College (Flint, Michigan): Mott Community College's Bears participate in NJCAA Region 12.
Phoenix College (Phoenix, Arizona): Phoenix College's Bears compete in NJCAA Region 1.
Southwest Mississippi Community College (Summit, Mississippi): Southwest Mississippi Community College's Bears participate in NJCAA Region 23.

Other Institutions with Bear Mascots

State University of New York Institute of Technology (Utica, New York): SUNY Tech's Bears

The Story Behind Washington University in St. Louis's Bear Mascot

Efforts to change the name began in 1923, when Student Life held a referendum on the question. On December 18, 1925, Chancellor Herbert S. Hadley held an open meeting of the student body to discuss the issue of an athletic mascot for the school. Several mascots were considered, including the Eagle, the Bearcat, and the Bear. Retaining the name Pikers was also discussed. In the end, the students voted to change the name to Bears. The first bear mascot was a black bear cub, born in the Canadian Rockies and presented to the university in December 1925 by Mrs. Ruth Waldron Hill.

Unique College Mascots

Beyond the "Bears," many colleges boast unique and memorable mascots that reflect their history, location, or values.

Evergreen State College (Olympia, Washington): Speedy, Evergreen's Geoduck Mascot.
University of California, Santa Cruz: The Banana Slug
Scottsdale Community College: The Fighting Artichokes

Named College Mascots

Many colleges give their mascots names, further personalizing these symbols of school spirit. Here are some examples:

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Alphie, Wolfie Jr.
Bernie
Big Red and Sue E.
Blizzard
Bruce D.
Buford T.
Butch T.
Charlie T.
Clawed Z.
Cool E.
Crimson Joe
Cutlass T.
Eutectic
Hooter T.
J.C.
Joe Mountie
Johnny Thunderbird
Mac T.
Max C.
Mr. C (full name: Mr.
Mr. Wuf and Mrs.
Ole the Lion
Philip D.
Tiger
Ranger D.
R.B.
Sammy D.
Screech A.
Topper the Hilltopper
president Harry S.
Victor E.
Wilbur and Wilma T.
Wild E.
Will D.
Will E.
Willie T.
Wiley D.

The Role of Mascots in College Culture

Mascots play a vital role in fostering school spirit and creating a sense of community among students, alumni, and faculty. They represent the values and traditions of the institution, and they serve as a rallying point for athletic teams and other campus activities. Whether it's a costumed character, a live animal, or an inflatable figure, the college mascot is an integral part of the college experience.

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