NEOUCOM now Northeast Ohio Medical University

Staff report

columbus

Gov. John Kasich publicly signed the bill to officially change the name of the Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine to Northeast Ohio Medical University.

“This is an exciting time for the university,” said President Jay A. Gershen, D.D.S., Ph.D.

“The approval of the name change celebrates the significant growth and success the university has experienced in its 38-year history. This new name affirms our place as one of the 14 public universities in Ohio. We are now positioned to develop our brand as a premier health- sciences university that serves the needs of citizens in Northeast Ohio and throughout the state and nation.”

As the university celebrates the new name, graduates from the class of 2011, which include the inaugural class from the College of Pharmacy, will receive one of the first official documents with the Northeast Ohio Medical University name – a diploma.

NEOMED will complete a hard launch of the new name and brand Aug. 15 to provide adequate time to convert internal operations such as email, business cards and signage.

Before making the decision to pursue a name change, the university undertook a naming and branding review that included focus groups, surveys and extensive interviews with faculty, staff, students and alumni, as well as external partners and community leaders.

The results of the research were presented to NEOUCOM trustees, who voted unanimously to approve to move a name forward for further consideration.

The legislation for the name change previously approved by both Ohio houses includes an emergency clause that provides that it becomes law immediately upon the governor’s signature.