ABOUT
Jim Shurter is Professor and Department Chair of Art, Design & Photography at Mott Community College, where he has served the Flint community for two decades. His path began on stage—with a B.F.A. in Theatre Performance from the University of Michigan–Flint—but a growing passion for visual communication brought him back to MCC for an A.A.S. in Graphic Design. After completing that degree, and while working as an Art Director for a local marketing firm, he was invited to teach a print‑production course at Mott. The experience confirmed his commitment to teaching and mentorship, leading him to pursue an M.F.A. in Studio Art with a concentration in Graphic Design at Michigan State University.
Since joining MCC full‑time in 2007, Shurter has twice received the College’s Outstanding Faculty Award (2013, 2021). He teaches courses ranging from foundations to the Design Center—a client‑driven capstone course that pairs students with real‑world clients—and as Department Chair, he serves as the chief liaison between administration and faculty. In that role he guides curriculum development, faculty hiring and mentorship, budgeting and scheduling, and student‑focused initiatives such as advising support and enrollment management. He is always looking for opportunities to expand the program’s community presence through external exhibitions, guest‑artist collaborations, and outreach events that foster an inclusive, high‑impact learning environment.
Outside the classroom, Shurter directs James Shurter Design, his creative practice he founded in 2001. His portfolio spans branding, print, and graphics for clients such as the University of Michigan–Flint, Oakland University, Mott Community College, the Flint & Genesee Land Bank, Flint Youth Theatre, Shoreline Stixx, and Respect Nashville to name a few. This active practice keeps his teaching grounded in current industry standards.
Committed to community engagement, Shurter has held leadership roles with the Flint Institute of Arts (Trustee, 2022‑24), Friends of Modern Art (Trustee 2018‑24; President 2022‑24), the American Advertising Federation – Greater Flint (College Connection Chair, 2017‑present), and AIGA Detroit (Education Director, 2016‑17) In 2023, Shurter received the Silver Medal Award from the American Advertising Federation of Greater Flint—its highest honor—for outstanding contributions to advertising, creative excellence, and community service.
Whether directing his personal design practice or guiding a student critique, Shurter champions empathy, collaboration, and design as a catalyst for positive change.