While Jamie Schisler is eager to build Miami University’s Fashion Institute from the ground up, he readily acknowledges the solid foundation that already exists on campus.
Schisler, a 1996 Miami graduate, is the inaugural director of the new institute, recently launched in the College of Creative Arts. He’s excited to be involved in a growing area of study at Miami that he believes has interdisciplinary potential across the school’s curriculum.
Miami’s Fashion co-major and minor are housed in the Department of Art with some courses in the Farmer School of Business.
“The role of the institute is to help support and grow our fashion offerings within campus and beyond,” Schisler said. “Students see the opportunity to learn the art of fashion and really lean into the business of fashion. What better place to do that than Miami? We’re uniquely positioned to leverage our strengths.”
One of those strengths is Miami University Fashion & Design (MUF&D), the largest student organization on campus. MUF&D is celebrating its 20th anniversary, and each year the group holds one of the largest student-run fashion shows in the country.
“What a fitting time to celebrate their accomplishments and shine a light on that organization,” Schisler said. “We want to tell their story in a really meaningful and exciting way.”
Schisler, who lives in Columbus, has spent the last several years visiting Miami to give guest lectures and interact with students.
Columbus is a growing city with strong opportunities and a convenient location, and the Fashion Institute will serve as a bridge between the university and industry, Schisler said.
There are also plans to create an advisory board to support the institute in terms of industry technology and direction, as well as to help prepare students to enter the workforce.
“All industries are evolving. Fashion is no different in that regard,” Schisler said.
Leaning into core areas like sustainability and technology will be part of the institute’s mission.
Those are areas where the industry is looking for thought leadership, Schisler said, and focusing on those aspects will help give students an advantage post-graduation.
“There are a lot of great things happening at Miami. How do we build on that? We’re going to get our sea legs under us and see how we fit in and how we add the most value,” Schisler said.
With more than 25 years of experience in fashion, Schisler has served as brand president and creator of UpWest, a digitally native dual gender apparel brand. He held leadership positions at Express and Abercrombie and Fitch after earning his bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Miami.
Support from university leaders and faculty members, as well as from Miami alumni, was crucial in launching the institute.
“People want to see this be as successful as possible,” Schisler said. “As an alumnus, this is a huge deal for me to be working so closely with the students and faculty.”
