NORTHAMPTON — In a recent survey, Smith College found that 82% of its student athletes feel disconnected from their “Pioneers” moniker. Now, the school is searching for a new mascot for the community to rally behind.

The current Pioneers name has been in place for 40 years, and is meant to pay homage to the pioneering spirit of women throughout history who have broken down barriers. But there are other connotations associated with the word, some of which have left students wondering if it is a moniker inclusive enough to represent the student body.

In 2016, nearby Amherst College underwent a similar process, dropping their “Lord Jeff” moniker and eventually adopting the Mammoth as its new mascot. Lord Jeff, or Lord Jeffery Amherst, raised concerns among students because of the historical figure’s connection to the oppression of Native Americans. The colonial military commander that gave Amherst its name was also known for being in favor of giving Native Americans smallpox-infected blankets.

With historical connotations of the word “Pioneers” in mind, Smith students have reignited the process of looking for a new moniker. Their advocacy marks the resurgence of an effort the school says began several years ago, but was never completed. The newly reconvened Moniker Committee responsible for identifying a new mascot is chaired by Athletics Director Kristin Hughes, and includes school administrators, student athletes, alumni and more.

Hughes said that this effort came “100 percent” from student efforts and concerns. The primary concern voiced throughout the institution has been that the current moniker is “not very inclusive for all of our students,” she said.

The past week has involved gathering input from alumni and other stakeholders, pulling together a list of contenders, and debating what mascot would be the most welcoming and encapsulating of Smith’s spirit. Through this process, the school hopes to modernize its identity and land on a mascot that resonates with all students.

But Hughes said that the mascot ideas are “all over the place right now.” The committee is meeting about every two weeks, letting their creativity take the reins as they look for a moniker that sticks.

“It’s more important to get it right than to get it right by a certain date,” Hughes said.

Hughes and other members of the committee hope that this brainstorming will result in a widely loved mascot that can cheer on students at sporting events and welcome first-years to campus.

Over the years, the school has had a variety of monikers and mascots, including the Unicorns. But this year, students and school officials alike aim to land on something more inclusive and enduring than ever before.

“The hope is that we get something that people identify with in a very positive way,” Hughes said.

Mascot and logo designs are expected to be developed through the late spring and summer. The goal is to have a new name in place heading into next fall’s events.

Alexa Lewis can be reached at alewis@gazettenet.com.