It may be a small word, but "the" is a big deal at Florida State University.
The university is in the process of adding "the" back onto the front of its name.
That is how the university has traditionally been known, according to Fran Conaway, director of special projects for Florida State's university communications.
Although UF does not officially include a "the" before its name and never has, it does have The Gator Nation campaign.
UF linguistics professor Galia Hatav said the definite article "the" gives words a property of uniqueness, which may be part of the reason why both universities chose to include it, to set names aside from others.
UF director of marketing Dan Williams said he believes The Gator Nation deserves its capitalized definite article in order to be consistent with UF's registered trademark of The Gator Nation.
Williams said the campaign has received positive feedback from peer universities.
John Sutherland, of UF's department of advertising, said he has heard sportscasters on ESPN refer to other schools as nations, a possible effect of UF's campaign.
"That makes it generic, almost like a Kleenex," he said.
But The Gator Nation campaign is known for its unique advertising as well as its words, Sutherland said.
Sutherland said the campaign serves as a rallying cry for UF's alumni and future students and has the effect of building camaraderie and spirit.
Whether this nation will ever be united under "The" University of Florida remains unclear.
For now UF spokesman Steve Orlando said the university is perfectly happy with the way the seal reads and has no plans to change it.
