New College Institute board approves rebrand to West Piedmont Higher Education Center

The New College Institute Board of Directors voted June 4 to adopt bylaws that rename the institution the West Piedmont Higher Education Center, effective July 1, and approved a multi-part branding campaign with a rebranding budget of $63,000.

The chair told the board the statutory name change clarifies the center27s role in the state27s three-tier higher education system and said legislators had worked to broaden board representation. "We will, on July 1, have a new name for this institution, the West Piedmont Higher Education, Center," the chair said during the meeting.

Board members discussed the communications strategy and logo design presented by the communications and marketing committee, which explained a navy "anchor" tile and color-coded sub‑brands for economic development, education, community engagement and workforce pathways. The marketing lead said the visual system is intended to help students and partners identify the center27s offerings at a glance.

The board approved the bylaws amendment to take effect July 1 and approved the branding materials and the $63,000 rebrand budget by voice vote. Board members noted the $63,000 budget does not yet include quotes for exterior signage on specific campus buildings, which staff said remain to be priced.

Several members urged coordination with the center27s foundation to support launch events, signage and donor outreach. The board discussed timing for a public announcement and suggested aligning a community launch with a future board meeting if signage and proofs can be completed.

The vote carries as the center prepares to change its public name; board members and staff said the work ahead will focus on launch logistics, a trifold outreach piece for partners and working with the foundation to offset costs.