Miami University hires alumnus to launch new fashion institute
Jamie Schisler ’96 will establish the institute to create industry partnerships and support student organizations and degree programs
Miami University’s fashion program is in for some alterations, including creating a fashion institute led by alumnus Jamie Schisler ’96.
Once a Marketing student on the Oxford campus, Schisler returns to lead and establish a new institute designed to support fashion-forward student organizations, including Miami University Fashion and Design (MUF&D), which will celebrate its 20th annual runway show in the spring.
In addition to student organizations, the institute will partner with faculty and students in the growing Fashion degree programs. It also will build and foster relationships with fashion partners in the industry, creating pathways for student success through internships and opportunities post-graduation.
“As a proud Miami alumnus, I am grateful for the opportunity to lead this exciting initiative,” Schisler said. “Fashion has become an increasingly popular choice of study, and I look forward to working alongside faculty and industry leaders to support our students and student-led fashion organizations"
Ryan Fisher, dean of the College of Creative Arts, shared his excitement for the direction of Miami’s fashion program after attending this year’s MUF&D fashion show. That begins with hiring Schisler, he said.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Jamie Schisler as the new strategic advisor for the College of Creative Arts as we prepare to launch Miami’s Fashion Institute,” Fisher said. “Jamie brings a wealth of industry expertise through his leadership with some of the nation’s most recognizable fashion brands.”
Schisler’s previous industry experience includes merchandising, marketing, strategy, and leadership roles with brands like EXPRESS, Richer Poorer, and Abercrombie & Fitch. Schisler earned a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Miami and received his MBA from Ohio State University.
“His deep ties to industry professionals in Columbus — one of the country’s fashion and retail hubs — will be instrumental as we build meaningful partnerships and position Miami as a leader in fashion education,” Fisher added.
Along with the launch of the fashion institute, the Department of Art will be introducing a fashion design concentration to its programming.
Fisher said this alignment poses the “perfect moment to establish an institute that connects our strong student organizations, our co-major in Fashion, and our growing curriculum into a coordinated and powerful force for innovation, collaboration, and impact in the field.”
Momentum within the fashion program at Miami is in part due to the contributions of Tim Baxter ’91, who served as the CEO of EXPRESS and held executive roles for Macy’s. Baxter and his wife, Shannon ’91 endowed the Institute’s directorship in 2023.
“Tim understands the importance of nurturing the next generation of creative talent. His generous contribution has made this new strategic advisor position possible and has laid the foundation for what will become Miami’s Fashion Institute,” Fisher said. “His belief in our vision continues to inspire and empower us to reach higher.”
Miami currently offers a co-major in Fashion and a minor in Fashion. Students in these fashion programs take courses in both the College of Creative Arts and the Farmer School of Business, linking art and marketing together in the curriculum.
Established in 1809, Miami University is located in Oxford, Ohio, with regional campuses in Hamilton and Middletown, a learning center in West Chester, and a European study center in Luxembourg. Interested in learning more about Miami's Fashion co-major? Visit the website for more information.
