The first appearance of the Montclair State athletics logo came in its simplest form in the late 1920s into the early 1930s. "Big Red," the first nickname of all Montclair athletic teams, sported the scarlet letter "M" on its uniforms.

By the 1930s, Montclair State Teachers College had changed its nickname to the Indians and soon a Native-American Indian profile adorned with "MSTC" was emblazoned across all athletics uniforms. When the school changed to Montclair State College, the "T" was dropped from the logo.

Being sensitive to the concerns of Native Americans about Indian mascots, in August 1989 the Montclair State Athletic Department changed its nickname from Indians to Red Hawks. Red-tailed hawks, who inhabit the surrounding areas of the Montclair State campus, were the inspiration.

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