Michigan’s First and Only HBCU Makes Waves in the Design Industry
Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design is an exceptional institution for prospective students who are interested in pursuing a career full of exciting opportunities in the realms of footwear, apparel and material design.
When it comes to HBCUs in Michigan, Detroit’s Pensole Lewis College is known for its cutting-edge design programs led by highly skilled faculty who are some of the design industry’s best.
The school operates with an apprentice-like model, making it a top choice for students looking to gain the real-world knowledge and skills needed to succeed in design.
Currently structured as a series of masterclasses, Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design partners with leading fashion brands to create in-depth programs that allow students to have direct connection to employment afterwards. The school’s range of program partners include major brands such as Jordan, Dreamville, Puma, Carhartt and Levi’s. Students are encouraged to explore their creativity and develop their own unique styles, giving them a competitive edge as they enter the job market.
At Pensole, students have the opportunity to work on real projects for clients, attend industry events and conferences, and participate in internships with leading companies in their field. These experiences not only give students practical skills and knowledge, but also help them build a strong professional network. Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design is an excellent choice for prospective students who are interested in sowing seeds of impact in product creation industries.
Pensole college is the first ever re-opened HBCU, the only HBCU that focuses exclusively on design and the only HBCU in Michigan. In its latest form, the school has become most well known for its curriculum in footwear design, which allows students to gain specialized knowledge and skills in this field. The president and founder of Pensole is Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, a footwear designer known for his 10 year tenure as Design Director at Nike.
In recent news, Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design has continued its trailblazing spirit, opening the first Black-owned footwear factory in America in partnership with Designer Brands Inc (DSW’s parent company). In a statement made at a recent press conference, Bill Jordan, president of Designer Brands, remarked that the factory signified a “major achievement” in improving the inclusion of people of color in the footwear and design industries.