O'More College of Design was a distinctive private institution in Franklin, Tennessee, renowned for its focus on practical, career-oriented education in the creative arts. Founded in 1970 by French designers Marie and Pierre O'More, the college drew inspiration from European design traditions while embracing American innovation. Located in the charming historic district of Franklin, just south of Nashville, O'More occupied a picturesque campus that blended Southern architecture with modern studios, providing an inspiring backdrop for artistic pursuits.
The college specialized in hands-on programs that prepared students for immediate entry into the design industry. Key offerings included Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in Interior Design, Fashion Merchandising, Graphic Design, Photography, and Fine Arts. With small class sizes—often under 15 students—instructors could offer personalized mentorship, fostering a tight-knit community of about 200 undergraduates. O'More emphasized real-world experience through internships, portfolio reviews, and collaborations with local firms in Nashville's growing creative sector.
Unfortunately, O'More College of Design announced its closure in March 2018, ceasing operations at the end of the academic year due to declining enrollment and financial pressures common in small liberal arts institutions. Its legacy endures through alumni who have excelled in design firms, interior studios, and fashion houses worldwide. For those interested in jobs at similar institutions, O'More's model highlights the appeal of teaching in specialized design colleges, where creativity meets education.
Franklin's location enhanced the college's appeal, with its proximity to Music City offering access to vibrant arts scenes, antique markets for inspiration, and a supportive community for design professionals. While no active jobs exist at O'More today, insights into its structure inform opportunities elsewhere in higher education.
Jobs at O'More College of Design typically revolved around its core mission of creative education. Faculty positions formed the backbone, with full-time professors leading departments like Interior Design and Graphic Design. These roles involved teaching studio courses, critiquing student work, and guiding capstone projects that resulted in professional portfolios. Adjunct instructors often filled part-time needs, bringing industry expertise to short-term courses on topics like digital illustration or textile design.
Administrative jobs included roles in admissions, where staff recruited passionate high school graduates; career services, matching students with internships at firms like Crate & Barrel or local Nashville agencies; and student affairs, organizing design showcases and field trips. Support positions such as studio technicians maintained equipment like sewing machines and large-format printers, while marketing staff promoted the college through events and social media.
Though the college is closed, understanding these roles helps job seekers target comparable positions. For more on types of positions available across universities, explore our university job types guide. Salaries for faculty at small design colleges like O'More ranged from $45,000 to $70,000 annually, depending on experience, with adjuncts earning per-course fees around $3,000-$5,000.
To fully grasp jobs at O'More College of Design, key terms include:
Academic credentials varied by role. For faculty jobs in core programs, a minimum of a Master's degree was standard, with preference for an MFA in fields like Interior Design or Graphic Design. This aligns with accreditation standards from bodies like the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). Full professors often held doctorates or equivalent professional achievements, such as published designs or awards from the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).
Administrative positions required a bachelor's degree in business, education, or design, with advanced degrees beneficial for leadership roles like Dean of Students. Entry-level support staff needed associate degrees or certifications in relevant software. PhDs were rare, as O'More prioritized practical expertise over traditional research, reflecting its vocational focus.
Job seekers should verify qualifications against current listings on platforms like higher ed faculty jobs.
O'More emphasized applied creativity over academic research. Faculty expertise centered on industry trends, such as sustainable materials in interiors or digital fabrication in graphics. 'Research' meant exploring design innovations, like user-centered methodologies or cultural influences on fashion. Successful candidates demonstrated portfolios showcasing real projects, exhibitions, or collaborations with brands.
Preferred experience included 3-5 years in industry, teaching at community colleges, or mentoring interns. Publications in design journals, grants for studio projects, or leadership in professional organizations like the Graphic Artists Guild were advantages.
Core skills encompassed:
These competencies ensured faculty could bridge classroom and career worlds effectively.
The application process at O'More involved submitting a cover letter, CV, portfolio (digital or physical), teaching philosophy statement, and references via email or portal. Interviews included portfolio reviews and mock critiques.
Actionable tips:
Use our free resume template and cover letter template for polished applications. For lecturer aspirations, review how to become a university lecturer.
O'More fostered diversity through scholarships for underrepresented students, guest lectures from minority designers, and clubs like the Diversity in Design Alliance. Events celebrated global influences, such as Latin American textiles in fashion courses. Faculty hiring emphasized inclusive practices, aligning with higher ed goals to diversify creative fields where women and people of color are underrepresented.
O'More's small size promoted work-life balance with flexible schedules, collaborative culture, and campus perks like art supply discounts. Franklin's walkable downtown offered cafes, historic sites, and music venues for unwinding. Employees participated in student shows, holiday parties, and professional development trips to High Point Market. The supportive atmosphere reduced burnout, with emphasis on creative recharge time.
Jobs in design higher education offer intellectual freedom, student impact, and industry ties. O'More alumni and staff transitioned to roles at larger schools or firms. Explore employer branding secrets or professor salaries for broader context.
In summary, while O'More is closed, its model inspires. Search higher ed jobs, university jobs, or higher ed career advice. Institutions post openings on AcademicJobs.com—consider posting a job if recruiting.
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