SHREVEPORT, La. — In a bold step toward expanding educational access and workforce readiness, BRF’s Digital Media Institute (DMI) and Northwestern State University of Louisiana (NSU) have announced a strategic academic partnership that creates a seamless bridge between two-year technical education and four-year fine arts degrees.
Beginning in Fall 2025, students will be able to pursue a newly integrated educational pathway that combines DMI’s Advertising & Design Associate of Applied Science (AAS) program with NSU’s Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts degree programs.
The partnership is designed to blend DMI’s industry-driven, hands-on curriculum with NSU’s established academic rigor in fine arts. Students at either institution can benefit from cross-enrollment opportunities, dual advising, and access to student services at both campuses.
“This collaboration is about creating more access and more opportunity for students in the visual arts and creative technology fields,” said Greg Nelson, Academic Director at DMI. “By combining our strengths—DMI’s technical specialization and NSU’s academic diversity—we’re preparing students not just for graduation, but for real careers in design, media, and advertising.”
Students who begin their studies at DMI will now have a clearly defined pathway to complete their general education requirements and continue into NSU’s four-year programs. Likewise, NSU students can now enhance their fine arts education through DMI’s accelerated and immersive design coursework.
The partnership is being promoted under the joint theme “Start Strong, Finish Fine,” emphasizing creative synergy, student flexibility, and real-world career readiness.
“This is a forward-thinking model for education,” said Dr. Leslie Gruesbeck, Department Chair and Associate Professor of Art at NSU. “It reflects how we should be preparing students in an evolving creative economy—flexibly, collaboratively and with a focus on real-world outcomes.”
This academic collaboration enhances workforce readiness by offering students multiple entry points into the job market. Those who complete the two-year AAS program at DMI will graduate with competitive portfolios and industry-recognized credentials, while others may choose to continue on to earn their bachelor’s degree at NSU.
About Digital Media Institute (DMI)
Located in Shreveport, Louisiana, DMI specializes in accelerated training programs in digital design, animation, and media production. As a division of BRF, DMI supports economic development in North Louisiana through creative workforce development programs aligned with industry needs.
About Northwestern State University (NSU)
Established in 1884, NSU is a public university serving students across Louisiana and beyond. It offers a wide array of academic programs, including a robust fine arts curriculum through its College of Arts and Sciences.
For more information and enrollment details, visit: dmi.edu/nsula
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