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Dr. D'Wayne Edwards

President of PLC Detroit

Dr. D'Wayne Edwards is the President and founder of PLC Detroit (Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design), the only design-focused HBCU (Historically Black College and University) in the United States.12 He is a renowned footwear designer with an impressive career spanning over three decades.3

Career Highlights

  • Started as an entry-level footwear designer for LA Gear at age 19 in 1989, without formal education.23
  • Designed over 500 footwear styles for celebrities, athletes, and Olympians.34
  • Accumulated more than 50 patents throughout his career.3
  • Served as design director at Nike's Jordan brand for 10 years.4

Achievements and Recognition

  • Won a Reebok design competition at age 17.1
  • Received numerous awards, including the Red Dot award and three-time Mercedes Benz Fashion Award.2
  • Named one of Fast Company's 100 Most Creative People in Business.2
  • Awarded the President's Volunteer of Service Award by President Barack Obama.2

Educational Initiatives

  • Founded Pensole Design Academy in 2010, specializing in footwear and accessories design.4
  • Reopened Detroit's HBCU, Lewis College of Business, as Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design in 2021.12
  • Partnered with major brands and institutions, including Nike, Target, and various prestigious schools.45

Dr. Edwards' mission is to diversify the design industry and provide opportunities for aspiring designers, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.34

Highlights

Aug 9 · linkedin

"Be more concerned with your character than your reputation because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think of you." -John Wooden

Jun 20 · linkedin

Related Questions

What inspired Dr. D'Wayne Edwards to merge Pensole with Lewis College of Business?
How did Dr. D'Wayne Edwards' career start with no formal education?
What are some of the notable awards Dr. D'Wayne Edwards has received?
How did Dr. D'Wayne Edwards contribute to the reopening of Detroit's HBCU?
What is the mission of Pensole Lewis College under Dr. D'Wayne Edwards' leadership?
Dr. D'Wayne Edwards
Dr. D'Wayne Edwards, photo 1
Dr. D'Wayne Edwards, photo 2
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Location

Detroit, Michigan, United States