Stephan Rabimov, director of the Social Media Center and Fashion Journalism at Academy of Art University, leads a discussion on social media strategies during FSH 218 Blogging: Content Creation & Promotion class.

Academy of Art University to Launch Social Media Center in Early 2016

School of Fashion

The new Social Media Center will help meet the rapidly growing need for skilled social media professionals across all industries.

Academy of Art University is excited to announce the creation of its new Social Media Center. Developed in response to the staggering demand for professionals with expertise in social media management, the center is set to launch in early 2016.

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The Social Media Center is comprised of a series of social media professional development courses, a hub for academic social resources and a partnership-building vehicle that connects Academy of Art University to industry giants from San Francisco to Silicon Valley. These industry partners will serve as members of the center’s Global Advisory Board and already include Tumblr, Weebly, NewCo, and Flipboard on the growing roster.

Stephan Rabimov is director of the Fashion Journalism department at the Academy, a 10-year veteran of digital media, a contributing writer to the Huffington Post and Forbes International, and the director and founder of the Social Media Center. “What makes the training so challenging is that social media tools, platforms and tactics continuously change,” said Rabimov. “To ensure we stay ahead of the curve and best prepare students for real-world opportunities, we’ve instituted a Global Advisory Board made up of representatives from leading Silicon Valley firms and social media pundits to best inform our curriculum and to provide a constant resource of the latest industry trends and practices.”

Stephan Rabimov, director of the Social Media Center and Fashion Journalism at Academy of Art University, leads a discussion on social media strategies during FSH 218 Blogging: Content Creation & Promotion class.
Stephan Rabimov, director of the Social Media Center and Fashion Journalism at Academy of Art University, leads a discussion on social media strategies during FSH 218 Blogging: Content Creation & Promotion class.

Members of the Global Advisory Board are also excited for the launch of the center given recent trends in industry marketing practices and the need for qualified professionals. “Social media is rapidly evolving the face and pace of marketing for virtually every fashion and art brand in existence. It’s fantastic that Academy of Art University is taking notice and action in a big way and we’re happy to be part of the center,” said Tumblr’s Valentine Uhovski.

The series of four social media PRO courses include: Social Media Content Development, Social Media Strategies, Social Media Data Analytics and Social Media Management. Once these courses are finished, participants are eligible for an Award of Completion in Social Media Management from Academy of Art University. The courses may all be taken within one semester or broken down to as few as one course per semester. Although open to current Academy students, the courses were developed on a stand-alone blueprint for individuals seeking professional development within a continuing education curriculum. The courses will debut on site in San Francisco in the 2016 spring semester and will be offered online in its entirety next summer.

The Social Media Center’s series of professional development courses are in line with the Academy’s long-standing philosophy of industry-led training on the cutting-edge of technology. “Our mission is to provide exceptional training by industry professionals who are in the know of what hiring employers are seeking in candidates,” said Academy of Art University President Dr. Elisa Stephens. “This is a great opportunity for anyone wanting to start a career working with social media in virtually any industry.”