O’More College of Design

As a second semester senior, I think I am fairly well-​acquainted with O’More (hah, weren’t expecting that, were you?).
Originally, I had planned on getting as far away from Nashville as I could for college (which was going to be SAIC in Chicago), but because of cost issues, I ended up living at home for college. Honestly, when I applied here, I felt like I was settling, but now that I’ve gone through the entire program, I can say that this was the best ‘touch of Fate’ that could have happened to me.
I do not like large college institutions with thousands of students enrolled where the classes are large lecture halls where teachers don’t know your name. O’More keeps their enrollment at around 200 – 300 students and the class room sizes really depend on what kind of class you’re taking (gen. ed. or specific to your major). I’ve had a class with only 3 students (including myself) and I’ve had classes with as many as 25 in them, but the professors know you by name.
The classes have changed every year I’m there, but they get better because of the changes. The staff changes almost every semester, but again, it’s for the better and it’s usually only one or two changes in staff.
One of the things I adore about this school is that the president, Dr. Mark Hilliard, teaches classes! I took a class with him in my junior year (which actually ended up being my favorite and most fun class that semester), I just don’t know of many college presidents that teach classes at their institutions.
There are a few clubs at the school (SGA, a Green club, a Film Club, and my personal favorite: the O’More Supper Club), and we do have several social events every year, but participation can be spotty. Students coming here aren’t necessarily looking for a social scene until they hit their junior year (when the realize they do want to be in the social scene), but when we do have a party, we like to get down.
And if you’re worried about it being a vocational school as opposed to a liberal arts school, I want to let you know that O’More offers a very well-​rounded curriculum (at least in the Fashion department). I’ve taken lots of sewing and illustration classes, but I’ve also taken writing courses, life/​family courses, psychology courses, and several business courses, as well as multiple art and art history courses.
Possibly one of my favorite things about this school is the opportunity for world-​travel during the summer; after you complete 60 hours, you have the opportunity to take a trip to several different locations that the school plans out. And the cool thing is that it might not be as expensive as you’d think because you pay a ‘globalization fee’ every year that goes towards these trips. This past summer, I participated in the trip to Italy and it was a life-​changing experience! I had so much fun and saw so many amazing places.
Also, the fact that the campus (which is insanely beautiful and cozy) is practically a stone’s throw away from downtown Franklin is a definite plus. There are no dorms, but they do have you fill out roommate forms and connect you with students you’d be compatible with, as well as give you a ton of information about surrounding apartments; however, they have acquired the ‘Bell Historic Franklin’ property for student housing for next semester.
I could rave on and on about this school, but you’re probably tired of reading this, hah. If you want to know more, go to the school’s website:

I should preface that when I visited this lovely school, it was not with intent to become a student but to interview students for intern opportunities with an upcoming project.
This cozy yet lovely campus is located in Franklin and for some reason the layout of various cottages reminded me of a friend’s house in The Hamptons. It truly didn’t resemble any campus that I have ever been on … which appears to be a good thing.
I entered the whimsical house that was designated as the «Fashion» building and was charmed by the small yet inspiring Fashion program that they have her. The students all seemed motivated by the curriculum and as I reviewed some of the work and projects that they did, I was delighted to know that we have a higher learning experience like this in our community.
After doing more research, I am able to report that they offer:
Fashion Design
Interior Design
Fine Arts
Liberal Arts
and Visual Communication all in their curriculum.
Their website is very functional and offers clear insight on the courses and scholarship or financial aid info along with tuition outlines too.
I have been really impressed with my interaction with the staff there and motivated students with our intern program!

I’m biased, being a professor at O’More for 5 years, but compared to all of the schools I have been to as a student or as a teacher, O’More College of Design has a very well-​rounded, thorough, business-​minded approach to learning. Design classes are bolstered by business classes, something I never was encouraged to do as a student. The class sizes are intimate, and I get to know all of my students very well. If you are looking for a design school, definitely call for a tour. Check out their catalog online.