The Department of Design at The Ohio State University mourns the passing of Dr. Noel Mayo, an extraordinary designer, educator, mentor, and nationally recognized pioneer in industrial design. Dr. Mayo leaves behind a transformative legacy whose impact shaped generations of students, elevated the field of design, and advanced diversity and inclusion across the profession.

Dr. Mayo was widely recognized as the first African American to found and lead an industrial design firm in the United States, establishing Noel Mayo Associates, Inc., a practice known for its influential work across products, interiors, graphics, and environmental signage systems. His client list spanned sectors and industries, including NASA, IBM, Lutron Electronics, Black & Decker, multiple government agencies, airports, museums, and major public institutions.

A graduate of the Philadelphia College of Art—later chairing its Industrial Design program—Dr. Mayo became the first African American chair of an industrial design program in the United States. His leadership helped the program grow into one of the strongest in the country, remembered for producing thoughtful, well-prepared designers who would go on to shape their fields.

In 1989, he was appointed Ohio Eminent Scholar in Art and Design Technology at The Ohio State University, joining the faculty as a professor teaching product, interior, and graphic design, as well as the influential Professional Practices course for more than 15 years. Dr. Mayo’s presence at Ohio State strengthened the program’s national stature and inspired countless students through his blend of rigor, generosity, calmness, and mentorship. Colleagues and former students frequently credit him with changing the trajectories of their careers and lives. In 2021, as a testament to Dr. Mayo's impact, generous Ohio State alumni funded the Mayo Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Program.

His design influence was expansive and long‑standing, including a remarkable 45‑year relationship with Lutron Electronics, during which his name appeared on more than 250 design patents and 27 utility patents, especially for lighting controls and dimming systems. His work can be found in homes, airports, offices, stores, public spaces, and museum collections across the country.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Mayo was a fierce advocate for diversity, access, and mentoring within design education. He actively supported students facing social, financial, or cultural barriers, helping many achieve academic success when they thought it impossible. His commitment extended to establishing mentoring programs and professional networks for minority designers nationwide.

News of Dr. Mayo’s passing was shared by colleagues and alumni across the design community, noting his profound influence as a Black design pioneer, scholar, and practitioner. They recalled his leadership, advocacy, and tireless mentorship, as well as his groundbreaking stature within the field.

The Ohio State Department of Design extends its deepest condolences to Dr. Mayo’s family, friends, former students, and the global design community. We honor his immeasurable contributions and his enduring influence on our program, our profession, and generations of designers.