Chippewa Valley Times

Andrew Murphy, a 2018 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Stout’s M.F.A. Design program, now serves as Head of Corporate Strategy at Apple Retail. Murphy’s career began with a music degree and evolved through studies in video and film before focusing on experiential design. He credits his time at UW-Stout for providing the tools to merge creativity with strategy.

“My career path hasn’t been linear, but it’s always been guided by a fascination with how people connect to experiences. I started with a music degree because I was curious about how sound could move people emotionally. That curiosity evolved into studying video and film at UW-Stevens Point, where I focused on narrative design and the power of storytelling to transport an audience,” Murphy said.

He added that UW-Stout helped him bridge creativity with business: “That exploration led me to pursue my MFA at UW-Stout, where I gained the tools to think more holistically about design. UW-Stout helped me bridge creativity with strategy, blending design and business to shape more intentional, impactful experiences.”

Murphy pointed out specific courses and faculty who influenced his approach. “Several courses at UW-Stout had a lasting influence on my professional philosophy, particularly Design Seminar and Research Strategies in Design. These classes deepened my understanding of the research process in design and how to translate insights into meaningful outcomes,” he said.

He credited Julie Peterson for helping clarify his goals, Dave Beck for teaching collaboration across software platforms, and Erik Evensen for digital design skills he still uses today.

Murphy emphasized that UW-Stout’s polytechnic model taught him how to apply theory directly to practice: “UW-Stout’s polytechnic approach taught me how to bridge theory and practice, how to take design concepts and theoretical knowledge and apply them directly to real-world projects. That mindset continues to influence both my day-to-day decisions and long-term strategy.”

For current students aiming for leadership roles, Murphy advised observing leaders’ actions closely: “I would encourage students to pay close attention to the leaders around them. Observe how their actions, communication, and decision-making make you feel... Just as importantly, learn from the negative experiences too; understanding what doesn’t work can be just as valuable as knowing what does.”

Murphy maintains connections with fellow alumni and professors from UW-Stout through conferences like the Game Design Conference in San Francisco.

On mentorship, he noted its importance in his leadership style: “While I didn’t have a formal mentor during my time at UW-Stout or early in my career, I was fortunate to have several influential leaders in my life... Those experiences are a big reason why I now participate in a formal mentoring program at my current employer.”

Reflecting on his legacy, Murphy stated: “I hope my legacy is inspiring others to see their skills in a broader context—to stay curious, communicate their ideas clearly, and recognize that design and business can work hand in hand... UW-Stout is part of that legacy because it gave me the foundation to think both creatively and strategically.”