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Southern Adventist University has adopted a bear named Forrest as the university’s first official mascot. While students have previously incorporated unofficial mascots into campus life, including a dinosaur named Dobber in the early 1990s and a duck named Kevin more recently, Forrest the bear is the first mascot to be voted into campus life as an enduring presence.

“Our mascot is a university-wide symbol that serves to unite our campus family,” Ingrid Skantz, vice president for Marketing and University Relations, says. “Unlike mascots that represent intercollegiate athletic programs, it reminds us of the common experiences we share academically, socially, and spiritually here at Southern.”

The initiative began when the Student Association asked for administrative support to develop a mascot concept in 2023. Several concepts were suggested, and the Student Senate voted to recommend a bear to officially represent Southern. The bear was chosen as a symbol of strength, courage, confidence, and leadership; all qualities that Southern students aspire to embody. The mascot became official when the University Senate and the Board of Trustees voted it later that year.

In August 2024, students and employees voted to name the mascot Forrest, accompanied by the description: “A friendly bear named Forrest became the campus mascot due to his appreciation for Southern’s natural beauty. With his energetic spirit and love for the outdoors, Forrest represents harmony between people and God’s surrounding nature. He loves celebrating student achievement and encouraging campus to work hard, rest well, and have fun with friends.”

Dennis Negrón, PhD, vice president for Student Development, shares, “His name and description resonated with a significant part of our campus community.”

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