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Merchandising and Fashion Design Department

  • Merchandising and Fashion Design Department

MFD students build up their networks in New York City

April 22, 2020 by Kristina Khodai

Group of students under neon sign that reads, "Create Tomorrow."

The trip to New York City allowed students insight into the business of fashion as well as exposure to a variety of potential career paths.   

Connecting with the Business of Fashion 

Students had unique experiences including industry tours and meetings at Macy’s, JS Collections and WSGN.  

At JS Collections, a company that specializes in designing dresses for special occasions, students connected with a fellow Bear. Abbigail Dansby, assistant designer and MSU alumna, spoke with students about her role and her experiences after college. 

They also met with the head of product development, a technical designer and a sales director. 

“The meetings gave us an excellent opportunity to network with individuals who work in the fashion industry in a variety of fields,” said Debra Zerr, junior fashion merchandising and design major.  

Students also met with Lori Gassie, a costume designer and stylist. She designs custom performance costumes for figure skating, dance, baton and more. She also is a wardrobe stylist for personal clients and productions.  

Gassie shared how she built up her own brand and opened a conversation about how students could successfully start their own businesses or fashion lines. 

WSGN is one of the top fashion trend forecasters. The meeting allowed students to learn about long-term consumer trends, new and breaking trends, global street style and live reporting from trade show floors. 

“The trip is an invaluable experiential learning opportunity for our students,” said Dr. Elizabeth Rozell, department head of MFD. “They get to see the inner workings of fashion design, merchandising, industry research and so much more.  The industry experience that our faculty discuss in class comes alive during the trip.” 

Group of girls in front of racks of clothes.
Group at JS Collections with alumna, Abbigail Dansby.
Students gathered around a tour guide.
Students listen to their tour guide at Macy’s.
Three girls standing in front of a theatre.
Students had the chance to see a Broadway play.
Group of students in front of elevators.
Students gather for a group photo.
Girl in front of wall that reads, "In pursuit of fashion."
Fashion merchandising major Debra Zerr

Connecting with Alumni 

Students also attended an alumni dinner to make more personal connections. 

The dinner hosted 15 alumni, including Dansby, who live in New York City and work as merchandisers or designers. 

Each alumnus was given an opportunity to introduce themselves and give students some insight on their experiences after graduation. Students were able to talk, ask questions and exchange information. 

“It was so useful and amazing to meet alumni that are willing to help us,” said Zerr. “Those unique connections will aid me in success upon graduation.” 

Students also were able to explore the city in their free time. Outings included visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art and seeing a Broadway show. 

About MFD 

The MFD program offers students the tools they need to excel in the fashion industry. Students receive a comprehensive study of culture, art theory, and process and product development.  

The department also hosts events where students can showcase their talent and develop their skills. 

Learn more about merchandising and fashion design. 

Filed Under: Student Highlights Tagged With: Abbigail Dansby, alumni, Dr. Elizabeth Rozell

Meet the Department Head: Dr. Elizabeth Rozell

February 28, 2020 by Kristina Khodai

Portrait of Elizabeth Rozell
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. 

Filed Under: Faculty News Tagged With: College of Business, Dr. Elizabeth Rozell, fashion design, merchandising

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