Future-Ready MIAD
Strengthening Our Foundation for Tomorrow
2025 Campaign for the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design
THE URGENCY OF INNOVATION AND ADAPTABILITY
As national policies and economic landscapes evolve, MIAD must be prepared to navigate change while remaining steadfast in its mission to empower creativity, innovation, and student success.Shifts in funding priorities, technological advancements, and workforce demands underscore the necessity for institutions like ours to become agile, forward-thinking, and equipped with the tools to meet emerging challenges.
Why We Must Act Now
→ Evolving Policy & Funding Landscapes
Shifts in federal policy and demand for increased reporting may influence how education and arts institutions are funded. By proactively reinforcing our institutional infrastructure, MIAD ensures it remains agile, resilient, and well-prepared to navigate these changes with confidence.
→ Technological Advancements
Strategic investments in upgraded technology will position MIAD at the forefront of operational efficiency and campus safety. By implementing advanced software solutions, we can streamline workflows, minimize manual tasks, and enhance staff productivity. Simultaneously, upgrading our security infrastructure will provide a safer environment for faculty, staff, students and the community.
→ Sustained Institutional Growth
To attract top talent, nurture creative excellence, and serve our community with impact, MIAD must remain resilient, adaptable, and well-resourced. Establishing a dedicated Student Success Center will elevate the level of support we provide, empowering students to thrive academically, creatively, and personally.
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE: OUR $2 MILLION INITIATIVE
To address these challenges and secure MIAD’s future, we are launching a $2 million campaign dedicated to strengthening infrastructure, upgrading essential software, and equipping students, faculty and staff with the tools needed to thrive in an evolving landscape.
Your Support Will Help:
- Upgrade software to ensure safety and efficiency
- Invest in adaptable infrastructure to meet future demands
- Strengthen financial stability in response to shifts in funding priorities
- Sustain MIAD’s impact as a key contributor to Milwaukee’s creative economic growth
FUTURE-READY MIAD: Funding Priorities
Campus Safety & Access - $350,000
Investment in campus-wide security upgrades:
• 200 OpenEye IP cameras across all floors and exterior
• Modernize door access with Brivo mobile entry and add three secure doors
HR Payroll Modernization - $200,000
Transition from outdated, manual payroll system to outsourced solution:
• 3 years for vendor services
• Internal support and tech assistance needed during upgrade
Marketing Campaign & College Website Upgrade - $700,000
Launch a bold 3-year marketing campaign paired with a brand refresh to drive student recruitment.
Backend improvements to stabilize and modernize MIAD’s digital presence, ensuring accessibility, scalability, and performance.
Student Success Initiatives - $750,000
Funded by a $2.24M Title III federal grant (at risk of early termination):
• Supports the creation, furnishing, and teacher training endowment match of MIAD’s new Student Success Center
• Funds key staff roles and training focused on mental health and long-term endowment growth
• Ensures the continuation of the Center and vital programming beyond the two guaranteed years of federal funding
TRANSFORMATIVE NAMING OPPORTUNITIES
A transformative philanthropic naming opportunity is available for the new Centers for Student Success & Learning, which brings together the newly established Student Success and Academic Success Centers.
A visionary $1 million investment in naming the Centers for Student Success & Learning empowers generations of students, underscoring a profound commitment to their academic journey and the future of creative education.
Individual naming opportunities are also available for the Student Success Center and the Academic Success Center, each at $750,000. These gifts represent meaningful investments in student achievement, academic support, and the transformative power of creative learning.
JOIN US IN BUILDING A RESILIENT FUTURE
By contributing to this campaign, you are not just supporting MIAD, you are ensuring that future generations of artists, designers, and innovators have the tools they need to succeed. Together, we can navigate change with confidence and vision.
→ For more information about this campaign and how you can help shape the future, please contact:
Tracy Milkowski
Vice President for Advancement
(414) 847-3239
tracymilkowski@miad.edu