Allen University Brand Studio

One Allen. Every voice telling the story.

Logos, colors, templates, email signatures, and a fast lane for requests. Everything you need to represent Allen University well, in one place.

Marketing & Communications

Ms. Tiana Scarlett

Associate Vice President, Marketing and Communications · Division of Institutional Advancement

(803) 376-5717 tscarlett@allenuniversity.edu

Pick what you need. Everything else stays out of your way.

↑ Brand Studio menu
Get something madeRequest desk, turnaround times, and what happens next.
Request Desk

Need something made? Here’s how much notice to give.

Marketing & Communications supports the entire university. The earlier you ask, the better the result.

The golden rule

A complete request moves to the front of the line. Missing details add days.

A request is not a confirmation.

Submitting a request does not guarantee coverage, design, or posting. Your request is confirmed only when Marketing & Communications replies to accept it. Until then, please plan as if it has not been confirmed. Turnaround times are estimates, not guarantees, and assume complete materials.

  • Social media post

    5 business daysShare the event, the date, a photo, and any people or partners to tag.

  • Website update

    3 business daysSend the page link and the exact text or file to change.

  • Flyer or graphic

    10 business daysInclude all copy, dates, times, location, and any logos you need.

  • Photography

    2 weeksEvent name, date, time, location, and the shots that matter most.

  • Press release or news story

    2 weeksThe who, what, when, where, and why, plus a contact for quotes.

  • Video

    3–4 weeksThe story, who’s in it, where to film, and where it will be shared.

  • Campaign or major event

    6–8 weeksGoals, audience, budget, and key dates. Let’s plan it together.
How requests are prioritized
  1. University-wide prioritiesEnrollment, advancement, and presidential events come first.
  2. Notice givenRequests that meet the turnaround times above.
  3. Complete detailsEverything needed to start, with nothing to chase.
  4. Reach & impactHow many people the work will serve.
What happens after you submit
  1. ReceivedYour form is logged. This is not a confirmation.
  2. ReviewedWe check timing, details, and capacity.
  3. Accepted or redirectedYou’ll get a reply, or a template or resource to do it yourself.
  4. Draft & your reviewYou review one consolidated round of edits.
  5. DeliveredFinal files, post, or story go live.
Before you hit submit
  • Did I check the templates and how-tos on this page?
  • Did I give the notice listed above?
  • Are all dates, names, titles, and spellings final?
  • Did I attach the photo, logo, or files?
  • Is one person the point of contact for edits?

Ready to submit?

Check your email for a confirmation reply. Time-sensitive or crisis communication? Call (803) 376-5717.

Go to the request form ↓
How to talk about AllenFive key messages and a 30-second elevator pitch.
Key Messages

Tell Allen’s story the same way, every time.

Use these five points in flyers, speeches, posts, and introductions. Every fact here is published by Allen.

  1. Rooted in purposeFounded in 1870 by the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Allen is recognized as the first university in South Carolina founded by African Americans to educate African Americans.
  2. Known by nameAn average class size of 15 means professors know every student.
  3. Taught by experts75% of Allen faculty hold terminal degrees in their fields.
  4. Ready from day oneA laptop and e-textbooks are built into the cost of attendance.
  5. One clear priceUndergraduate tuition is the same for South Carolina and out-of-state students.
30-second elevator pitch

Allen University is a private, historically Black university in Columbia, South Carolina, founded in 1870 by the African Methodist Episcopal Church. With an average class size of 15 and faculty who know students by name, Allen prepares students to think, work, and lead, in the spirit of its motto: we teach the mind to think, the hands to work, and the heart to love.

Logos, colors, type & photosDownload logos, spacing rules, readable color pairings, and photo tips.
The right wordsHow Allen sounds, style rules, and the official boilerplate.
Voice & How We Write About Allen

Sound like Allen.

  • Proud, never boastfulLead with real people and real results. Let the facts do the bragging.
  • Warm and personalWrite like you’re welcoming someone home. Use “you” and “we.”
  • Clear and confidentShort sentences. Plain words. One idea at a time.
  • Rooted in history, focused forwardHonor 1870, then show where Allen is headed.
Get the Names Right
  • Allen UniversityOn first reference. After that, “Allen” is perfect.
  • Yellow JacketsOur students, alumni, and teams. Always capitalized.
  • HBCUHistorically Black College or University. Spell it out once in formal writing.
  • Founded 1870By the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church.
  • Harden StreetOur home: 1530 Harden Street, Columbia, SC 29204.
  • Dickerson-GreenDickerson-Green Theological Seminary, with a hyphen. “The Seminary” after first reference.
Style Quick Reference
TopicWrite it like thisNot like this
DatesOct. 31, 2026 · Saturday, Oct. 3110/31/26
Times7 p.m. · 10:30 a.m. · noon7:00 PM · 12 PM
TitlesDr. Stanley J. Pritchett, Sr., President of Allen UniversityPresident Dr. Pritchett · Pres. Pritchett
Alumnialum (one) · alumni (group)alumni for one person
Class yearsJane Smith ’98Jane Smith (Class of 1998) on every mention
Phone(803) 376-5700803.376.5700 or 8033765700
People firststudents, families, Yellow Jacketskids, the school
Exclamation pointsOne per piece, at most!!!

For news and public writing, follow AP style, the standard used by most newsrooms. Allen capitalizes official titles like President.

Official boilerplate · for press releases and bios

Allen University is a private, historically Black university in Columbia, South Carolina. Founded in 1870 by the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Allen offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs, and is home to the Dickerson-Green Theological Seminary. Allen is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Learn more at allenuniversity.edu.

Our motto

“We teach the mind to think, the hands to work, and the heart to love.”

Our aspiration

“All That Can Be Imagined”

My email signatureBuild a polished Outlook signature in 60 seconds.
Email Signature Builder

A polished signature in 60 seconds.

Type your details, copy, and paste into Outlook. Every Allen email looks like it came from the same proud university.

Use official Allen links only, and write short link text like “Apply to Allen” instead of a long web address.

Preview

Keep it clean: no personal quotes, slogans, icons, or images. Images can show up as attachments or get blocked on phones. Allen’s official aspiration, “All That Can Be Imagined,” is already included.

In Outlook: Settings → Mail → Compose and reply → Email signature. Paste, then save.

Make it accessibleQuick checks so everyone can read, watch, and use your work.
Make It Accessible

If everyone can’t read it, it doesn’t work.

Quick checks before you post, print, or press send.

  • Flyers & graphics
    • Use a readable color pairing (see Logos, colors & photos).
    • Put key details in real text, not only inside the image.
    • Keep body text large enough to read from a few feet away.
  • PDFs & documents
    • Use Word’s built-in headings, not just bold text.
    • Add alt text to every image and chart.
    • Run Microsoft’s Accessibility Checker before exporting.
  • Social posts
    • Add alt text to every image.
    • Write hashtags in CamelCase, like #AllenUniversity.
    • Limit emoji; screen readers read each one aloud.
  • Video
    • Turn on captions, and check them for accuracy.
    • Say on-screen text out loud, too.
    • Share a transcript for longer videos.
  • Email & web
    • Write descriptive links, like “Apply to Allen,” not “click here.”
    • Never send an email that is only one big image.
    • Keep important dates and details in the body text.

Free tools:Microsoft Accessibility Checker ↗WebAIM Contrast Checker ↗How to write alt text ↗

Questions & quick fixesAnswers to the requests Marketing gets most.
Answers, Fast

Your question is probably answered here.

Want to do it yourself? Learn free skills →

Can you post my event on Allen’s social media?

Submit a request at least 5 business days ahead with the event name, date, time, location, a photo or flyer, and who to tag. Posting is not guaranteed. You’ll get a reply if it’s accepted.

Can someone photograph my event?

Submit a photography request at least 2 weeks ahead. Coverage depends on availability. If no one is available, use the phone photo tips below and share your best shots with us.

Can my event go on the website calendar?

Yes. Submit a request with the event details at least 5 business days ahead.

Can you design my flyer?

Submit a request at least 10 business days ahead with all the text, dates, and logos. In a hurry? Start from an Allen Canva template.

Can I make my own flyer?

Yes. Use the official logo files, Allen colors, and Libre Franklin. If it’s going to the public, send it to Marketing & Communications for a quick look before you print or post.

Can I put the Allen logo on a T-shirt or merchandise?

Request approval first. Merchandise uses the logo in a way that represents the university, so Marketing & Communications must approve it before ordering.

Where can I get a high-resolution or vector logo?

Download the logos on this page. For EPS, SVG, or PDF files for printing, request them by email.

Can my department have its own logo?

Departments use the official Allen logo rather than creating new ones. Ask about a department lockup if you need your office name with the logo.

Can my department or organization start its own social media account?

Talk with Marketing & Communications first so the account uses the official logo and stays connected to Allen’s main channels.

How do I get Allen to share my post?

Tag @allenuniversity_sc. Strong photos and clear captions are the most likely to be shared.

A reporter contacted me. What should I do?

Before you respond, connect them with Marketing & Communications at (803) 376-5717.

Can a film crew or photographer shoot on campus?

All filming and professional photography on campus must be approved in advance by Marketing & Communications.

How do I submit news or a student achievement?

Use the news story starter below, then send it with a photo. We can’t promise every story will run, but we love hearing them.

How do I update my information on the website?

Submit a request with the page link and the exact change. Website updates take about 3 business days.

Do it yourself

Phone photo tips

  • Face the light. Don’t shoot into windows or the sun.
  • Get close and fill the frame with faces.
  • Shoot horizontal for the website, vertical for Stories.
  • Take a lot. Burst mode catches the real moment.
  • Wipe your lens first.
  • Ask permission before close-ups of students.
Do it yourself

Event promo checklist

  • 8 weeks out: lock date, location, and speakers
  • 4 weeks out: submit your design request
  • 2–3 weeks out: share the flyer and calendar listing
  • 1 week out: reminder post and email
  • Day of: take photos and tag Allen
  • Day after: send your best photos and a short recap
Do it yourself

News story starter

Headline: [Who] [did what]
Who: Name, class year or title, department
What happened: One or two sentences
When & where: Date and location
Why it matters: What it means for Allen students or the community
Quote: “…” — Name, title
Photo: Attach 1–3 photos, with names of people pictured
Contact: Your name, email, and phone
Learn it yourselfFree tools and how-tos for everyday projects.
Learn It Yourself

Free skills that make you faster than any request.

Marketing & Communications is a small team serving the whole university. These free resources help you handle everyday projects on your own, today.

Rule of thumb

Everyday posts, simple flyers, and your signature? Do it yourself. Big campaigns, press, and official materials? Send a request.

Quick Fixes
  • My signature looks wrong in repliesIn Outlook, choose your signature for both “New messages” and “Replies/forwards,” then save.
  • My flyer looks blurryExport as PDF for print and PNG for screens. Always use the full-size logo, never a screenshot.
  • My Canva design doesn’t look like AllenAdd Allen Royal #0033A0, Allen Gold #F5C400, and Allen Navy #001240 to your palette, and use Libre Franklin.
  • My photo is too darkMove so the light is in front of the person, not behind them. Tap the face on your screen to set exposure.
  • My post isn’t getting seenPost while it’s fresh, use a strong photo, and tag @allenuniversity_sc.
  • My caption is too longLead with the most important line. Keep it to two or three short sentences, then add the link.

Using AI? See Allen’s guardrails and starter prompts → · Accessibility checklist →
These are free resources from outside providers, shared to help you learn. Allen University isn’t affiliated with them.

Using AI the Allen wayGuardrails and copy-ready starter prompts.
Using AI the Allen Way

AI can draft it. You make it Allen.

AI tools can help you get a first draft fast. These guardrails and starter prompts keep your work accurate, private, and on brand.

The golden rule

AI writes the first draft. A human checks every fact, name, and date before anything is shared. Not sure if it’s private? When in doubt, leave it out.

Do

  • Use AI for first drafts, headline ideas, and editing for clarity
  • Fact-check every name, title, date, number, and quote
  • Compare the result to Allen’s voice and the official boilerplate
  • Have a second person review anything going to the public
  • Watch for stereotypes or bias, and make sure the result reflects Allen’s community
  • Label any AI-created or heavily altered image as a “Photo illustration”
  • Use real photos of real Allen people and places

Don’t

  • Paste student records, grades, or anything protected by FERPA
  • Paste personal information like phone numbers, addresses, or ID numbers
  • Share unannounced news, finances, or confidential documents
  • Create AI images of real Allen people or fake campus photos
  • Recreate or alter the Allen logo or seal with AI
  • Publish AI-written quotes or attribute words to someone who didn’t say them
  • Imitate a real person’s face or voice without their written consent
  • Use AI for crisis, emergency, or sensitive statements
  • Rely on AI alone to fact-check, or to translate without a fluent reviewer
Starter Prompts · Copy, Fill In, Go
Allen context, added automatically when you copy

You are writing for Allen University, a private, historically Black university in Columbia, South Carolina, founded in 1870 by the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Our voice is proud but not boastful, warm, clear, and confident. Use short sentences and plain words. Call students and alumni “Yellow Jackets.” Do not invent facts, numbers, quotes, or names.

The prompt formula

Task + Audience + Format + Details + Rules. Every prompt below follows it, so you can write your own.

  • Social caption

    Event post

    Task: Write 3 Instagram caption options for the event below.
Audience: [students / alumni / families / public]
Format: Each under 40 words. Lead with the hook, end with one call to action. Use at most 1–2 emoji at the end of a sentence. Put up to 3 hashtags at the very end, written in CamelCase (like #AllenUniversity).
Details: Event [ ] · Date and time [ ] · Location [ ] · Link [ ]
Before writing, list anything missing from the details as [NEEDS INFO].
  • News story

    Draft from your notes

    Task: Turn my notes into a 250-word news story in AP style.
Format: Headline under 10 words. First sentence answers who, what, when, and where. Short paragraphs. End with [BOILERPLATE].
Rules: Use only facts from my notes. Do not invent quotes. Mark gaps as [NEEDS INFO].
Notes: [paste notes]
  • Flyer copy

    Headline + details

    Task: Write flyer copy for the event below.
Format: 3 headline options under 8 words, a one-sentence subhead, then date, time, location, cost, and registration as a short list.
Details: [paste details]
  • Email

    Campus announcement

    Task: Write a short email announcement.
Audience: [students / faculty and staff / alumni]
Format: 3 subject line options under 50 characters. Body of 3 short paragraphs or fewer. One clear call to action, with the deadline in bold.
Topic and details: [ ]
  • Alt text

    Describe an image

    Task: Write alt text of about 125 characters or fewer for a university website image.
Rules: One clear sentence. Describe what matters in this context, not every detail. Don’t start with “image of.” If text appears in the image, include it. If the image is only decorative, tell me it doesn’t need alt text.
Where it appears: [ ]
Image: [describe or attach]
  • Plain language

    Make it easier to read

    Task: Rewrite this so a high school senior and their family understand it on the first read.
Rules: Keep every fact, date, and number exactly the same. Use short sentences, everyday words, and “you.” Turn long lists into bullet points.
Text: [paste text]
  • Event recap

    After the event

    Task: Write a 120-word event recap for Allen News and a 2-sentence version for social media.
Format: What happened, who was there, one highlight, and what’s next.
Rules: Use only my notes. Mark gaps as [NEEDS INFO].
Notes: [ ]
  • Bio

    Speaker or staff bio

    Task: Write a 75-word professional bio in third person.
Format: Name and title first, then current role, then 1–2 highlights, then education.
Rules: Use only the facts I provide.
Facts: [paste résumé or notes]
  • Spanish version

    Translate for families

    Task: Translate this message into clear, friendly Spanish for families.
Rules: Keep names, dates, times, and links exactly the same. Keep “Allen University” and “Yellow Jackets” in English.
Text: [paste text]
Note: AI translation isn’t reliable enough on its own. A fluent speaker must review before sharing.
Then refine it. Click to copy a follow-up:

Each prompt includes Allen’s voice so the draft starts closer to on-brand. Replace everything in [brackets]. Follow any Allen University technology and data policies when using AI tools.

Get featuredShare news, request a homepage spot, nominate a spotlight.
Get Featured

Got good news? Let the world see it.

Pick the right path below. Each button opens an email with everything we need already listed, so you just fill in the blanks.

What makes a great story
  • It already happened, or has a confirmed date
  • It shows Allen people making an impact
  • It includes a strong photo and a quote
  • It’s sent while it’s still fresh

Submissions are reviewed for timing, audience, and available space. Not every submission can be featured, but every one helps us tell Allen’s story. Need help writing it? Use the news story starter or an AI starter prompt.

Social media & pressOfficial handles, tagging tips, and the media contact.
Social Media Handles & Tagging

Tag us. We’re watching for you.

  • Tag the universityTag @allenuniversity_sc on every post about Allen so we can find, share, and celebrate it.
  • Post the momentShare photos while the event is happening. Fresh content travels farthest.
  • Get consentAsk before posting close-up photos of students, and never share private information.
  • Run an Allen account?Department and organization pages should use the official logo and connect with Marketing & Communications.
Before you post
  • Names, dates, and links are correct
  • Photos have consent, and no private info is visible
  • Images have alt text
  • Videos have captions
  • Hashtags are in CamelCase (#AllenUniversity) and placed at the end
  • Emoji are used sparingly, never in place of words
  • Important details aren’t only inside the image
  • A second person has proofread it
Media & Press Inquiries

Reporters, producers, and partners start here.

All media requests, interviews, and filming on campus go through Marketing & Communications. Please include:

  • Your name, outlet, and deadline
  • The story topic and who you’d like to speak with
  • Whether you plan to film or photograph on campus

Faculty and staff: if a reporter contacts you, connect them with Marketing & Communications before you respond.

Media contact

Ms. Tiana Scarlett

Associate Vice President, Marketing and Communications

(803) 376-5717 tscarlett@allenuniversity.edu
Canva templatesFlyers, social posts, and Zoom backgrounds, ready to edit.
Templates

Start from Allen, not from scratch.

Ready-made, on-brand templates so your work looks professional and you save time.

How to use: open the template, then choose File → Make a copy (or “Use template”) so you edit your own version, not the original. New to Canva? Start with the free lessons. Need a template that isn’t here? Let us know.

Every Yellow Jacket is part of the brand.

When we all tell Allen’s story the same way, the whole world hears it louder.

Make a request →Give to Allen