Chris Tisdel, an industry leader with a background in Human Centered Design, has been named director of the McMillon Innovation Studio, the campus innovation hub at the University of Arkansas.  

Overseen by U of A's Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, a division of the Sam M. Walton College of Business, the studio's mission is 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. 

Tisdel said the Studio is a "launchpad for driven, innovative students who will become the young professional heartbeat of existing and new companies around the world." 

"I feel like McMillon, OEI, and the University of Arkansas are all quickly becoming innovation magnets for students, faculty, and businesses that will shape the world," Tisdel said. 

Tisdel envisions igniting transformative students and using the Studio as a catalyst for "groundbreaking ideas that empower the university community to redefine what's possible." 

"As (the studio) evolves, I would look to a future where it is serves as an innovative hub within the State of Arkansas while becoming a globally recognized center for innovation and entrepreneurship.  

Phil Shellhammer, OEI's executive director, said he "couldn't be more thrilled" that Tisdel is joining the team. 

"Chris brings a wealth of knowledge in innovation facilitation and education and will expand our programs impact on companies across the United States."

A Texas native, Tisdel's background includes architecture, consulting, higher education, sales, and project management. He founded Ruckus Innovation Consulting in 2009, serving as president and CEO of the independent, boutique consulting firm that assisted clients ranging from startups to Fortune 100 companies. 

Tisdel earned a Master's in architecture from Texas Tech University. Tisdel said Arkansas "may be one of the few places on Earth that can tempt a Texan to move from Texas.

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About the McMillon Innovation Studio: Founded in 2016 with support from Walmart President and CEO and Walton College alumnus Doug McMillon and his wife, Shelley McMillon, the studio provides students from across campus with a collaborative space to prototype ideas and tackle complex business and social challenges. The McMillon family later invested $2 million in the studio with additional financial support from Kelly and Steve Barnes, Claude and Don Harris, and Sunny Gosain.

In 2025, the McMillon Family Foundation committed $10 million to establish the McMillon Innovation Studio Endowed Fund and the McMillon Innovation Studio Construction Fund, permanently establishing the studio within the Sam M. Walton College of Business.

About the U of A Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation: The Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, a division of the Sam M. Walton College of Business, 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, the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation provides free workshops and programs — including social and corporate innovation design teams, venture internships, competitions and startup coaching. OEI also offers on-demand support for students who will be innovators within existing organizations and entrepreneurs who start something new.