Ann Arbor Times

Eastern Michigan University’s School of Art and Design has received a $200,000 grant from the Windgate Foundation to establish the EMU Windgate Fellows program. The new initiative aims to broaden experiential learning for students and enhance engagement with local communities.

Sandra Murchison, director of the School of Art and Design at EMU, stated, “The EMU Windgate Fellows program creates a structured pathway for our students to test ideas in real contexts, collaborate with communities and take creative risks with mentorship and support. Fellows will emerge with stronger portfolios, clearer direction in their fields and the confidence to lead.”

The grant will fund two groups of about 10 students each. The first cohort will participate from May 2026 through April 2027, while the second group is scheduled for May 2027 through April 2028. Each year’s fellows will include both undergraduate and graduate students selected based on their artistic achievements across disciplines such as studio art, design, simulation, animation, gaming, art history, and art education.

Participants in the fellowship receive a one-year stipend covering tuition, fees, travel expenses, and other costs related to creative work or research. Under faculty guidance, fellows are expected to engage in community projects, professional exhibitions, research trips, workshops led by practitioners, and placements with partner organizations.

Half of the $200,000 award is designated as a challenge grant that requires matching funds from additional donors before it can be fully utilized. Those interested in contributing can contact Sandra Murchison or Jill Hunsberger at Eastern Michigan University.

Jill Hunsberger commented on the funding: “This investment helps Eastern elevate hands-on learning while expanding access to high-impact opportunities. We’re grateful to the Windgate Foundation and excited to invite donors to help us unlock every dollar of impact for our students.”

The School of Art and Design operates within EMU’s College of Arts and Sciences. More information about programs offered by Eastern Michigan University can be found on its official website.

Founded in 1849 as Michigan's second-oldest public university, EMU currently enrolls nearly 13,000 students across more than 300 academic programs in areas including arts and sciences; business; education; engineering; technology; health; human services; as well as its graduate school. National publications have recognized EMU for its commitment to applied education.