#United States #New York #Fashion Institute of Technology #SUNY #Jason Schupbach

Jason S. Schupbach Takes Office at FIT

On January 15, 2026, the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), a leading institution in creative education and a member of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, announced the arrival of Jason S. Schupbach as its seventh president. This appointment follows a thorough search that lasted eight months, engaging trustees, alumni, students, staff, and faculty in the process. Schupbach takes over from Dr. Joyce F. Brown, whose tenure spanned nearly thirty years.

As President Schupbach steps into his new role, he emphasizes FIT's mission to serve as a laboratory for creative careers in the 21st century. His vision includes fostering collaboration across various disciplines and enhancing partnerships with industry leaders. "I am excited to work alongside the vibrant FIT community to build on our strong foundation and create even more opportunities for academic rigor, entrepreneurship, innovation, and student success," Schupbach stated.

In expressing his enthusiasm for the future of FIT, SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. noted, "FIT is a powerhouse in higher education, and we are thrilled to welcome President Schupbach. His commitment to academic excellence makes him ideally positioned to elevate FIT to new heights."

Robin Burns-McNeill, chair of the FIT Board of Trustees, also voiced her support, highlighting Schupbach’s impressive background in higher education and the arts. "His leadership qualities will be invaluable in advancing FIT's mission as a world-class institution," she asserted.

A Track Record of Success

Before his role at FIT, Jason Schupbach served as the dean of the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design at Drexel University. During his tenure, the college experienced significant achievements in various aspects, including fundraising and faculty support. One notable initiative was the introduction of a revolutionary apprenticeship model in collaboration with URBN, aimed at modernizing education in the fields of media arts and design. Schupbach is also widely recognized for his contributions to the publication of The Routledge Handbook of Urban Cultural Planning, released in 2025.

Previously, he held the prestigious position of director at The Design School within Arizona State University. There, he launched the ambitious ReDesign.School initiative, intended to reshape design education to meet contemporary challenges. Schupbach was instrumental in numerous projects, such as the Studio for Creativity, Place, and Equitable Communities, as well as managing large-scale art projects like James Turrell's land artwork, Roden Crater, and the development of ASU's downtown Los Angeles campus.

His influence extended beyond academic settings; he was the director of Design and Creative Placemaking programs for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). In this role, Schupbach managed grant programs that encouraged creative placemaking and partnerships, including the Our Town and Design Art Works initiatives. He also authored the significant report, Creativity Connects, which explored the trends impacting artists and designers in the U.S.

Schupbach's career includes policy roles, such as serving as the Creative Economy director under former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, and various positions in Chicago and New York. His scholarly work has contributed to discussions on community support and the role of design in societal development, earning recognition from institutions like the Aspen Institute.

FIT's Commitment to Creative Education

FIT has a long-standing reputation for excellence in career education across fields such as art, design, business, and technology. The institution provides an innovative approach that blends hands-on experience with theoretical knowledge, facilitating unique educational opportunities for its approximately 9,000 students. The college is ideally positioned in New York City, offering a dynamic environment that enriches the learning experience.

With nearly 50 majors available, FIT graduates are well-prepared for professional success, with notable alumni including influential figures in fashion and design, such as Calvin Klein and Michael Kors.

As President Jason S. Schupbach embarks on this promising journey, the future of FIT looks bright, with aspirations of broadening its impact on the creative economy and continuing its legacy of academic excellence.