Exploring Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design Through the Eyes of Its Leaders

Walking onto the campus of Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design (RMCAD) feels like stepping into a living canvas where creativity, innovation, and ambition converge.

Nestled in the heart of Lakewood, Colorado, just minutes from downtown Denver, RMCAD is more than just a school — it’s a dynamic ecosystem where aspiring artists and designers come to refine their craft, forge connections, and launch their careers.

“At RMCAD, our students learn from working professionals who have been in their shoes,” said Leila Ertel, Vice President of Marketing. “We’re not just teaching technique — we’re helping students turn their passion into a sustainable career.”

From the moment students step foot onto the historic yet innovative campus, the atmosphere pulses with artistic energy. Colorful murals line the walls, student sculptures dot the landscape, and inside the classrooms, technology blends seamlessly with traditional artistic mediums. The result? An immersive, hands-on learning environment that prepares students for real-world success in fields like graphic design, game art, animation, and interior design.

Founded in 1963, Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design has built a reputation as a leader in art and design education, offering both on-campus and online degree programs that cater to students from all walks of life. The school’s flexible learning model allows students to balance education with personal and professional commitments, while still benefiting from a rigorous, studio-based curriculum.

Why Choose Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design?

RMCAD graduates are making an impact in the creative industry, working at some of the most recognizable and innovative companies across various artistic disciplines. Many alumni are shaping the future of their industries with groundbreaking work that blends artistry with technology and design.

The college welcomes students who are eager to explore new creative possibilities, strive to achieve their personal best, and exhibit enthusiasm for producing original, innovative work. The admissions process is designed to assess a student’s potential through application materials and an Artist Meeting with an Admissions Representative. While portfolio submissions are encouraged, they are not required for admission. However, a portfolio is required to be considered for scholarships.

Beyond academics, RMCAD’s location in the Greater Denver Metro Area offers students a thriving artistic community. With more than 65 art galleries and year-round cultural events, students have ample opportunities to immerse themselves in the arts. Denver’s vibrant creative scene, combined with 300+ days of sunshine annually, provides an inspiring backdrop for artistic exploration. Additionally, students can enjoy outdoor activities in the Rocky Mountains or attend concerts at the world-renowned Red Rocks Amphitheater.

RMCAD also stands out as a leader in online education. For over a decade, the college has been refining its blended learning experience, ensuring that online students receive quality instruction, mentorship, and community support.

To gain deeper insight into RMCAD’s evolving role in art education, we sat down with Leila Ertel, Vice President of Marketing, who shared the college’s ambitious plans for the future.

A Look Into RMCAD’s Dynamic Future

How does technology enhance the learning experience for students at RMCAD?

All RMCAD students must take at least a portion of their coursework online. Our instructional design team collaborates with faculty to create engaging, interactive online classes that can be accessed asynchronously, seamlessly integrating into our students’ busy lives. Our custom LMS (learning management system) is the hub for all students to access their classes, submit work, and communicate with their teachers.

What sets RMCAD apart from other art and design colleges in fostering creativity and innovation?

What we regularly hear from students is that RMCAD stands out because of our community. Whether on campus or online, our students all have at least one thing in common: their passion for art and design. They also have the unique opportunity to collaborate across programs in liberal arts and foundations courses, as well as our Sidequest program, where students continue to learn outside the classroom through events related to cultural awareness, art and design practice, professional development, and relationship building. We are also dedicated to continuously improving academics and student life. We take feedback from students and make positive changes that impact their daily lives. This has led us to launch degree programs in UX/UI and Advertising, and we plan on expanding our programs even further over the next few years.

What steps does RMCAD take to ensure its reputation as a leading institution in art and design education is maintained in the digital age?

RMCAD began teaching online over a decade ago. Long before COVID, we were learning from and continuously improving our online degree programs. Because of that, we have been in a good position as more students desire to earn their degrees online. We have seen great growth in that space over the last few years and expect the trend to continue.

How does the college address student and faculty feedback to continuously improve the learning environment?

The executive and leadership teams regularly review the institution’s key performance indicators and analyze reports from end-of-course surveys, annual student satisfaction surveys, and annual employee and faculty engagement surveys. These activities demonstrate a deep conviction in maintaining and bolstering the well-being of all institutional constituents, most importantly, RMCAD students.

How does RMCAD engage with students, alumni, and the broader creative community through online platforms?

RMCAD is very active on our blog, website, social media, and the RMCAD app. We use these channels to inform and engage with students, alumni, and the online community. All events can be found on our website, and many large events also have recap videos available on our YouTube channel. Most events are available to attend on campus or virtually via live stream. We love to feature current students and alumni on our blog and social channels, which often sparks high engagement and the opportunity for genuine conversations with our community. For current students, we also hold art and design-related contests on our app that garner great engagement and are a lot of fun to participate in.

Closing Thoughts

For more than 60 years, Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design has been helping students turn their creative dreams into reality. Founded in 1963 by local artist Philip J. Steele, RMCAD was built on the belief that innovation and education should go hand in hand. Today, that vision lives on, with a thriving 23-acre campus in Lakewood, Colorado, and impressive online programs that allow students to learn from anywhere in the world.

In a generation where many aspiring artists struggle to find a path forward, RMCAD remains committed to breaking down barriers. Whether through its close-knit community, industry-experienced faculty, or flexible learning options, the college empowers students to focus on their craft.

“At RMCAD, we are more than an art and design school—we are a launchpad for creative careers,” said Leila Ertel, Vice President of Marketing. “Through innovation in education, a strong community, and a commitment to student success, we empower our students to turn their passion into a profession that makes an impact.”

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