Associates to Bachelors : Creating Opportunity in Flint, Michigan

Mara Jevera Fulmer, Associate Professor, Mott Community College
Janet Lorch, Lecturer, University of Michigan/Flint

While the Graphic Design industry and education community generally agree that the four-year degree program is the gold-standard, for many students, a university program is not an option. In Flint, Michigan, a cooperative relationship has grown between graphic design faculty at Mott Community College and the University of Michigan/Flint.

The Flint area has faced a 20-year economic downturn and, as a result, the term “traditional” rarely applies to students at either institution. Students seek a career that combines creative outlets and strong job prospects in a community that continues to see factory jobs fading away. In 1998, when Mott launched the AAS in Graphic Design, it was envisioned that this occupational program would serve students who wished to enter the job market with both creative and technical skills. But it was also meant to serve those who wanted to transfer to a four-year program. The relationship between Mott and UMF has most recently afforded students the opportunity to continue to advance their studies beyond a rigorous program at Mott and onto a professional Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communications at UMF.

Over the last 10 years, there has been a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect between graphic design faculty at both institutions regarding the educational opportunities for our students. We are pleased to report that graduates of both programs have gone on to successfully contribute to their local community and beyond.