Armstrong Atlantic State University won’t have that name much longer. Georgia’s Board of Regents approved a request Wednesday to drop the word “Atlantic” from the Savannah college’s name.

Administrators say they asked for the change to help clear up confusion and strengthen the school’s brand.

AASU Vice President for Advancement Bill Kelso says it’s about more than just shortening the name.

“It’s easier to say,” he says, “but I think it truly represents, historically, where we came from and where we’re gonna go.”

The Regents added the word “Atlantic” in 1996 in an effort to give the school a geographic name.

But Kelso says that confused many people because it sounds like “Atlanta.” Just last week, he heard that common mistake yet again.

“Bless the person’s heart,” Kelso says, “They said, ‘Armstrong Atlanta.’”

Kelso says the university will spend about $40,000 on new logos, letterhead, some athletic uniforms, and other updates reflecting the name change.

The school will be known as Armstrong State University beginning July 1.