Lesley Sager

Lesley Sager is a Teaching Professor Emeritus in the Department of Design Studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s School of Human Ecology. Her career spans diverse fields including photography, social work, and interior design, which inform her teaching philosophy emphasizing design’s power to improve lives. She guides students in projects ranging from furniture design to large-scale initiatives like a women’s maker studio in Kenya.

Believing education is a 'toolbox' for opportunity, Sager focuses on fostering passion, motivation, and perseverance in students. Her work bridges creative design with real-world impact, advocating for innovative solutions to societal challenges.

Office: 1416 Nancy Nicholas Hall, Madison, WI. Contact: 608-890-3265 or lhsager@wisc.edu.