Where did all the creativity go?

No, really. Just look at this list of names:

American University (not to mention all of the "American University of's"... also this one gets a free pass IMHO)

National University

American National University

National American University

Allied American University

American International College

International American University

California International University

California American University

Calfornia National University

California Intercontinental University

American Intercontinental University

Then comes more "international" universities...

Western International University

Trinity International Univerity

Virginia International University

Schiller International University

Okan International University

Marconi International University

Salem International University

Columbia International University

Alliant International University

Webber International University

This list is by no means exhaustive. My (obvious) point is that, well, where did all the creativity go? Are some of these names just the by-product of really bad consulting ideas (Southern Christian turned Regions turned Amridge anyone?).

Speaking of bad consulting ideas: There's a story that when Corban University was still known as Western Baptist College, they hired a team of consultants who, after extensive research, recommended "Arbor Crest College". Reno Hoff, the president of the university at the time, rejected the idea saying that Arbor Crest sounded like a retirement home.

 

Well, sometimes it seems like you're damned if you do and damned if you don't. We've had a few conversations about bad college names. Here's one

http://www.degreeinfo.com/off-topic-discussions/32698-worst-university-name.html