By Daniella Platt,
Consumer Behavior Expert (and LIM Adjunct Professor)
Stylishly weaving together LIM’s continued evolution as a global leader in fashion and lifestyle business education, LIM College and the Japan Educational Foundation (JEF) announced an agreement under which JEF will acquire LIM College.
Announced on May 29, 2025, LIM will remain independently operated in New York City while becoming part of JEF’s prestigious international portfolio, which includes four professional universities, one online university and nine professional training colleges in Japan, as well as two higher education institutions in Paris, with multiple campuses across France.
As a member of the LIM College faculty, this was a fitting opportunity to chat with President Ron Marshall to gain deeper insight.
How does the alignment with JEF strengthen LIM’S resources?
“As part of JEF, LIM will have an expanded global platform and access to additional academic capabilities and financial resources. This agreement further positions LIM as the global leader in education for the business of fashion and lifestyle, delivering superior
results for our students, alumni and the industry.”
Why JEF? Why now?
“LIM College, over its 86 years in operation, has always evolved to reflect the times and what is best for students in terms of preparing them for careers in the fashion business.
“While exploring how we could expand our global academic partnerships and opportunities for students, we connected with JEF. When the opportunity to become a part of JEF came about and we realized all the positive ramifications of it, the LIM board of directors closely studied the opportunity and decided to move forward with it. This represents an important step toward LIM’s vision as the global leader in education for the business of fashion and lifestyle.”
Looking ahead, what does this offer the LIM community moving forward?
“Becoming part of JEF is an exciting next step for LIM that will bring several benefits. With the financial resources, academic acumen, global reach and industry connections of JEF behind us, LIM will be an even stronger institution to serve students, alumni and industry partners. For example, we expect to be able to accelerate the addition of new areas of fashion-related studies and broaden our global industry connections for career-building internships and learning experiences. We also anticipate being able to leverage JEF’s curricular expertise in technology to enhance our courses.”
I also spoke to Yoshinori Yamashita, a director of JEF, who added, “We look forward to bringing LIM into the JEF portfolio and
realizing the tremendous advantages that LIM’s location in the center of New York City will bring students around the world.”
This moment is a bold step for LIM, honoring the founder’s legacy while stitching innovation into a globally connected future of fashion business education. Students can look forward to the future of tailored opportunities, academically and globally.
LIM will retain its name, campus and leadership. No staffing or faculty changes are planned. Note that the acquisition transaction
will become buttoned up and final only once approved by higher education regulatory agencies.
JEF was founded in 1966 by brothers Masaru and Toshihiko Kasuya and has grown from a fashion-focused institution into a
major international provider of specialized education in fashion, technology and medical services. Its portfolio includes Esmod, the esteemed French fashion school with global reach, and Creapole, a Paris-based school offering training in product design, architecture and creative disciplines.
Founded in 1939 and located in Midtown Manhattan, LIM College is focused on the global business of fashion and lifestyle. Offering
master’s, bachelor’s and associate degree programs, LIM prepares students for career success via an immersive approach grounded in real-world experience and “learning by doing.” Alumni have gone on to work for Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, the TJX Companies, Financial Times, Ulta Beauty, Microsoft, Saks Fifth Avenue, Michael Kors, Nike and countless others. To apply, or for more information, visit limcollege.edu.
