In this episode, host Dwight Carter interviews Dr. Chajuana Trawick Ferguson, an endowed chair and associate professor of business and design at Linwood University. Dr. Trawick shares her background in fashion, from learning to sew at a young age to becoming a fashion designer and eventually transitioning into teaching. She discusses her journey to Linda Wood University and the changes she has made to the fashion program, including creating a fashion study abroad program and launching the Fashion Design and Technology degree. Dr. Trawick also emphasizes the importance of real-world experiences and entrepreneurship in the fashion industry. The conversation with Dr. Chajuana Trawick Ferguson covered various themes related to fashion education and the industry. The main takeaways include:
Takeaways
Dr. Chajuana Trawick Ferguson has a background in fashion design and teaching, and she is currently an endowed chair and associate professor at Linwood University.
She started sewing at a young age and began designing in high school. She later became a substitute teacher and fell in love with teaching, eventually transitioning to teaching at the college level.
Dr. Trawick has made significant changes to the fashion program at Linda Wood University, including creating a fashion study abroad program and launching the Fashion Design and Technology degree.
She emphasizes the importance of real-world experiences and entrepreneurship in the fashion industry, and she has focused on incorporating business education into the fashion program. Fashion education programs focus on sustainability, global connections, and technology.
Fashion shows and markets provide opportunities for students to showcase and sell their products and services.
Diversity and inclusion are important in the fashion industry, and fashion education promotes diversity by showcasing different designers, models, body types, ethnicities, and genders.
Collaboration and teamwork are encouraged among fashion students to help each other develop their strengths and create collections together.
There are numerous career opportunities in the fashion industry, including fashion design, styling, merchandising, textile design, fashion PR, and more.
Dr. Ferguson has a passion for collecting Barbie dolls and other fashion collectibles, with her favorite collection being Byron Lars and Stephen Burrows.
Sound Bites
Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Background
01:35
Getting Started in the Fashion Industry
06:22
Career Progression and Becoming an Endowed Chair
08:40
Fashion Study Abroad Programs and Industry Connections
11:48
Participation in Fashion Weeks and Trade Shows
14:15
The Role of Endowment in Supporting the Program
23:11
Focus on Fashion Business and Entrepreneurship
23:16
Supporting Students' Business Ventures
23:24
Fashion Design and Sustainability
25:51
Diversity and Inclusion in Fashion Education
30:04
Collaboration and Teamwork in Fashion Education
33:49
Exploring Careers in the Fashion Industry
36:51
Favorite College Class and Barbie Collection
43:51
Upcoming Fashion Shows and Events
Instagram: @lindenwoodfashion
To purchase Dr. Trawick's book: www.amazon.com/Annie-Malomes-Malone-
#josephinebaker #ANNIEMALONE #LINDENWOODUNIVERSITY #PARISFASHIONWEEK #FASHIONEDUCATION #TEACHERS #PROFESSOR