Mercer County Community College (MCCC) has officially retired its Viking mascot, announcing the Mustangs as its new symbol on March 31, 2025. The Viking was appointed in 1972, not long after the college was founded.
The announcement was made by MCCC President Dr. Deborah E. Preston via a broadcast email to students, faculty, and staff.
A college-wide survey was sent out in January 2024, inviting everyone to vote for the school’s new mascot.
The broadcast email from President Dr. Deborah E. Preston stated, “We are working diligently to choose a new mascot that is a true representation of MCCC’s vision, mission, values, and goals.”
Students seemed to have mixed emotions about the mascot change.
First-year education major, Nathan Reed said, “Honestly, this feels performative. Like, what does this actually fix?”
Another student, a second-year Liberal Arts major, Natalia Villinueva, said, “I don’t really care either way, but I guess if it makes people feel more included, cool.”
Those students’ perspective on the mascot change is one that most students share.
After polling students about their views on the school’s mascot change, results showed 67% of students felt confused when they first heard about the mascot change, 83% of students do not feel more inclined to participate in school events, and 83% of students do not feel the mustang mascot better represents MCCC’s school spirit and identity.
Director of Athletics Eric Grundman, when asked about the change said, “I fully support our president, our administration, our leadership team and the vision they have for the institution as well as athletics, fitness and recreation.”
April 14, 2025, MCCC officials sent out another survey to vote on a name for the mustang.
“Last month, we received over 200 name suggestions from students, faculty, and staff for the new mascot – the Mustang!” read the email. The five names students can choose from are Maverick, Mayhem, Marty, Max, and Mikey. Stay tuned for results.
