MIAD Innovation Center connects students and MIAD community virtually
MIAD’s courses aren’t the only thing that’s moved online this semester. Each Friday, the MIAD Innovation Center hosts Virtual Meetups to give students a chance to talk and connect with faculty and staff outside the classroom.

Estephanie Mendoza ’21 (Illustration)
“The Friday sessions are a hub for discussion and interaction, which we all really need right now,” says Estephanie Mendoza ’20 (Illustration), who has worked on projects for clients via the MIAD Innovation Center. “For me, the simple act of seeing everyone’s faces and hearing everyone’s voices brings a bit of comfort.”
The MIAD Innovation Center’s virtual meetups focus on a new topic each week, such as how creative innovation comes out of challenging times, tips for getting motivated, and staying positive and creative during isolation. All individuals attending the events have the opportunity to participate and share their experiences.

Olivia Paul ’21 (Industrial Design)
“Seeing all of my teachers’ faces, and hearing the conversations is an instant mood boost and friendly reminder that we’re all in this together,” says Olivia Paul ’21 (Industrial Design), who has attended the virtual meetups for the MIAD Innovation Center, as well as other virtual student events such as MIAD Trivia sessions.
“For a lot of us, it’s been a struggle to get up and create,” Olivia adds. “Being able to share what’s worked for us and ways we’ve felt encouraged to get up and work as normally as possible has been nice.”
News
MIAD professor founds nonprofit for Tourette support
With its gently sloping lines evocative of individuals celebrating and embracing their identity together, the logo designed by MIAD Professor Nicole Hauch for Tourette Support & Education, the non-profit she founded, reflects the values of Community & Belonging; Personal Growth & Acceptance; Mindfulness & Understanding.
MIAD writing instructor publishes critically acclaimed book
Sean Enfield, critical studies and writing instructor at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD), published Holy American Burnout! in December 2023. Since then, Enfield’s collection of essays has received critical acclaim and widespread support.
MIAD professor Lee digs dinosaurs to paint human condition
For 10 years, MIAD First Year Experience Assistant Professor and painter Matthew Lee has visited and worked in a 66-million-year-old dinosaur bonebed near Ekalaka, Mont. On three occasions, he’s taken MIAD students with him as part of MIAD’s Study Abroad Programs, to dig and create art there.
Between Space & Place: Cultural narratives of the BIPOC community
MIAD faculty Lexi S. Brunson ’14, one of ten faculty and staff members who received a Ruth Arts + MIAD Grant for the 2023-24 academic year, recently shared with the college a presentation of her year-long project, “Culture: Between Space & Place.”
MIAD professor’s work supports community
A self-described artist, social practitioner and storyteller, MIAD Service Learning and Critical Studies faculty Hj Bullard leads a life of community support, within MIAD and beyond.