Specs Howard School of Media Arts to Become Part of Lawrence Technological University
Lawrence Technological University will become the new home of the Specs Howard School of Media Arts. Specs Howard has offered courses in radio and television broadcasting, graphic design, and digital media arts since 1970, and has graduated more than 15,000 alumni in these fields.
Lawrence Technological University has had a relationship with the Specs Howard School since 2004, when an agreement allowed Specs Howard students to transfer various coursework to LTU’s certificate and degree programs in media communication. Many students have taken advantage of that plan.
“Lawrence Tech is proud to continue the legacy that Jerry Liebman (aka Specs Howard) created over 51 years ago, relying on the extensive knowledge and experience that Dick Kernen brought to Specs Howard,” LTU President Virinder Moudgil said. “It is a fitting tribute to welcome an iconic program like Specs Howard on our campus. Lawrence Tech’s founders forged a path for technological innovation nearly 90 years ago, and Specs did the same with broadcasting, music, video and graphic design.”
Tarek Sobh, LTU’s chief academic officer and provost, added, “Our two respective organizations have great traditions and history. We will develop the new Specs Howard on the campus of Lawrence Tech with an innovative technological focus that will prepare our graduates for 21st century jobs in media arts.”
Some Specs Howard faculty are expected to be hired as adjuncts at LTU to help students complete their coursework and then take advantage of additional new degree opportunities. The students may use some of their Specs diploma credits at LTU to pursue associate’s or bachelor’s degrees in the media, technology, and design fields.
Specs Howard President Martin Liebman said, “Partnering with Lawrence Technological University makes perfect sense. Our long-standing relationship with LTU has built a foundation for a program that will help Specs Howard students go even further than before. I look forward to watching the students excel in their fields and continue to make us proud.”
The new relationship is intended to begin June 1, with existing Specs Howard students completing their current curricula. In fall 2021, new degree-specific classes for LTU Specs students will begin. Both current and new LTU Specs students will take their courses on LTU’s full service 107-acre campus in Southfield.
Sobh said that LTU is developing multiple academic tracks and potential pathways for the students and there will be abundant opportunities for them at LTU. “We will also work with Specs’ alumni and create programming and partnerships that celebrate and strengthen their connections to their fellow alumni and students,” he said.
Lawrence Tech has added several academic buildings and two new campus residential buildings in recent years and has sufficient studio, computing, and related spaces to host current Specs Howard students and recruit future LTU Specs students.