July 7, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Digital Media Institute and Northwestern State University announce strategic academic partnership
SHREVEPORT, LA – – BRF’s Digital Media Institute (DMI) and Northwestern State University of Louisiana (NSU) are proud to announce a groundbreaking academic partnership that bridges the gap between two-year technical education and four-year fine arts degrees. Beginning in Fall 2025, students will have the opportunity to pursue an innovative educational pathway that blends DMI’s industry-driven Advertising & Design Associate of Applied Science (AAS) program with NSU’s established Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts programs.
This new partnership offers students at NSU the option to focus their Fine Arts studies through DMI’s intensive, hands-on design curriculum. At the same time, students who begin their education at DMI will now be able to complete their general education coursework through NSU and have a clear, seamless path to transfer into NSU’s four-year degree programs.
“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 will benefit from dual advising, coordinated academic calendars, and access to the full range of student services at both institutions. The partnership also includes a joint marketing initiative under the theme “Start Strong, Finish Fine,” highlighting fine arts and the creative and academic synergy between the two schools.
“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.”
The partnership also enhances workforce readiness by allowing students to enter the job market after two years with a competitive portfolio and industry credentials from DMI, while also supporting those who want to continue their education by pursuing advanced studies at NSU.
About Digital Media Institute (DMI)
Located in Shreveport, Louisiana, DMI specializes in accelerated programs in digital design, animation, and media production. Its mission is to provide cutting-edge training aligned with today’s creative industries. DMI is a division of BRF, an economic development organization with science and technology-based workforce development programs and several other initiatives to grow and diversify the economy of North Louisiana.
About Northwestern State University (NSU)
Founded in 1884, Northwestern State is a public university that serves students across Louisiana and beyond, offering a broad range of academic programs, including a robust Fine Arts curriculum housed within the College of Arts and Sciences.
For more information on enrollment and program details, visit: https://dmi.edu/nsula/
Media Contact:
DMI: Ed Walsh ([email protected])
Romph and Pou Agency
(318)-465-0138
NSU: Leah Jackson ([email protected])
Director of Public Information and Media Relations
Northwestern State University
(318) 357-4553