Abstract

School nicknames are powerful symbols representing the shared values and culture of their respective communities. This descriptive mixed method-study attempts to illuminate patterns in current school nicknames and examine ways that school leaders and communities approach changes to their nicknames. Nicknames from 1108 postsecondary schools were identified and analyzed with mixed methods to form a classification system that was then used to measure relationships between nicknames and school characteristics. A thematic text analysis of institutional nickname descriptions shows that the origins of nicknames vary, both in their inspirations (from presidential committees to sports journalists) and their process of selection (from repeated usage in the community to student votes). The results of the study may serve as a resource for school leaders seeking to change their current school nickname.

Recommended Citation

Hudacs, Andrew (2024) "Symbols for Schools: Types of School Nicknames, How They are Formed, and Implications for Leaders," Journal of Educational Leadership in Action: Vol. 9: Iss. 2, Article 5.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.62608/2164-1102.1145
Available at: https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/ela/vol9/iss2/5