March 7, 2025
Ferris State exploring expansion of programs in West Michigan as KCAD transitions to become university’s art and design college
Ferris State University’s presence in Grand Rapids will continue to grow in the years to come, with buildings housing Ferris State’s Kendall College of Art and Design serving as a home for that storied college -- as well as additional opportunities for students in programs from across the university.
Ferris State announced earlier this academic year that KCAD will transition to become the art and design college of Ferris State University, and campus leaders are working to align academics and operations. KCAD merged with Ferris State in 2001, but in many ways, it has operated separately, similar to a branch campus with many different operating practices.
Ferris State President Bill Pink said college leaders are exploring how the KCAD sites can also serve as a more complete extension of the opportunities provided at the Big Rapids campus in addition to continuing the work of KCAD.
“We are focused on raising our university’s profile in West Michigan, and that centers around the work in Grand Rapids,” Pink said. “Ferris State will be focused on West Michigan more than ever. The Bulldog will become more prominent, and Grand Rapids will see more of crimson and gold in more places as we extend our partnerships throughout the city and region.”
Pink said Ferris State continues to offer more opportunities for students and community and industry partners in the Grand Rapids area.
The move fits with the university’s “One Ferris State” philosophy, with several locations with a shared mission and approach.
He said the Kendall name, attached to the school for nearly 100 years, will remain with the college.
“It’s not unusual for colleges within universities to have names of their own,” Pink said. “Ferris State’s KCAD has been one of the very best design programs in the state for nearly a century. The Kendall name has long been synonymous with excellent design, innovation and education. We’re proud of KCAD’s history, and even prouder that it will move forward as an important part of Ferris State.”
KCAD, with about 600 students, is located in the 17 Fountain Street building and the Woodbridge N. Ferris Building at 17 Pearl Street.
The 17 Fountain Street building also became home to the Grand Rapids Student Success Hub in the fall, making it easier for West Michigan students of all ages to have better access to Ferris State services and support resources.
The university also offers programs in Grand Rapids through the College of Pharmacy located nearby in the city’s Medical Mile, and a variety of programs provided through a partnership with Grand Rapids Community College.
Pink said it also is increasingly likely that KCAD programs will be offered in multiple locations as part of the transition.
As Ferris State’s arts and design college, programs now taught in Grand Rapids could be offered as well in Big Rapids, with the opportunity for classes existing only at the northern campus to also find a place in Grand Rapids.
KCAD was founded in 1928 as a private art academy. David Wolcott Kendall was a nationally known furniture designer as the city was growing into the center of the industry. The David Wolcott Memorial School was established in 1928 by the will of Helen M. Kendall, his widow.
KCAD merged with Ferris State in 2001, but in many ways, the college has operated separately, similar to a branch campus with many different operating practices.
As part of the ongoing transition, Stephen Halko, who has been KCAD’s dean of Academic Affairs since 2021, will serve as interim dean for the college through the next academic year.
Halko has been a fulltime professor at KCAD since 2009, and in 2014 became chair of both the Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts Drawing programs. He served as vice president of the Kendall Faculty Association in 2015 until becoming the interim dean of Academic Affairs in 2019. He became dean of Academic Affairs in 2021.
“Stephen is a student-focused leader with tremendous experience in art design education,” Pink said. “I know he will do a great job moving this transition forward and ensuring students continue receiving and excellent KCAD education.”
KCAD President Tara McCrackin, is retiring in June after serving in the role for six years.
“Ms. McCrackin has been a champion for KCAD starting as a student then as a faculty member before becoming president,” Pink said. “I deeply appreciate her efforts to support students and keep KCAD positioned at the forefront of art and design education.”