PLC Detroit, the only design-focused Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Detroit, recently unveiled the Wilson Smith III Footwear Design STU/DEO by MillerKnoll | Nike, a state-of-the-art design space. This initiative kicks off a $3 million investment by Nike Black Community Commitment into PLC Detroit to support aspiring designers and entrepreneurship opportunities for underrepresented communities.
The studio, named in honor of pioneer sneaker designer Wilson Smith III, the first Black footwear designer for Nike and Jordan brands, will serve as a hub for inspiration, innovation, and developing future footwear design talent. Former PLC Detroit student, Angel Buckens, designed the room and Anthony “Mojo” Wilson painted the detailed mural of Wilson Smith.
Future Sole | PLC Powered by Nike is a certificate program that shares an industry-approved curriculum to inspire and provide equal opportunities for HBCU students nationwide interested in design. The program also seeks to create a network of sister schools among all HBCUs.
“The program creates a real-time professional environment to develop skills and prepare students for successful design careers they may not have known existed,” said Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, founder and president of PLC Detroit.
The Wilson Smith III Footwear Design STU/DEO by MillerKnoll | Nike features top-of-the-line furnishings provided by design leader MillerKnoll, known for their meticulous execution, functionality, and versatility. It features a tribute to Wilson Smith III’s legendary career designing shoes for premiere athletes such as Serena Williams, Charles Barkley, Michael Jordan, and many others.
Wilson Smith III’s remarkable career designing shoes for elite athletes includes but not limited to:
- Serena Williams
- Charles Barkley
- Michael Jordan
“Wilson Smith III is a pioneering legend that needs to be celebrated with a space showcasing his contribution to our industry and culture to inspire the next generation. His studio is a testament to our commitment to elevating the learning environments for PLC students and setting a new direction for diverse design talent to be better prepared to drive positive change within the industry,” said Edwards. “
“Future Sole I PLC Powered by Nike” reflects the brand’s dedication to celebrating diverse design talent and promoting positive change in the industry, while inspiring the next generation of footwear designers.
About PLC Detroit
PLC Detroit is the nation’s first-ever Historically Black College/University focused on design. Under the direction of Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, PLC is the pipeline HBCU for career education and professional development in the product creation industry. We are the culture’s creative north star, lighting the way forward to new career pathways. As the first HBCU to reopen after closing, we believe in carrying the vision of PENSOLE Academy and the legacy of Lewis College of Business into a better future led by those who prepare for it.
About Wilson W Smith III
Wilson W. Smith III is the Nike Blue Ribbon Studio Manager of Creative Outreach, Product Design Faculty at the University of Oregon (UO), 2018 Lawrence Medalist, and is a UO alumnus, ‘80 Arch. During his 39-year tenure at Nike, Smith worked on projects that run the gamut of the design profession–retail, graphics, architecture, footwear, experience, brand, and apparel–and designed and developed products for some of the greatest athletes in Nike’s history, including Michael Jordan, Serena Williams, Andre’ Agassi, and Derek Jeter.
About MillerKnoll
MillerKnoll is a collective of dynamic brands that come together to design the world we live in. The MillerKnoll brand portfolio includes Herman Miller, Knoll, Colebrook Bosson Saunders, DatesWeiser, Design Within Reach, Edelman, Geiger, HAY, Holly Hunt, Knoll Textiles, Maharam, Muuto, NaughtOne, and Spinneybeck|FilzFelt. MillerKnoll is an unparalleled platform that redefines modernity for the 21st century by building a more sustainable, equitable, and beautiful future for all.