At the McMillon Innovation Studio, students step directly into the real world. Working in interdisciplinary teams, they research, design, test and deliver solutions for corporate and nonprofit partners, taking on challenges that matter now. It’s hands-on, fast-moving and consequential work—an experience that sets students apart, delivers real value to clients, and exemplifies what learning at the University of Arkansas’ Sam M. Walton College of Business can be.
That work extends well beyond the physical space. Student ideas developed through McMillon Innovation Studio are often implemented at the local, national and even global level, giving students the opportunity to see their thinking translate into real-world impact.
For example, student teams recently partnered with Sam’s Club to develop Return & Go, a digital tool that streamlines returns and improves decision-making across operations, while another team worked with Gatorade to create a targeted campaign and product-match experience designed to bring everyday consumers back into the category. In the nonprofit space, students collaborated with Community Clinic to simplify patient communication, building more accessible, always-on connections between providers and the communities they serve.
Along the way, students build relationships, demonstrate their capabilities and frequently receive internships and job offers before graduation. The McMillon Innovation Studio becomes a direct pipeline from experience to opportunity.
“We’re not asking students to solve theoretical problems,” said Chris Tisdel, director of the McMillon Innovation Studio. “We’re asking them to step into real ones, alongside organizations operating at both local and global scales. When your ideas are being considered for real implementation, the standard changes. So does the student.”
Since 2019, approximately 1,000 students have engaged with the McMillon Innovation Studio, reflecting its growing reach and impact. During the Spring 2026 semester, the Studio supported 16 design teams and two product teams working on real-world challenges. By Spring 2026, it will expand to a combined 20 design and product teams, along with eight dedicated healthcare teams tackling challenges with organizations like UAMS.
Plans for a larger, dedicated space in the soon to be constructed Mandy and Bill Dillard II Hall, set to open in Fall 2029, will unlock greater capacity and further position McMillon Innovation Studio as a central hub for innovation at the University of Arkansas, accelerating its impact across campus and beyond.