Our Founders: Richard & Helen Brown

For thirty-two years, Richard and Helen Brown helped shape vocational education. Harboring a deep interest in radio and broadcast, in 1946 the couple established the American Institute of the Air to train students interested in a career in broadcasting.

Throughout the years, the Brown's maintained a personal relationship and genuine regard for the academic success of each student. They touched many lives over the years, often personally helping students find a job or a place to live. Of equal importance was the well being of their staff. The couple maintained a friendly, open-door policy with a family-oriented business model.

The Brown's imbued Brown College with a legacy of excellence and professionalism that continues to this day. Ethics and integrity are still cornerstones of the curriculum. With this strong foundation, thousands of successful broadcasting careers have been launched at Brown. Seventeen former students and teachers are now members of the Pavek Museum of Broadcasting Hall of Fame in St. Louis Park, Minnesota.

Richard and Helen officially retired in 1978 but remained actively involved with the college until 1982. The couple passed away in 1994 and were inducted into the Pavek Museum of Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2004.

Outside of their professional life, the Brown's were actively involved in Habitat for Humanity and a number of other charitable projects. Despite having suffered from polio, the couple stayed active and were avid ping-pong players. They also enjoyed their time in Mexico or Florida six months out of the year.

Today, the school is still known for the couple that founded it. It’s gone through two name changes. It became Brown Institute in 1954 when courses in electronics, computer programming, and television production were added. It was renamed Brown College in 2001.

• Learn more about Brown College by reading our historical timeline
• Pavek Museum Honorees

Do you need more information about our Radio Broadcasting Program, design college, or our Business Management Program? Contact us.