McMillon Innovation Studio Expanding Into Additional Level at Harmon Garage

Spurred by significant growth and increased demand, the McMillon Innovation Studio, U of A's campus innovation hub, is doubling its existing space to better accommodate the rising number of students and program offerings. 

Overseen by the U of A Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the studio is located on the sixth level of the Harmon Avenue Parking Garage. The expansion to the seventh floor will "greatly enhance the McMillon Studio's ability to support student projects, curriculum integrations and provide more room for collaboration and experiential learning," according to Jessica Andrews, associate director at the studio. 

The studio will now have roughly 2,500 square feet of space to operate, Andrews said. 

"This growth is essential, as the studio has seen a substantial increase in engagement, from 27 teams in 2021 to a record 48 teams last year," Andrews said.  

"It will also support the growing Master of Science in Product Innovation program, which doubled student enrollment this fall, and the undergraduate certificate in Organizational Innovation, which has a record number of students enrolled." 

Launched in 2016, the studio serves as an innovation hub to U of A students of all majors and works to develop future leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators by cultivating their creative mindset and connecting them to opportunities to make real-world impact.    

Students in the studio are given access to valuable mentorship and resources — providing further support to cultivate their creative skills and empower them to deliver impact innovation through organizational, social and entrepreneurial change.  

The studio received a foundational gift of $1 million gift from Doug McMillon, CEO of Walmart and a 1989 graduate of the Sam M. Walton College of Business. 

Andrews said the expansion is a direct reflection of the studio's evolution and impact on the U of A.  

"As we've expanded our program offerings and supported more students and teams, the need for increased space has become clear," Andrews said.  

"This development underscores the studio's role as a cornerstone of the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation and highlights its ongoing success and influence within the university." 

About the U of A Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation: The Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation creates and curates innovation and entrepreneurship experiences for students across all disciplines. Through the Brewer Family Entrepreneurship Hub, McMillon Innovation Studio, Startup Village, and Greenhouse at the Bentonville Collaborative, OEI provides free workshops and programs — including social and corporate innovation design teams, venture internships, competitions and startup coaching. A unit of the Sam M. Walton College of Business and Division of Economic Development, OEI also offers on-demand support for students who will be innovators within existing organizations and entrepreneurs who start something new.