Grit, Mid-State's Cougar mascot, kneeling next to two students.

Meet Grit

Meet Mid-State Technical College’s mascot, Grit! Grit is the fuzzy (and fierce) feline at the heart of all we are and do as a college community. Grit’s presence brings out the best in each of us. Students, staff members, and community friends are inspired to embrace challenge with the same grit, pride, and determination that drives our mascot.

Grit, like all wild cougars, is also known for:

  • Strength
  • Leadership
  • Decisiveness and take charge attitude (especially when the going gets rough)
  • Excellent timing—striking at the perfect moment 
  • Effectiveness when it comes to handling a challenge or difficult circumstances

Grit first appeared as Mid-State’s mascot long ago. After making the rounds on campus for about ten years, the cougar mysteriously disappeared. Some say Grit was just doing what so many Mid-State students do: traveling! Why not set out to see a bit of the world after earning that first Mid-State degree? 

Today Grit is back, because Mid-State is the kind of place you can return to throughout life, again and again. Mid-State is a community that feels more like family. And Mid-State is where even a strong, independent cougar can make new friends, find support and resources, and gain new skills along the way.

But don’t let Grit’s independent nature fool you. When not out crushing goals and achieving dreams, Mid-State’s cougar is a downright lovable mascot and expert giver of high-fives and hugs.