Future-Ready MIAD
Strengthening Our Foundation for Tomorrow
2026 Campaign for the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design
Future-Ready MIAD
Strengthening Our Foundation for Tomorrow
2026 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
→ Technological Advancements
→ Sustained Institutional Growth
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.
Building a Future-Ready MIAD
Invest in the Foundation that Powers Creative Education
Creative education depends on more than studios and classrooms. It requires safe facilities, modern technology, effective operations and the student support systems that help emerging artists and designers succeed.
MIAD has launched a $2 million Future-Ready MIAD initiative to strengthen the infrastructure behind every student experience. Your investment will help ensure the college remains resilient, responsive and prepared for the future while continuing to serve Milwaukee’s creative community.
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
Building a Future-Ready MIAD
Invest in the Foundation that Powers Creative Education
Creative education depends on more than studios and classrooms. It requires safe facilities, modern technology, effective operations and the student support systems that help emerging artists and designers succeed.
MIAD has launched a $2 million Future-Ready MIAD initiative to strengthen the infrastructure behind every student experience. Your investment will help ensure the college remains resilient, responsive and prepared for the future while continuing to serve Milwaukee’s creative community.
Four Funding Priorities
Campus Safety & Access
Goal: $350,000
Create a safer, more secure campus through modern security technology.
- Install 200 new campus security cameras.
- Upgrade door access with Brivo mobile entry.
- Enhance building security with three additional controlled-access doors.
HR Payroll Modernization
Goal: $200,000 (fulfilled)
Replace outdated manual systems with modern technology that improves efficiency, accuracy and service.
- Transition to an outsourced payroll platform.
- Support implementation, training and technology integration.
- Reduce administrative burden so staff can focus on serving students.
Marketing Campaign & College Website Upgrade
Goal: $700,000
Strengthen MIAD’s visibility and digital presence to attract the next generation of creative students.
- Launch a three-year integrated marketing campaign.
- Refresh the MIAD brand.
- Modernize the college website for accessibility, performance and long-term scalability.
Student Success Initiatives
Goal: $750,000
Ensure every student has access to the resources they need to thrive—today and into the future. Federal Title III funding launched MIAD’s Student Success Center, but long-term sustainability requires philanthropic investment.
Your support will help:
- Sustain the Student Success Center beyond initial federal funding.
- Support key student success professionals and essential services.
- Invest in mental health resources, academic support and faculty development, including a teaching training endowment match.
- Build the endowment that will secure these programs for future generations beyond the two guaranteed years of federal funding.
Campus Safety & Access
Goal: $350,000
Create a safer, more secure campus through modern security technology.
HR & Payroll Modernization
Goal: $200,000 (fulfilled)
Replace outdated manual systems with modern technology that improves efficiency, accuracy and service.
Marketing & College Website Upgrade
Goal: $700,000
Strengthen MIAD’s visibility and digital presence to attract the next generation of creative students.
Student Success Initiatives
Goal: $750,000
Ensure every student has access to the resources they need to thrive—today and into the future. Federal Title III funding launched MIAD’s Student Success Center, but long-term sustainability requires philanthropic investment.
Transformative Naming Opportunities
A transformative, $1.2 million naming opportunity is available for the new Centers for Student & Academic Success, which brings together the newly established Student Success and Academic Success Centers. This visionary investment will create a lasting legacy while supporting generations of students as they pursue creative careers and academic success.
Additional Naming Opportunities
- Student Success Center: $750,000
- Academic Success Center: $750,000
Each naming opportunity represents a lasting investment in student achievement, personalized support and the future of creative education.
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
Transformative Naming Opportunities
A transformative philanthropic naming opportunity is available for the new Centers for Student & Academic Success, which brings together the newly established Student Success and Academic Success Centers.
A visionary $1.2 million investment in naming the Centers for Student & Academic Success 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