Pensole Lewis Сollege of Business and Design
Pensole Lewis Сollege of Business and Design
Established in 1928 by Dr. Violet T. Lewis, the Lewis College of Business(LCB) was a trailblazer in providing Black women with business education. LCB went on to launch the careers of the first black office employees of Ford, GM, Michigan Bell and other major corporations in Detroit.In 1987, LCB receive their designation as an HBCU making Dr. Violet T. Lewis only the 2nd Black woman for found an HBCU. After closing in 2015, it was revitalized in 2022 by Dr. D’Wayne Edwards as Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design (PLC Detroit), becoming the nation’s only HBCU focused on design. Through partnerships with fortune 500 corporations and a commitment to accessible education, PLC Detroit continues to honor its legacy by shaping the future of design and empowering the next generation of Black creatives.
Located on the Detroit River, PLC Detroit, creativity pulses at the heart of our community. Nestled in the vibrant cultural tapestry of Detroit, PLC Detroit nurtures a collaborative atmosphere where students are encouraged to delve deep into their identities through the lens of design. Our dynamic “learn-by-doing” philosophy, paired with instruction and mentorship from industry trailblazers, fosters a profound sense of belonging and purpose, empowering students to turn their passions into transformative careers.
Established in 1928, by Dr. Violet T. Lewis as the Lewis College of Business to educate Black women in business and over its first 50 years, it educated over 27,000 students. In 1987, the U.S. Department of Education designated the college as an HBCU, making it the only college in Michigan with the designation.
PLC Detroit is the nation’s only design-focused HBCU and the first HBCU to reopen after closing. Through fortune 500 corporate partners PLC Detroit is a pipeline for business and design-centered education and professional development. Its curriculum emphasizes a learn-by-doing approach, engaging students in projects that simulate real-world challenges for immediate application of classroom knowledge.
PLC Detroit was recognized by Fast Company as one of the world’s most innovative design companies in 2022 and have placed more Black designers into the industry than any other college over the last 15-years.
Our Program
Explore the degrees and certificates available through PLC on eHBCU. Whether you’re starting fresh, transferring, or looking to upskill, there’s a program here for your goals.