The basics:

• County College of Morris acquires Joe Kubert School
• Comic art program joins CCM’s workforce development offerings
• Students gain industry connections with DC, Marvel, Pixar
• Full-time, online, new evening classes begin this fall

The County College of Morris is expanding its workforce development programming following the acquisition of one of the comic book industry’s most storied schools.

CCM purchased the Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art. The school plans to integrate the nationally recognized program into its curriculum beginning this fall, according to a July 29 announcement.

The school did not disclose financial terms of the deal. CCM has planned a formal signing ceremony Aug. 17 to celebrate the milestone.

Award-winning cartoonist Joe Kubert and his wife, Muriel Kubert, founded the school 50 years ago. It holds distinction as one of only a handful of institutions in the U.S devoted exclusively to educating aspiring comic book artists, illustrators, animators and graphic novelists. Kubert is best known for his work on Sgt. Rock, Tarzan and Hawkman. He died in 2012 of multiple myeloma at the age of 85.

Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art graduates have gone on to launch careers with some of the world’s most recognized studios. Alumni employers include Walt Disney Animation, Warner Bros. and Pixar Animation Studios.

The Dover-based school relocated last year to the historic James Building in downtown Madison. The move came as part of an effort to modernize its campus.

At CCM, the Kubert School will offer a specialized cartoon and graphic art program through the Center of Workforce Development. The course is geared toward creators of all experience levels. The curriculum will focus on building technical skills and artistic confidence, CCM said.

Big-name connections

Students will also gain direct access to working professionals and valuable career insights, according to the release. CCM noted relationships with industry giants such as DC Comics, Marvel Comics, IDW Publishing and Dynamite Entertainment.

The school said it will continue to offer the full-time certificate program in a traditional daytime format. In addition, it will continue online studies courses as well as offer new, in-person evening options.

CCM noted that students will benefit from its wide range of support services, such as academic advising, tutoring, well-being programs and veterans’ resources. They may also use facilities at its Randolph campus. And learners can also take part in any of the 50-plus student clubs and organizations.

CCM President Anthony Iacono said, “We are honored to welcome The Joe Kubert School into our community and to continue its extraordinary legacy of inspiring generations of artists and creators.”

In March, CCM opened the nearly $12 million Center for Entrepreneurship & Culinary Science at its Randolph campus. Check it out here.

“By coming together, we are expanding opportunities for students to develop the artistic, technical and professional skills needed to thrive in today’s creative industries. This addition strengthens career pathways in animation, illustration, graphic storytelling and related fields while preserving the spirit and excellence that have made The Joe Kubert School so highly respected,” he said.

Kubert School President Anthony Marques said, “We are thrilled to be a part of the CCM community and continue guiding students as they develop their craft and prepare for careers in the commercial art industries.

He went on, “By combining our specialized art education with CCM’s many resources, we can create even more opportunities for our students to succeed. It’s an exciting new chapter in the Joe Kubert School’s history and we can’t wait to see what our students accomplish.”