On Monday, June 1, the hallways of the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design were energized. The college was on summer hiatus, but there was a different buzz throughout the school. Jeffrey (Jeff) Morin was beginning his tenure as MIAD President.
Succeeding retiring President Neil Hoffman, Morin was carefully selected from a national search conducted by global firm, Korn Ferry, and a 12-member search team, led by new MIAD Board Chair Robert L. Mikulay.
Morin, previously the dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication (COFAC) at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, is an award-winning artist, teacher and strategist with 30 years of higher education experience.
“MIAD is known for its student-centered approach, a value that we both share,” said Morin.
Morin brings to the college his expertise in strategic planning, diversity and access, enrollment management, marketing, fundraising, curriculum development and assessment, and interdisciplinary programming that brings college constituencies and community members of all ages together in new and innovative ways.
Looking toward the future and envisioning the next five years, Morin says he sees three things happening.
“First, the faculty and staff feel supported to the point that very ambitious ideas are coming forward and coming to fruition. Second, the students are creating something exciting that can’t be envisioned today. Third, people from a great distance are taking notice of what we are building together here at MIAD in Milwaukee.”
Driven to create and problem solve, Morin finds his work as an educator as rewarding as his work as an artist and designer.
“My personal philosophy is that the most effective educational administrator is a servant leader, putting the needs of others first and helping others to create and achieve. This leader champions the institution and its students, reminding all of the transformative nature of education.”