A QUARTER CENTURY OF CREATIVITY:

Pratt Institute and Munson Complete Longstanding Contract

The Boards of Trustees and leaders of both Pratt Institute (NYC) and Munson (Utica) have mutually agreed not to renew the contract covering their academic partnership when it expires in June 2028. Under this agreement of over 25 years, the two institutions created a program where students began their Bachelors of Fine Arts (BFA) in Utica before transitioning to Pratt’s Brooklyn campus to complete their degrees. The partnership’s conclusion will not impact Munson students entering its program this fall. The class that enters next year in 2027 will spend only their first year in Utica before moving on to Pratt’s Brooklyn campus.

This decision honors the completion of the longstanding contractual agreement between two independent institutions, enabling each to make individual strategic decisions that focus on their long-term futures. Throughout the two-year transition, Munson and Pratt are both committed to providing clear information, guidance, and support to everyone affected, especially our students.

Across the country and around New York State, higher education has experienced a period of significant transformation. Institutions are adapting and evolving to meet the new needs and demands of students entering a rapidly changing world.

Pratt Institute will continue to support all students and advance creative disciplines across New York State and beyond, as the Institute focuses on its Brooklyn and Manhattan programs.

Munson is pursuing the creation of an innovative program that advances the creative economy in Central New York through art and design higher education and fully utilizes its academic campus. Information and news about future developments will be shared as the process moves forward.

“It has been a privilege to shape the education of thousands of young artists over these 25 years," said Munson President Anna Tobin D'Ambrosio. "The unique connection between our two institutions has produced talented individuals and enlivened and enriched the Munson campus. Our faculty and staff built that experience, and their work is the reason it succeeded. Munson is a richer institution for having had our Pratt Munson students here. As this partnership concludes, we carry that work forward and build on its success as we adapt to this new era of higher education."

“For more than a quarter century, Pratt Institute’s partnership with Munson has created a powerful pathway for emerging artists and designers,” said Pratt President Frances Bronet. “Together, we fostered a dynamic environment where students, faculty, and staff thrived, expanded creative boundaries, and prepared graduates to succeed in an ever-evolving landscape. The continued contributions of our alumni will remain vibrant and impactful for generations to come.”