PLC Detroit Unveiled Wilson Smith III Footwear Design STU/DEO; Launched Nationwide HBCU Industry Certificate Program
|
Posted By: P C on July 24, 2024 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 kicked 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 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. * Photo (L to R) Dr. D'Wayne Edwards, president of PLC Detroit, Stu/deo designer, Angel Buckens, Wilson W. Smith III, and muralist, Anthony “Mojo” Wilson. 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. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
P C
Publicist, PCPR Communications Member Since May 2024 |
Comments
More From This Author
| HBCU 2026 Professor Summit: ICON360 x PLC DETROIT Host Fourth Annual Convening at the Nation’s Only Design-Focused HBCU |
| PLC DETROIT LAUNCHES RUTH E. CARTER MASTERCLASS by ADIDAS l ePLC; Enrollment Now Open for Global Creatives |
| Pensole Lewis College Collaborates with Shoes That Fit; Creates Custom Shoes for Teen with Rare Bone Growth Condition |
Latest Blogs
 |
In a Smarr Car in a Kia in a Youtube Nightcap video in a wedding reception ITS A FATHERS MONTH THINGLeave it to the fellas
Maybe
Ocho Cinco how about a live Auction of your Collectibles live from thee Tender Box cigar lounge
Grab a gift that brings vibes machismo cuban tradition
https://eigh ...more
Hija Chang • 113 Views • May 22nd, 2026 |
 |
Reviewing the 2026 Acura MDX Type S SH-AWD AdvanceThe 2026 Acura MDX Type S SH-AWD stands out in the three-row luxury SUV segment. While others in the class focus on luxury, the Acura MDX has become a practical family vehicle with great performance. ...more
Randi Payton • 153 Views • May 21st, 2026 |
 |
Dominican Republic: The Caribbean Island of rhythm, resilience, and beautyThe Dominican Republic is more than a Caribbean destination; it is a living heartbeat. It is a place where rhythm is not just heard but felt, where resilience is woven into the soul of the people, and ...more
Joel Savage • 154 Views • May 21st, 2026 |
 |
The Myth of LinkedIn: Why Most Creators Never Strike GoldPhoto: A journalist looking at a laptop screen showing a LinkedIn warning message about leaving the platform, symbolizing restricted traffic flow.
Many professionals, for years, believed that joi ...more
Joel Savage • 180 Views • May 20th, 2026 |
 |
African Pygmies: Ancient forest tribes fighting for survival todayPhoto: A small forest‑dwelling family in a Central African rainforest.
The Pygmy peoples of Central Africa, for thousands of years, have lived deep within the vast rainforests of the Congo Ba ...more
Joel Savage • 167 Views • May 20th, 2026 |
Popular Blogs
 |
Divorce in America in 2009 – What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
Join Brother Marcus and the cast and the crew of the Brother Marcus Show live this Sunday evening on February 1, 2009 @ 8:00 p.m. for another hot topic in our community! “Divorce in America in 2009 ...more
Brother Marcus! • 71,399,668 Views • January 27th, 2009 |
 |
VISINE ALERT!!!Seemingly innocent medication such as Visine eyedrops are used by people to concoct a mixture with similar effects as a date-rape drug.
When mixed with alcohol and taken orally, the eyedrops can l ...more
Siebra Muhammad • 119,748 Views • May 23rd, 2009 |
 |
"Chain Hang Low" check out the real meaning of the Lyrics!Recently there is a new artist out of Saint Louis that goes by the name JIBBS. Jibbs debut single "Chain hang low" has a history that most people are not aware of. The particular nursery rhyme that th ...more
Tyhesha Judge-Fogle • 78,307 Views • November 9th, 2006 |
 |
HBCU Marketplace Gifts: Divine 9 Premium Fraternity / Sorority Playing CardsVendor: Charles Jones
Item Price: $20.00
Price Includes Shipping: Yes - Shipping Included
Item Description:
Pantheon Series - Divine 9 - Premium Playing Cards (choose Gold Series or Silve ...more
Hija Chang • 62,987 Views • December 2nd, 2018 |
