Campus Connection

Alumna Katie MacDonald finds success blending passion and education

From a stand-out college student to awarded professor, Katie MacDonald has found her calling in higher education. 

MacDonald, ’02, graduated from UW-La Crosse with a degree in art and a minor in photography before building her career that bridges the worlds of art and education — bringing both passions together in her role as an associate professor at Wayne State University in Detroit. 

MacDonald's dedication and success as an arts educator were recently recognized by Wayne State, where she was honored with the President's Award for Excellence in Teaching and inducted into the Wayne State Academy of Teachers. 

"The President’s Award is such an honor for a lot of reasons, but it is particularly meaningful to me because I was nominated by two graduate student instructors who I had mentored as they were teaching their first studio art courses,” MacDonald says. "Learning that my mentorship had such a positive impact on them as they were developing their own teaching practices means the world to me." 

Teaching has always been a rewarding experience for MacDonald, particularly in helping students recognize their own artistic strengths.

“Being equipped to help students make connections to art and design fields that align with their unique creative interests keeps me on my toes,” MacDonald explains. “Fields that rely heavily on creative skillsets have expanded and will continue to do so." 

MacDonald credits one of her mentors from her time at UWL, Roger Grant, for being especially impactful in shaping her college experience and career trajectory. 

"To this day, I am inspired by the quality of his teaching and the depth and versatility of knowledge," MacDonald shares. 

Now 16 years into retirement, Grant, a former photography professor, still remembers MacDonald as a student, noting her enthusiasm and dedication. 

"Katie brought a special insight and aesthetic to her photography projects. She engaged my courses with determination to make the most of the opportunities," Grant recalls. “It is a joy to hear about student successes, and I am thrilled Katie is enjoying success as a teacher and artist.” 

Alongside her rewarding career in teaching, MacDonald continues to create art, specifically focusing on small metals, sculpture and ceramics while also sitting on the boards of the Michigan Silversmiths Guild and the Plymouth Village Potters Guild. 

For current UWL art students aspiring to build careers in art and education, MacDonald offers valuable advice. 

"I encourage students to look for opportunities to expand upon their educational experiences beyond the structure of their required courses,” MacDonald says. “Apply for undergraduate research grants, scholarships to participate in workshops, and internships." 

MacDonald is thankful that her UWL education provided her with the foundation for a rewarding and fulfilling career.  

"UWL provided me with a versatile educational experience,” MacDonald reflects, “while also allowing me to dive deep into the subjects that spoke to me the most."