PLC Detroit Unveiled Wilson Smith III Footwear Design STU/DEO; Launched Nationwide HBCU Industry Certificate Program
|
Posted By: Phyllis Caddell 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! |
 |
Phyllis Caddell
Publicist, PCPR Communications Member Since May 2024 |
Comments
More From This Author
| PLC Detroit: The Only Design-Focused HBCU Partners with Two-Time Oscar-Winning Costume Designer Ruth E. Carter |
Latest Blogs
 |
FREE Valentine's Day E-Cards Available! ♥️Happy Valentine's Day! ♥️
♥️ Free Valentine's Day E-Cards Link: https://www.pinterest.com/shykerialifleur/valentines-day-greetings
♥️ What to Write In Va ...more
Shykeria Lifleur • 127 Views • February 11th, 2026 |
 |
BLACK OWNED BEAUTY SUPPLY ASSOCIATION (BOBSA) AND JUNIQUES AD SERVICE CREATES DFY 30 SEC DISTRIBUTION SERVICEANNOUNCEMENT
Juniques Ad Service, a proud Juniques Company, is excited to share a powerful new collaboration with the Black Owned Beauty Supply Organization. Through this collaboration, members and s ...more
rickey johnson • 100 Views • February 11th, 2026 |
 |
MEDIA ALERT! USA -Call for Submissions- Gumbo for the Soul: Women of Honor with PowerMEDIA ALERT! USA
-Call for Submissions-
Gumbo for the Soul: Women of Honor with Power is currently under development by the visionary team of Gumbo for the Soul International®.
This a ...more
Beverly Johnson • 104 Views • February 10th, 2026 |
 |
Keeping the Faith!!!! 10 Videos, MindMap, CheetSheet, and so much more to discuss FAITH!!!!https://learners.juniquesadservice.com/courses/offers/21e32619-5774-44e2-93d9-a3df7d93a778
Welcome to the course for You!!! Keep The Faith
Video 0- Introduction
Video 1 Why Faith is So Import ...more
rickey johnson • 261 Views • February 9th, 2026 |
 |
RON CARTER & RICKY DILLARD Is Taking Church To The Jazz Club With New Single "Open My Eyes"@RONCARTER #RONCARTER@RICKYDILLARD #RICKYDILLARDLegendary in the genres of Jazz and Gospel music, the "Maestro" Ron Carter and the "Choirmaster" Ricky Dillard are taking church to the Jazz club with t ...more
LaMarr Blackmon • 147 Views • February 9th, 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! • 70,796,303 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 • 118,224 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 • 75,027 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
How May I Help You NC • 61,507 Views • December 2nd, 2018 |
