Photo Credit: Ashley Story
College for Creative Studies has named Allison J. Puff as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, effective July 15, 2026.

###DETROIT, Mich., April 30, 2026 – The College for Creative Studies (CCS) has named Allison J. Puff as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the institution’s chief academic officer. Puff brings a distinguished record of academic leadership, most recently serving as Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs and Interim Co-President at the Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI).

Puff is an educator and academic leader who has spent her career at the intersection of creative practice and higher education. She is recognized for her ability to navigate institutional change, align academic priorities with strategic enrollment and retention strategies, and champion inclusive student-centered practices. As CCS’s Provost, Puff will lead the institution’s academic vision, strategy, and operations, overseeing all degree-granting majors, academic departments, and student success resources.

CCS President Don Tuski shared, “The CCS community is thrilled to have Allison Puff join CCS as Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. Allison brings an amazing array of skills and abilities to CCS at a critical time for us. I am looking forward to working with her on many initiatives.”

At KCAI, Puff co-led the institution through a strategic transition and oversaw a $13M+ academic budget. Under her leadership, KCAI achieved record enrollment for the 2024–2026 academic cycles and improved first-year fall-to-spring retention from 90.4% to 93.5%. She developed the initial vision for KCAI’s Art+Design Labs, guiding its implementation and contributing to a 450% increase in non-credit offerings. Prior to KCAI, Puff held numerous leadership roles at Farmingdale State College, the largest of the State University of New York’s (SUNY) applied science and technology colleges.

“I’m excited to join the College for Creative Studies at such an important moment,” said Puff. “CCS’s commitment to access and opportunity, combined with the strength of its academic programs, creates a powerful foundation for what creative education can be. I’m looking forward to working with faculty, staff, and students to build on that momentum.”

Over the past three years, CCS has aggressively expanded its mission to inspire creative potential across all backgrounds. Key initiatives include accelerated bachelor of arts programs for creative business careers, new transfer pathways, expanded experiential learning, and its Apple Academy partnership. Puff’s leadership will be instrumental in sustaining this momentum as CCS enters its next phase of transformation.

Puff earned an MFA in Illustration as Visual Essay from The School of Visual Arts and undergraduate degrees in English and Communication, and Illustration. She is the recipient of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, the Farmingdale Foundation Award for Excellence in Teaching, and a Faculty Leadership Award at Farmingdale State College. Her professional service has included national leadership roles with the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) National Design Educators Community and the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum Education Board.

ABOUT THE COLLEGE FOR CREATIVE STUDIES
The College for Creative Studies (CCS) is a nonprofit, private college accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and authorized by the Michigan Education Department to grant Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. CCS, located in midtown Detroit, strives to provide students with the tools needed for successful careers in the dynamic and growing creative industries. CCS fosters students’ resolve to pursue excellence, act ethically, engage their responsibilities as citizens, and learn throughout their lives. With world-class faculty and unsurpassed facilities, students learn to be visual communicators who actively use art and design toward the betterment of society. The College is a major supplier of talent to numerous industries, such as transportation, film and animation, advertising and communications, consumer electronics, athletic apparel, and many more. Its graduates are exhibiting artists and teachers, design problem solvers and innovators, as well as creative leaders in business.

These alumni use their skills to serve others, share important information, and affect change in their local and state governments

The stories and artistic expressions presented here are a testament to the diverse and independent careers of our alumni. They do not constitute an endorsement, reflection, or representation of the institutional opinions or principles held by the College for Creative Studies.

Leading by Example

As a State Representative for Michigan’s 13th House District, Mai Xiong, ’07 Communication Design & Strategy, still uses the skills she learned at CCS nearly 20 years later in her role as an elected official.

“CCS taught me how to think creatively, approach problems from different perspectives and develop real-world solutions.”

In her current role, Xiong serves residents of Roseville, St. Clair Shores and Warren, working on legislation that improves their quality of life. Her communications and digital marketing background help her stay connected with constituents and make policy more accessible. “Finding creative ways to communicate is a powerful tool because when people understand policy, they can help shape solutions that truly improve our lives,” she said.

State Representative Mai Xiong writes on a blue sheet of paper while seated in the Michigan House chamber.

Every Vote Counts

Voting is one the best ways to make your voice heard, and these creatives are communicating that message through their art. Ndubisi Okoye, ’15 Communication Design & Strategy, painted a colorful “Vote” mural on the ACLU Michigan building in Detroit, as part of their “Your Vote Matters” campaign. Sean Peacock, ’22 Illustration, was tapped by Merch Aid — a social enterprise that pairs creatives with nonprofit organizations to design fundraising merchandise — to make a Michigan-inspired design for their “Get Out the Vote” swing states campaign. Peacock highlighted the workers powering Michigan’s automotive industry as well as the United Auto Workers union.

“Laborers in all industries, unionized or not, had a lot riding on the 2024 election, so I wanted them to be the stars of this piece.”

His design was on shirts and posters, available for sale on Merch Aid’s website. All profits were donated to the nonprofit.

Illustration by Sean Peacock featuring Michigan auto workers and large letters spelling VOTE.

When We All Vote

From the big screen to the Capitol Julia Pickett, ’14 Photography, has proven that using pop culture as a vehicle for political messages can help people feel more connected to their legislators. In 2023, Pickett, who is the Digital and Creative Director for the Executive Office of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, created the “Governor Barbie” social media campaign. A Barbie doll, lovingly dubbed “Lil Gretch,” was used to share Gov. Whitmer’s policies while nodding to the 2023 Barbie film. Every detail, Pickett says (the fuchsia pantsuit, matching lipstick and Michigan necklace, to name a few), was made to capture Gov. Whitmer’s style and work.

“Governor Barbie gave us a way to highlight real policies and accomplishments in a way that people wanted to share and talk about it.”

Indeed, Lil Gretch gained both local and national recognition, and the campaign won Pickett and her colleagues a Shorty Award. When planning content for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office, Julia Pickett says authenticity drives everything she does. “Governor Whitmer has such a relatable, direct way of connecting with people, and my job is to make sure that shines through online,” she said.

Lil Gretch Barbie doll stands behind a podium displaying a "Make it in Michigan" sign.
Lil Gretch Barbie doll signs papers beside a stack of pink folders.

Designing for Community

Ivonne Serrano, ’22 Communication Design & Strategy, Visual Communications Designer for the Executive Office of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, made the above graphic for a social media series explaining how tariffs impact individuals at every stage of life, such as when becoming parents. “This graphic was a way to say, ‘We hear you and we understand,’” Serrano said.

“This graphic was a way to say, ‘We hear you and we understand.”

“We also wanted to reassure families that while we can’t control tariffs, Michigan is still providing support through programs to help with the burden.”

Graphic by Ivonne Serrano illustrating the impact of tariffs on new parents, with rising prices and common baby expenses.

Humanity at its Core

Throughout her career, Leila Matta, ’01 Communication Design & Strategy, has led with a “human-centered design” approach. “Human-centered design is a problem-solving technique that puts people at the center of the process, enabling us to create products and services that resonate and are tailored to our users’ needs,” Matta said. Today, she is one of the federal government’s first human-centered design strategists, working for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Innovation and Design for Enhanced Adjudication office. There, Matta has led user research initiatives and formed spaces for designers across divisions to connect.

The College for Creative Studies Mourns the Loss of Board of Trustees Member and Detroit Fashion Legend, Linda Dresner. Linda passed away on March 30, 2026.

As a longtime member of both the Board of Trustees and the Fashion Advisory Council at the College for Creative Studies, Detroit native Linda Dresner did more than advise; she championed the future of design. Her belief in the transformative power of education lives on through the Linda Dresner Endowed Chair, ensuring the support of the College’s Fashion Design program and its chair position in perpetuity.

Linda spent four decades as a visionary in the fashion industry running two influential, avant-garde boutiques in Birmingham, Michigan and New York City. She embodied the very core of CCS: a rare combination of fearless creativity and flawless craft.

Her work in fashion retail has been lauded by many. In a 2021 New York Times piece about her, Ikram Goldman, owner of the Chicago boutique Ikram, was quoted as saying: “For her, it wasn’t about clothes. It’s about the hunt of discovering that next talent. To me, that was her magic. That was her special sauce. She was always after the hunt and always had her ears and eyes so wide open so as not to miss anything or anyone.”

CCS President Don Tuski said, “Linda’s fashion industry insight was highly valued by myself and the CCS Board of Trustees. Her support to the college and fashion program was immense and she will never be forgotten, and her astute advice missed greatly.”

“Linda Dresner was a Detroit visionary with a global reach. She was not only a tremendous supporter of CCS and its students, but also a dear friend.” said Aki Choklat, the Linda Dresner Endowed Chair of Fashion Design. “Her legacy and name will always be connected to our fashion family. I miss my weekly visits to her shop, where she would make me a coffee and we would talk about the latest shows. I miss her dearly.”

Linda was the beloved wife of Edward C. Levy Jr. Cherished mother of Mark (Rena) Lewis and Steven (Amy Jo Miller) Lewis. Treasured grandmother of Samantha Lewis (Leo Reap), Lauren Lewis (Connor Flanigan), Ryan Lewis, and Alex Lewis. Adoring great-grandmother of Noah Lewis-Reap and Ava Lewis-Reap. Loving sister of Tisha Roth and the late Richard Varkle.

A service honoring Linda’s life will be held on Monday, April 6, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Ira Kaufman Chapel. Those wishing to further honor the memory of Linda Dresner may do so by making a contribution to the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD).

We invite you to honor Linda Dresner’s legacy by supporting her lifelong commitment to creativity and the next generation of designers. Your gift to the Linda Dresner Endowed Chair in Fashion Design carries forward her vision and ensures lasting impact.

Echoes: CCS Alumni Voices in Clay brings five decades of CCS ceramics alumni to the international convening.

As the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) holds its first-ever conference in Detroit, the College for Creative Studies (CCS) presents Echoes: CCS Alumni Voices in Clay, an exhibition featuring over 30 CCS Ceramics alumni, on view March 20 – April 18, 2026, at Charach Family Galleries (formerly Center Galleries), located at 301 Frederick St.

While NCECA previously convened in Michigan in 1967 at Michigan State University in East Lansing, the 2026 gathering marks the organization’s first conference hosted in Detroit and is expected to bring thousands of ceramic artists, curators, collectors, and educators to the region for exhibitions, lectures, and citywide programming.

Bringing together alumni spanning more than five decades, Echoes highlights the national reach and evolving influence of ceramics at CCS. The exhibition reflects how CCS-trained artists continue to expand contemporary ceramics through sculptural experimentation, hybrid material practices, and interdisciplinary approaches to clay. It is part of a broader network of NCECA exhibitions and cultural programming taking place across institutions and galleries in Detroit.

“With Detroit hosting NCECA for the first time, Echoes is both a recognition of the generations of artists who have shaped contemporary ceramics and a celebration of the CCS alumni who continue to expand its language,” said Claire Thibodeau, Assistant Professor, Studio Art and Craft, Section Lead of Ceramics at the College for Creative Studies.

“This exhibition reflects the depth and strength of Detroit’s creative community while highlighting the lasting impact of our graduates within the broader ceramics field.”

Featured artists include Laith Karmo (‘04), Hayden Allison Richer (‘15), Kenneth Baskin (‘02), Elysia Vandenbussche (‘11), Joy Kin (‘19), Emily Duke (‘09), Kaiser Suidan (‘93), Katie Bramlage (‘11), Kara Thomas (‘13), and Sean Evans (‘01), among others. The exhibition includes alumni graduating from the late 1970s through 2025, reflecting the program’s sustained contribution to contemporary ceramic arts practice.

Exhibition Details Echoes: CCS Alumni Voices in Clay March 20 – April 18, 2026

Hours Tuesday–Saturday, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm; Extended hours during NCECA conference (March 25-28) Charach Family Galleries (formerly Center Galleries) 301 Frederick St., Detroit, MI 48202

Participating Artists Kenneth Baskin (‘02), Chrys Bonnay Lewis (‘10), Alexis Bratto (‘19), Katie Bramlage (‘11), Hailey Callahan (‘20), Emma Doppel (‘24), Emily Duke (‘09), Anna Edry (‘25), Jaminely Emmanuelli (‘19), John Gargano (‘92), Brett Gray (‘10), Steven Johnson (‘17), Laith Karmo (‘04), Karen Katanick (‘78), Joy Kin (‘19), Thea Lavender (‘24), Emily LoPresto (‘15), Melissa Mytty (‘04), Jane Plieth (‘14), Hayden Allison Richer (‘15), Drew Siering (‘24), Janelle Songer (‘08), Kaiser Suidan (‘93), Travis Grant Taylor (‘14), Kara Thomas (‘13), Karleigh Thompson (‘14, Fine Arts), Leilani Trinka (‘92), Elysia Vandenbussche (‘11), Bobby Veresan (‘20), Kailani Wolfe (‘25), Pierpaolo Zaldana (‘23, Illustration), Tyler Zibkowski (‘19), and Sean Evans (‘01).

About the NCECA NCECA supports and advances the field of ceramics by fostering education, research, and creative exchange within the global clay community. The organization’s annual conference is the largest international convening dedicated to contemporary ceramic art and education, advancing the field through exhibitions, scholarship, and professional development.

CCS announced today that it has earned the 2026-2027 Military Friendly® Schools Designation recognized as a Silver School and a Spouse Friendly School.

Institutions earning the Military Friendly Schools® designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. Over 3,200 companies participated in the Military Friendly® survey.

Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by consultation with the Military Friendly®, in Military Friendly® Advisory Council, a group of independent leaders in the military community. Final ratings were determined by combining an organization’s survey score, public data, and an assessment of the institution’s ability to meet and exceed thresholds for student recruitment, retention, academic progress, graduation rates, career placement, and support services for veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses.

CCS earned a silver rating and the College’s profile can be found here https://www.militaryfriendly.com/school-profile/?sid=420

“Earning the Military Friendly® designation is more than a badge of honor; it is a reflection of an institution’s deep-rooted values and strategic commitment to those who served. These schools don’t just open doors for veterans and military spouses, they build sustainable pathways for academic success and long-term impact. Their support is transformative, proving that investing in military-connected students is both a moral imperative and a standard for educational excellence.” — Kayla Lopez, Vice President of Memberships, Military Friendly®

CCS will be showcased in the 2026-2027 Guide to Schools® in the April issue of Military Friendly G.I. Jobs ® magazine and on MilitaryFriendly.com.

Military Friendly® is the standard that measures an organization’s commitment, effort, and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community. Over 3,200 organizations compete annually for the Military Friendly Schools® designation. Military Friendly® is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business. Military Friendly® is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or the federal government. Results are produced via a rules-based algorithm. The data-driven Military Friendly® lists and methodology can be found at https://www.militaryfriendly.com

CCS alumnus Paul Mobley will be honored at a special evening conversation with CCS President Donald L. Tuski.

On Thursday, March 26, at 5:30 p.m., the College for Creative Studies is pleased to welcome renowned portrait photographer and CCS alumnus Paul Mobley (Photography, 1983) as the Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts recipient for a special evening conversation with CCS President Don Tuski.

Paul Mobley is an American portrait photographer celebrated for creating intimate, timeless images that reveal the personality and spirit of his subjects. His commercial work spans corporate, editorial, and advertising photography, with clients ranging from major brands such as Apple, Microsoft, Ford, and American Express to celebrities and entertainers in film, comedy, and music. His portraiture is known for its emotional depth and authenticity, achieved through his ability to quickly connect with people of all walks of life.

“We are honored to welcome Paul Mobley back to CCS to receive an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts,” said Don Tuski, President, College for Creative Studies.

“His distinguished career in portrait photography and his commitment to documenting everyday Americans living extraordinary lives make him an inspiring figure for our students and the broader creative community.”

The event marks a significant milestone in CCS’s 120th anniversary celebrations, as the college honors distinguished alumni who have shaped their industries and exemplify the college’s legacy of producing world-class creative talent.

Mobley trained at CCSin Detroit and then moved to New York City, where he studied portraiture and assisted renowned photographers, including Annie Leibovitz and David Langley, before launching his own career.

“My time at CCS shaped everything about how I approach photography,” said Mobley. “I learned to focus on concept and storytelling, not just technique. The experience of honest critiques, experimentation, and risk-taking in those early years still influences my creative process today. Receiving this honor from the institution that launched my career is a powerful reminder of the impact great teaching can have — and the responsibility to pass that forward.”

In addition to commercial assignments, Mobley is widely recognized for his long-form personal projects and photography books. His first major project, American Farmer, became a touring exhibition and book that captured the lives of U.S. farmers and traveled for seven years, reaching over 500,000 people. Other notable projects include Everyday Heroes — portraits of Americans dedicated to helping others; If I Live to Be 100 — intimate portraits of centenarians from all 50 states; and American Firefighter — portraits and stories of firefighters across the country. These bodies of work reflect his deep interest in everyday people leading extraordinary lives and his commitment to storytelling through images.

Mobley’s If I Live to Be 100 project will be developed into a traveling exhibition and national museum tour by International Arts and Artists. The exhibition features full-scale portraits of remarkable Americans who have celebrated their 100th birthdays.

He has also served as a keynote speaker, sharing insights on creativity, connection, and the art of portraiture with audiences worldwide.

The event will culminate in the presentation of an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts, awarded to Mobley by CCS President Don Tuski. Mobley joins a distinguished group of CCS Honorary Doctorate recipients, including automotive design leader Michael Simcoe, architect Suchi Reddy, and artist Kevin Beasley, among others.

The evening will include a 90-minute conversation between Mobley and President Tuski, exploring Mobley’s formative years at CCS and his distinguished career in portrait photography, followed by an audience Q&A.

This lecture is presented in partnership with Fujifilm. Fujifilm representatives will be on site throughout the evening to showcase new products and answer questions.

The event is free and open to the public. Registration is required at Eventbrite. Free parking is available in CCS’s Brush Street parking structure. To see more of Paul’s work, visit paulmobleystudio.com.

Seven events bring together global voices and emerging talent to examine design’s impact on people, products, and the planet.

The College for Creative Studies (CCS), announces its Winter 2026 programming, a four-month series of exhibitions, lectures, and showcases exploring sustainability, material innovation, and the evolving role of designers in shaping the future. From alumni exhibitions to international collaborations, the season highlights how CCS is preparing the next generation of artists and designers to integrate environmental responsibility and creative innovation across disciplines.

https://www.ccsdetroit.edu/community-outreach-and-engagement/speakers-exhibitions/

Winter 2026 Programming

Valade Speaker Series: In the Realm of Lightning, Rajni Perera & Nep Sidhu

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Wendell W. Anderson, Jr. Auditorium (301 Frederick St) As part of the Valade Speaker Series, CCS presents an intimate look into the shared creative trajectory of artists Rajni Perera and Nep Sidhu. Drawing from their working-class migrant backgrounds, the duo explores the intersection of spiritual community and cosmic mythmaking that defined their landmark 2021 collaborative exhibition, In The Realm of Lightning. During this exchange, the artists will discuss their unique makership and the evolution of their distinctive material forms, offering insight into their practices as both individual creators and lifelong collaborators.

NCECA National Juried Student Exhibition

Friday, March 6 – Saturday, April 4, 2026 Reception: Thursday, March 26, 6–9 p.m. | Valade Family Gallery, A. Alfred Taubman Center for Design Education (460 W Baltimore St.) The NCECA Juried Student Exhibition showcases innovative ceramic works by emerging artists from undergraduate, graduate, and post-baccalaureate programs across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Highlighting the next generation of ceramic talent, the exhibition celebrates creativity, technical skill, and contemporary perspectives within the field of ceramic art. The 2026 NCECA Juried Student Exhibition is in partnership with the NCECA National Conference 2026

Toyota Lecture Series Industry Exposition

Thursday, March 19, 2026 | 4:00-9:00 p.m. | Wendell W. Anderson, Jr. Auditorium (201 E Kirby) CCS’s popular multi-day lecture series brings nationally recognized artists and designers to Detroit for public presentations, coinciding with Industry Day, when Entertainment Arts and Illustration students showcase their graduating work to industry professionals and recruiters. The well-attended event offers public access to both established creative leaders and emerging student talent. Speakers include Rachelle Baker, Brandon Bidleman, Gian Galang, Eric Goldberg, Charlie Griak, Andrés Parada, Lydia Zanotti

Echoes: CCS Alumni Voices in Clay

Friday, March 20 – Saturday, April 18, 2026 Opening Reception: Friday, March 20, 5–8 p.m. | Charach Family Galleries (formerly Center Galleries) 301 Frederick St Echoes gathers work by CCS Ceramics alumni whose practices continue to expand the field of contemporary ceramics. The exhibition demonstrates how their approaches reflect both continuity and change, shaped in part by their CCS education but equally by the personal experiences, cultural influences, and creative communities that inform their work today.

Woodward Lecture Series: Adebunmi Gbadebo in Conversation with Ashara Ekundayo

Tuesday, March 24, 2026 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Wendell W. Anderson, Jr. Auditorium (301 Frederick St) Adebunmi Gbadebo’s practice engages with the histories embedded in land, material, and matter, using her work as a form of living archive. In this Woodward Lecture Series conversation with curator Ashara Ekundayo, she will explore how uncovering these traces allows her to connect with memory, ancestry, and the stories carried within the land itself. This conversation is presented in partnership with Artist As First Responder.

An Evening with Photographer Paul Mobley: In Conversation with President Don Tuski

Thursday, March 26, 2026 | 5:30-7:00 p.m. | Wendell W. Anderson, Jr. Auditorium (201 E Kirby) CCS will host an evening conversation and original talk exploring the work and career of photographer Paul Mobley.

Woodward Lecture Series: Loris Gréaud

Monday, April 6th | 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. | General Motors Auditorium, Taubman Center for Design Education (460 W. Baltimore) Loris Gréaud is an internationally acclaimed artist whose practice constructs immersive environments that blur the boundaries between fiction and reality, collapsing physical and mental spaces through elements such as rumor, poetry, architecture, and self-negation. In this talk, Gréaud will discuss his broader body of work while focusing on CORTICAL, an ongoing cycle developed in collaboration with international partner institutions, including the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, the Petit Palais, the MAH in Geneva, and the Théâtre du Châtelet.

2026 Student Exhibition

Friday, May 15 – Friday, May 29, 2026 Opening Reception: Friday, May 15 | College for Creative Studies Campus (201 E. Kirby St.) Each year, the College for Creative Studies celebrates the talent and achievements of its students with the annual Student Exhibition, featuring thousands of original works across art and design disciplines. Artwork will be available for purchase, with all proceeds directly supporting the student artists as they launch their creative careers.

States in Play: MdW All Partners Exhibition

Monday, June 22 – Saturday, June 27, 2026 | Valade Family Gallery, A. Alfred Taubman Center for Design Education (460 W. Baltimore St) The States in Play: MdW All Partners exhibition at the College for Creative Studies brings together a network of artist-run and community-centered initiatives that form the backbone of the Midwest’s independent art landscape. This exhibition foregrounds collaboration as both method and ethos—an exploration of how collective action, shared resources, and mutual support can sustain artistic practice beyond traditional institutional frameworks. Central to the presentation is the recognition of artist-led organizations working together to plan and shape MdW, emphasizing the power of cooperative organizing in building lasting cultural infrastructure. Participating partners present a constellation of approaches that reflect the region’s dynamic, interdependent creative ecology.

ABOUT THE COLLEGE FOR CREATIVE STUDIES The College for Creative Studies (CCS) is a nonprofit, private college accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and authorized by the Michigan Education Department to grant Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. CCS, located in midtown Detroit, strives to provide students with the tools needed for successful careers in the dynamic and growing creative industries. CCS fosters students’ resolve to pursue excellence, act ethically, engage their responsibilities as citizens, and learn throughout their lives. With world-class faculty and unsurpassed facilities, students learn to be visual communicators who actively use art and design toward the betterment of society. The College is a major supplier of talent to numerous industries, such as transportation, film and animation, advertising and communications, consumer electronics, athletic apparel, and many more. Its graduates are exhibiting artists and teachers, design problem solvers and innovators, as well as creative leaders in business.

The Entertainment Arts department is launching two new initiatives this Fall – an in-house render farm and a debut on the mega video game platform, Steam. These latest efforts showcase the College’s commitment to fostering equitable and collaborative innovation, providing students with the resources they need to thrive in the creative space.

Render Farm Upgrade

Ever wonder why an animated film takes so long to make? A single 3-minute animated episode requires roughly 2,160 hours of render time – a critical, yet time-consuming part of the process that consists of a computer processing 3D and 2D data into a final image or sequence of images. For College for Creative Studies students, this can mean days spent waiting for projects to render, tying up valuable computer lab space and time that could be spent on the creative process.

Dylan VanWormer, a CCS Entertainment Arts Assistant Professor, noticed that the lengthy rendering times for students posed a problem in their creative process, in addition to tying up valuable computer space. These observations inspired Dylan to find a unique solution that would lead him to collaborate with the CCS IT department.

“By removing those bottlenecks, I wanted to help students expand the scope of their projects while also reducing stress during the creative process,” explained Dylan. “At the same time, I designed the system with ease of deployment and maintenance in mind, so our IT team could keep things running smoothly without adding unnecessary overhead.”

The new rendering application was created to leverage the 3D rendering capabilities of the computers already on the CCS campus. Dylan partnered closely with CCS’s IT department to ensure the system was efficient and scalable. IT’s expertise was crucial in seamlessly integrating existing hardware on campus.

The ability to render single images of 3D animation across multiple computers is integral to the 3D animation industry, and Dylan’s program allows CCS to do this across all of the PCs on campus. This is often referred to as a Render Farm. Previously, CCS was using an application that cost thousands of dollars each year. Dylan’s application has allowed IT to cancel that subscription and utilize his program.

The result is an internal render farm that distributes Maya/Arnold and Blender jobs (industry-standard 3D software) across all available campus workstations, giving students access to powerful rendering resources.

www.ccsdetroit.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/CA9A1349-1_updated.jpg Entertainment Arts Assistant Professor Dylan VanWormer & Enterprise Systems Administrator IT Services, Samuel Sizemore, in the new CCS render farm.

CCS has a wealth of computing power across campus, with high-performance workstations that often sit idle overnight. The new CCS render farm includes:

  • 30 Dedicated Nodes at the Taubman Center. These machines are only used for rendering and are never interrupted.
  • 50+ Shared Workstations located at the Taubman Center in the Transportation Design and Product Design labs, available for rendering use during off-hours
  • 50+ Shared Workstations located on the Ford campus in the Entertainment Arts labs, also available for rendering use during off-hours.

David Gazdowicz, Chair of Entertainment, has seen the need for a working render farm for many years. Adding that they have always had the support from IT, but the original pipeline was complex and had many roadblocks for students.

“Dylan is amazing to take the initiative to work on solving a problem that we had been facing for a long time. His solution makes it an easier process for students, and it’s scalable. Our previous render farm tools would have been excessively pricey to scale to the level that we are now able to work at, for basically free (not including the hardware). Students will be able to save a ton of time in the render process. Also, this will free up workstations in computer labs so that the rendering process does not lock down computers for long periods of time. I can see this being a jumpstart for larger, more robust animated 3D films being produced here at CCS.”

www.ccsdetroit.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/CA9A1371.jpg Entertainment Arts Chair, David Gazdowicz overlooks a CCS Entertainment Arts classroom.

Launching on Steam

Launching in October 2025, CCS Game Design students will showcase a curated selection of their video games on the mega gaming platform, Steam. Steam currently houses nearly 30,000 video games for game enthusiasts to enjoy.

The EA department will feature games from their Game Projects course that have been developed to the point of releasability. Game Projects is a course that operates like a game studio where ideas are pitched, developed and then produced. Students work in teams, taking on individual roles similar to a real-world experience of working at a game studio and learning what it takes to bring a game to market. All games will be released for free on the Steam platform.

“Steam is the leading sales platform on PC, and anyone who plays games on PC uses it,” said Chase Holton, Assistant Professor of Entertainment Arts. “By having a free, easily accessible and trusted source to showcase CCS game student work in a real, tangible way, it will help future employers see their work in context. It’s a fantastic opportunity for a portfolio piece that directly translates skill sets into real-world experience.”

To play Entertainment Arts student games on Steam, please visit https://store.steampowered.com/app/4037320/Corporate_Cupid/.

To learn more about the Entertainment Arts department, please visit https://www.ccsdetroit.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/entertainment-arts/.

The College for Creative Studies expands its User Experience and Color & Materials Design programs to include the College’s first online and part-time graduate programs, better serving designers seeking opportunities in this growing field.

Detroit, MI, October 17, 2025 – College for Creative Studies (CCS) is proud to announce the launch of new online and part-time graduate degrees in User Experience (UX) Design and Color & Materials Design (CMD). These programs are designed to make high-quality art and design education more accessible to working professionals and those seeking flexible learning options in the rapidly growing fields of UX and Color, Materials and Finish (CMF) Design. The new offerings complement a strong portfolio of existing full-time graduate programs at CCS, including: Color & Materials Design (MFA), Design for Sustainability (MA/MFA), Interdisciplinary Design & Media (MA/MFA), Transportation Design (MA/MFA), and User Experience Design (MFA).

“The MPS and part-time MA curriculum additions mark a significant step in CCS’s commitment to accessible education,” said Carla Gonzalez, Dean of Enrollment at CCS. “We understand the evolving demands of today’s professional landscape, and these options were designed to provide working professionals with the cutting-edge skills they need to excel in their current and future roles. This is particularly relevant in fields like digital design, where, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of digital designers and web developers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2023 to 2033.”

The new online and part-time programming is a part of CCS’s graduate school:

  • Master of Professional Studies (MPS) User Experience Design, fully online (enrolling for Fall 2026)
  • Master of Arts (MA) User Experience Design, part-time in-person (enrolling for Fall 2026)
  • Master of Arts (MA) Color & Materials Design, part-time in-person (enrolling for Fall 2026)

With the increasing demand for UX and CMF professionals, CCS’s programs offer a unique pathway for individuals looking to advance their careers in design, technology, and user-centered solutions. The curriculum emphasizes ethically, socially, and environmentally responsible practices, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application. Graduates will be well-prepared to enter the workforce and make an impact in the fields of User Experience (UX), User Interface (UI), Color, Materials and Finish Design (CMF) and emerging technologies.

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Program Details

The MPS in UX Design is an 18-month, fully online program focused on developing skills in user-centered research, interface design, smart mobility, user testing, augmented reality, and data visualization. The program is designed for working professionals, offering an affordable and convenient option for students who need to balance their studies with life commitments.

The MA in UX Design is a two-year, part-time program that includes studio and research-based courses focusing on strategy and theory. The program foregrounds skills in design thinking, user-centered research, prototyping and communication. Here, students learn to design technologically-mediated systems, experiences, and human interactions with objects, spaces, and interfaces.

The MA in CMD is a two-year, part-time program that is the only accredited graduate-level CMF design program worldwide, attracting designers globally from the fields of product, transportation, fashion, interior, user experience, textile, and animation, as well as fine art, crafts, architecture, engineering, and the natural and social sciences. The curriculum prepares students to cultivate a mindset where forward-thinking color, material, and finish strategies are framed to connect functional and emotional meaning to products, environments, and experiences — with the understanding of user needs and preferences — across a wide range of industries.

Founded in 1906, CCS has distinguished itself as one of the premier institutions of higher learning in the world for more than a century. By offering these degrees online and in a part-time format, CCS is committed to breaking down barriers to education in the creative fields. CCS invites prospective students to learn more about these exciting new programs and how they can enhance their careers in design. For additional information, please visit www.ccsdetroit.edu.

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ABOUT THE COLLEGE FOR CREATIVE STUDIES The College for Creative Studies (CCS) is a nonprofit, private college accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and authorized by the Michigan Education Department to grant Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. CCS, located in midtown Detroit, strives to provide students with the tools needed for successful careers in the dynamic and growing creative industries. CCS fosters students’ resolve to pursue excellence, act ethically, engage their responsibilities as citizens, and learn throughout their lives. With world-class faculty and unsurpassed facilities, students learn to be visual communicators who actively use art and design toward the betterment of society. The College is a major supplier of talent to numerous industries, such as transportation, film and animation, advertising and communications, consumer electronics, athletic apparel, and many more. Its graduates are exhibiting artists and teachers, design problem solvers and innovators, as well as creative leaders in business.

Located in the heart of midtown Detroit, CCS’s prime location offers unparalleled opportunities for art and design collaboration. Our students have found countless ways to make a positive impact on local metro Detroit businesses through innovative art and design problem-solving.

Last year alone, CCS students collaborated to problem-solve timely topics for 15 metro Detroit businesses and nonprofit organizations. They addressed a range of issues in healthcare product design, sustainability, mobility, and even emerging augmented reality technology.

Embracing the city’s rich history of cultural and sporting events, students continue to participate in annual design competitions to create the newest posters for iconic Detroit events such as the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix Presented by Lear, the Movement Music Festival and the 313 Presents Pine Knob concert series.

Here’s a look at some of the partnerships:

  • Augmented Reality Center (ARC) in partnership with Oakland University x Communication Design & Strategy, Graduate User Experience Design and Entertainment Arts
  • Crain Communications – Automotive News x Illustration
  • 313 Presents x Illustration
  • Detroit Grand Prix x Illustration
  • GM x Transportation Design & Graduate User Experience Design
  • Godnii x Graduate Color & Materials Design
  • Hagopian Rug Competition x All Departments
  • State of Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification with support from the Global Epicenter of Mobility x Transportation Design
  • Zumiez and Somerset Collection x Illustration
  • BorgWarner x Product Design
  • Carhartt x Fashion Design
  • Henry Ford Health x Product Design
  • Changing Lives and Staying Sober (C.L.A.S.S.) x Interior Design and Graduate Color & Materials Design