"Assistant Professor Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design"

Job Summary

Reporting to the School of Human Ecology Chair, the Assistant Professor of Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design position requires undergraduate teaching, developing and sustaining a productive program of research and/or creative scholarship, and providing service to the School, college, and university, as well as engaging in student success initiatives and professional development. The position is an academic (10 month) tenure-track appointment.

Required Qualifications

• Earned terminal degree (Ph.D., MFA) in Fashion Merchandising or Apparel Design, or a closely related field with at least 18 graduate semester hours in Fashion Merchandising or Apparel Design, by August 1, 2026.
• Demonstrated ability to teach some combination of the following undergraduate courses: Intro to the Fashion Industry, Intro to Apparel Construction, Intro to Computer-Aided Design, Apparel Product Development, and/or Advanced Computer-Aided Design.
• Record of advancing or potential for a strong and growing research and scholarship agenda in fashion merchandising and apparel design (e.g. production of research/creative activities) with focus in one or more areas of interest: Apparel and Retail Technology and/or Digital Design Technology.
• Record of or potential for securing external funding (e.g. grants, fellowships, sponsored research, or industry partnerships) to support scholarship/creative activities in fashion merchandising and apparel design.
• Ability to build and maintain industry and community partnerships that provide experiential learning and professional opportunities for students.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, students, and external partners.
• Willingness to engage with institutional student success initiatives.
• Commitment to internal and external service at the departmental, college, and university levels, including but not limited to curriculum development, program assessment, recruitment, and outreach.
• Commitment to engaging with best practice initiatives in instruction and pedagogy, mentoring, and curriculum design and development.

Preferred Qualifications

• A minimum of one year of college or university teaching experience, with evidence of effective instructional strategies, curriculum development, and student engagement at the undergraduate level.
• Proficiency with entry level apparel and textile industry CAD software, such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator and advanced computer design software such as CLO 3D, Browsewear, and Gerber/Lectra/Optitex design technology or other relevant digital and hands-on tools used in design and production.
• Experience designing and delivering various course modalities (e.g. online or hybrid courses), including familiarity with learning management systems and digital teaching tools.
• Evidence of developing and delivering engaging, student-centered learning experiences that incorporate current industry practices and technologies.
• Experience in mentoring and supporting students through activities such as professional development, internships, portfolio preparation, or co-curricular activities.
• Professional experience in the clothing, apparel, or textile industry, such as design, product development, merchandising, or manufacturing, with a demonstrated understanding of current industry practices.
• Experience supervising students in internships, study tours, fashion shows, or co-curricular projects, with the ability to mentor and support their professional development.

Proposed Salary

Commensurate with experience. This is an exempt position paid on a monthly basis.

Required Documents to Attach

A complete application consists of a letter addressing the qualifications cited above; a curriculum vitae; official or unofficial graduate transcripts; a research statement/philosophy; a teaching statement/philosophy; the names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses of at least three professional references; and, if available, two more course evaluations. Other documentation may be requested.

Apply Before Date

Open Until Filled. Screening of applications begins October 20, 2025 and continues until the position is filled. Preferred start date is August 1, 2026.

Contact Information

Search Chair: Kyler Arnold
Email: karnold@georgiasouthern.edu
Telephone: 912-478-7899