Aspiring audio professionals in southeast Michigan just gained a direct path to earning a degree from Ferris State University, thanks to an exciting new agreement with the Audio Engineers of Detroit (AED). Under this partnership, students enrolled at AED can now earn credits that transfer seamlessly into Ferris State’s Television and Digital Media Production (TDMP) degree program, paving the way for them to further their education and careers in audio and digital media production.
Glen Okonoski, Director of Ferris State’s School of Digital Media, and Robin Kinnie, Chief Executive Officer and President of Audio Engineers of Detroit, spearheaded the collaboration. Their shared passion for fostering creative education began with discussions over the summer, facilitated by their mutual involvement in the Michigan Association of Broadcasters (MAB).
“We talked about the prospects of collaboration as their coursework provides an augmented level of training, specifically in audio content creation,” Okonoski said. “Our Bachelor of Science in Television and Digital Media Production allows students to start in the AED program, then continue and expand their training at Ferris.”
This agreement allows AED students to earn Ferris State credits and gives them access to a broader educational pathway. Students can transition from hands-on training in audio production at AED to an associate or bachelor’s degree through Ferris’ TDMP program.
Additionally, AED is developing online coursework, which could open even more doors for students studying on Ferris’ Big Rapids campus or remotely.
Okonoski also highlighted a potential expansion of Ferris State’s Broadcast Engineering minor, which could soon be offered to AED students in Detroit. “This aligns perfectly with President Bill Pink’s vision to recruit and engage more students from the Detroit market and its metropolitan area,” he added.
The TDMP program at Ferris State has a strong reputation for producing highly skilled graduates who excel in various sectors, including freelance media production, corporate video, and even award-winning entertainment. Notable alumni like Lindsay Pepper, a two-time Primetime Emmy winner and 2023 Golden Reel honoree for her foley artistry, exemplify the program’s legacy of excellence.
For Kinnie, the partnership is about more than just technical training. “At the heart of innovation is education, and by partnering with Ferris State University, we’re empowering the next generation of audio engineers in Detroit,” she said. “This collaboration isn’t just about teaching skills—it’s about unlocking potential, fostering creativity, and shaping the future of the music and technology industries.”
This groundbreaking partnership between Ferris State University and the Audio Engineers of Detroit represents a significant step forward for students looking to bridge the gap between their creative passions and career aspirations. By providing a clear pathway from hands-on training to advanced education, the agreement ensures that students are not only prepared to succeed but also equipped to lead in the fast-evolving fields of audio and digital media production.
As Detroit continues to thrive as a hub for music, technology, and innovation, collaborations like this one demonstrate the power of education to uplift and inspire the next generation of creative professionals.
