Below is an archive of our department's recent media appearances, awards, funded grants, publications, presentations, and other news highlighting the work of our talented faculty, staff, and students.
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Media Appearances
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Awards and Honors
Mar 26, 2025
Congratulations to the BSFCS Fashion Merchandising faculty for being selected as a recipient of the inaugural Excellence in Academic Program Assessment Award! This recognition highlights the faculty’s dedication to assessing student learning outcomes and ensuring a strong academic experience. Out of nearly 70 nominations across UGA’s schools and colleges, the Fashion Merchandising program stood out among the top 1% for its outstanding commitment to academic program assessment. The program will be recognized in the April edition of the Office of Instruction faculty newsletter.
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Grants Received
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Publications
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Presentations and Events
Apr 23, 2025
Join us for the 2025 UGA Furnishings & Interiors Senior Portfolio Showcase on May 1, from 6:30–8:30 PM at The Chapel Athens (100 Prince Ave, Suite 101). Featuring guest designer Kym Fordham of Kymberly Kouture Home, this inspiring evening includes hors d’oeuvres and refreshments provided by The Chapel. Sponsored by Kym Fordham and Elizabeth Bologino Interiors, LLC. Parking available on-site.
Apr 11, 2025
SMA Presents:
Buy tickets here!
SMA Presents: Laced in the West
Where Rodeo Meets RomanceThis isn't your typical runway. Laced in the West is where spurs meet satin, where outlaw grit dances with cinematic glam. It’s a love letter to the untamed spirit of the West—bold, beautiful, and dripping in nostalgia. But Western is more than just cowboys and standoffs. It’s a rich tapestry of cultural roots, rebellious reinterpretations, and unexpected twists. This show redefines what it means to be Western, drawing inspiration from rhinestone cowboys to Indigenous artistry, vintage Americana to modern edge.
So, we ask: What’s your Western?
Date & Location
April 23, 2025
UGA Livestock Instructional Arena
2600 S Milledge Ave, Athens, GA 30605Schedule
Cocktail Hour with Local Vendors – 6:00 PM
Runway Show – 7:00 PMDress Code
Semi-formal with a Western Twist
(Boots encouraged – we’re keeping it real with some dirt floors!)Tickets
Presale: $10
At the Door: $15
Grab your presale tickets below before they’re gone!Apr 09, 2025
The Department of Textiles, Merchandising, and Interiors is excited to announce the opening of a new photo studio in Barrow Hall! While the space is designed primarily for PDD students creating design portfolios, it is open to all TMI students, faculty, and staff who would like to photograph their work in a professional setting. A brief instruction sheet will be placed next to the lighting—please take a moment to review it before using the studio. This resource was made possible through the support of the Department of Textiles, Merchandising, and Interiors and the College of Family and Consumer Sciences.
Apr 08, 2025
Have a research project or thesis you’re excited to share? The Textiles, Merchandising & Interiors (TMI) department invites you to join our 3-Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition! It’s a great chance to present your work in a clear, creative way, boost your presentation skills, and even win prize money. All TMI students are welcome! Register by scanning the flyer’s QR code or clicking here: https://form.jotform.com/250976243199165. We can’t wait to see your ideas shine!
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Alumni News
Apr 09, 2025
The College of Family and Consumer Sciences at UGA honored bridal designer and alumna Anne Barge Clegg at a reception in Barrow Hall for her generous donation to the Historic Clothing and Textile Collection. This collection, with around 3,000 items from the 1800s to present, is housed at UGA’s Special Collections Library. It serves as a valuable educational resource, used in classroom demonstrations on topics like fashion history, textile technology, and social issues. It also provides hands-on training for students in museum practices and research opportunities. Read the full article here!
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Classroom Highlights
Mar 24, 2025
Do you have plastic bags from online shopping? Bring them to the Sustainable Fashion event on March 27th from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM at the Tate West Lawn for proper recycling and learn about sustainable fashion options at UGA. Even if you don’t have bags to bring, come join us to learn more about sustainable fashion practices and enjoy a free Chick-fil-A meal. This event is a great opportunity to make a difference in fashion sustainability, meet like-minded peers, and explore eco-friendly alternatives to fast fashion!
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Student Spotlights
Apr 23, 2025
Congratulations to Vijay on being selected for the 2025 International Student Advisory Board (ISAB)! Out of a highly competitive pool of applicants, Vijay stood out for his passion and dedication, and he will be serving on the Student Feedback Sub-Committee. We’re excited to see the positive impact he will make in enhancing the international student experience. Well done, Vijay!
Apr 16, 2025
Congratulations to these talented students!
Pictured left to right: Nicole Moreno, Leynie Hester, Katie Embry, Ephese Germain, Lovely Grace Pilbino, Miquelyne Barthelemy
Mar 26, 2025
This year’s recipients of the Georgia Soft Goods Education Foundation Legacy Scholarships have been announced. The Buhler Leadership Scholarship was awarded to Lindsey Moulton. The Grady Internship Scholarship was awarded to Claudia Vlassoff. The Gilbert Studyaway Scholarship was awarded to Evelyn Russell and Salma Hanifa. Congratulations to these students and their hard work!
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Other News
Apr 23, 2025
Happy Retirement to Greg Vessels! We’re grateful for his many years of service as the Georgia Soft Goods Education Foundation Distinguished Professor in the Department of Textiles, Merchandising and Interiors at UGA’s College of Family and Consumer Sciences. A UGA alumnus (B.A. Psychology, 1975), Greg dedicated his career to teaching apparel manufacturing and global sourcing, leaving a lasting impact on students, colleagues, and the field. His presence in Dawson Hall will be deeply missed—thank you, Greg, and best wishes for a happy and fulfilling retirement!
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Apr 09, 2025
A quick reminder about the Barrow Sewing Lab (Room 215): please remove any personal items (fabrics, garments, sketches, patterns, tools, etc.) by May 15. Any items left after this date will be repurposed for communal use within the department.