Merchandising and Fashion Design Department

Archives for February 2020

Meet the Department Head: Dr. Elizabeth Rozell

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Portrait of Elizabeth Rozell
Dr. Elizabeth Rozell

Dr. Rozell serves as associate dean, director of the MBA program and the department head of merchandising and

fashion design. 

A series of leadership changes led to Dr. Rozell taking on these jobs. She was a management professor at MSU before starting as MBA Director in 2009 and associate dean in 2011. 

As merchandising and fashion design department head, a role she began in 2017, Dr. Rozell gets to see the more creative side of business.  

“I really love seeing all the creativity from the students,” Dr. Rozell said.

“I love the things they do and the clothes they create—how they are inspired by certain things and then create garments with that inspiration.” 

Getting the word out about the department can be a challenge since it is tucked away in the Park Central Office Building in Downtown Springfield. 

“It’s a hidden jewel. It’s a challenge that we have to overcome because we’re not in Glass Hall, so we don’t have the visibility other departments do,” she said. 

“I appreciate our fashion faculty. They have a lot of industry experience, great educational backgrounds, and they really care about the students,” she said. “The faculty is interested in keeping the curriculum up to date and continually improving.”  

Dr. Rozell earned two degrees from MSU—the first a bachelor’s in accounting which propelled her into the world of public accounting. After that, she pursued an MBA in management at MSU and then went on to earn a Ph.D. in organizational behavior from the University of Mississippi. 

Learn more about the merchandising and fashion design department. 

Project Puppy: Designing for a cause

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Lauren Wilson, junior fashion merchandising and design major, participated in the 2019 Project Puppy Gala as a designer. The event is a unique fashion show for rescue dogs. 

Wilson and Caroline, the ten-year old rescue pup, came in first place this year. 

It’s a bird… it’s a plane, it’s a dog! 

The designers had to create a look that aligned with the theme for the gala: superheroes. 

Wilson designed for a dog the same way she would design for a person; she took the time to get to know Caroline before crafting an outfit. 

“A designer’s greatest tool is empathy,” said Wilson. “If you can’t understand someone, you can’t design for them.” 

Wilson created a “super senior” look for Caroline since the pup is considered elderly and faces some health issues. 

The finished ensemble included a mask, paw cuffs, bloomers and a gold dog bone. Wilson drew inspiration from the classic look of superheroes like Superman.  

All dogs who walked the runway, including Caroline, were adopted after the show. 

A passion for fashion 

One of Wilson’s favorite parts of fashion is the fact that it brings together many of her interests. 

“It brings in a lot of different things—writing, fashion, psychology, business,” Wilson said. 

With a double emphasis in fashion design and product development as well as merchandising and management, her experience learning and designing at MSU has been nothing short of amazing. 

“I never imagined I would have such a personal connection at a state college,” said Wilson. “It’s a small program, and I’m able to make personal connections.” 

About Project Puppy 

The Project Puppy Gala is an annual event that benefits the Killuminati Foundation. The 2019 gala included the fashion show as well as silent and live auctions. 

The Killuminati Foundation is a non-profit organization that offers financial vet assistance for non-routine vet care. They also promote adoption and work with the community to educate on the importance of animal welfare, proper vet care, training needs and more. 

The dog fashion show featured locally rescued dogs. Each dog walks the runway in custom designed outfits by MSU merchandising and fashion design students. 

 

Learn more about merchandising and fashion design.

Getting involved in MFD

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In addition to the unique course offerings in the merchandising and fashion design department, students are welcome to join any of the active student organizations in the department. 

Association of Fashion and Design 

The Association of Fashion and Design (AFAD) is a student-run organization that is open to students of all majors who share a common love for fashion. Their aim is to create an environment where fashion-lovers can come together, celebrate diversity in the world of fashion and network to set themselves up for success in the future. 

Some opportunities AFAD offers include leadership positions, career days and seminars, design and merchandising competitions and contacts to industry professionals and experienced individuals. 

Learn more about AFAD. 

Sartorial Magazine 

Sartorial Magazine is MSU’s student-run, premiere source for all things fashion, beauty and culture. They are committed to showcasing students’ diverse talents in order to shine a light on the often-forgotten Midwest. 

Sartorial’s first issue brings the conversation around fashion to life using breathtaking imagery, creative layout and captivating stories. The entire publication is crafted by MSU students including fashion designers, writers, photographers, graphic designers and more. 

The magazine’s latest online publication is a zine featuring lesser known Springfield artists who are dedicated to creating visuals, textiles and crafts. 

Learn more about Sartorial. 

Study away 

Fashion students have regular opportunities to take study tours to various European and domestic locations. The department tries to offer at least one study tour each year. Recent trips included visits to Paris, China, Italy and Greece. 

Annually, a group of fashion students travel to New York City for a five-day visit. Students visit a variety of fashion businesses including Tommy Hilfiger, Kate Spade, Calvin Klein, Capelli Internation and Cotton Incorporated. There also are opportunities to interview for internships. 

Find out more about study away programs in the MFD department.