Clinical Associate or Professor of Fashion Merchandising

Position Summary

The Department of Textiles, Merchandising, and Interiors at the University of Georgia seeks applicants with national stature in soft goods manufacturing, product development and design, global sourcing, and logistics to teach undergraduate students and develop relations with business and industry. The Georgia Soft Goods Education Foundation Distinguished Professor is a full-time teaching, nine-month, non-tenured track position. The professorship appointment is for five years and is renewable. The Department provides funds to support recruitment, teaching, development, and study abroad activities associated with the fashion merchandising major, product development, and design emphasis.

The Distinguished Professor will teach undergraduate courses on global sourcing of apparel and textile products, apparel manufacturing and quality analysis, and product design and development in the fall and spring semesters. The professor will coordinate the Student Merchandising Association “ SMA .” student organization and the UGA’s Official Tartan project to develop and market products through Collegiate Tartan Apparel and within university policies. The successful candidate will maintain close relationships with the GSGEF Board and, with their assistance, develop and maintain contacts between the Department, business, and industry. The professor will work with college and university development staff to obtain external funding that will support the instructional programs and develop internships and study abroad course experiences for students. A certain amount of consulting is allowable following UGA procedures.

Special Instructions to Applicants

The application packet should include 1) a cover letter that addresses how credentials and experience meet the qualifications of the position; 2) a curriculum vitae or resume; 3) names and addresses of three references. Questions about this position or the application process should be directed to Dr. Sergiy Minko, Chair of the Search Committee ( sminko@uga.edu ) or Ms. Donella Moore ( donellam@uga.edu ). Full consideration will be given to applications received by January 25, 2025. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

Posting Details

Posting Number

F2256P

Working Title

Clinical Associate or Professor of Fashion Merchandising

Department

FACS-Textiles,Merch&Interiors

About the University of Georgia

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education ( https://www.uga.edu/ ). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

About the College/Unit/Department

The Department of Textiles, Merchandising, and Interiors (TMl), one of the four departments in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences, has more than 360 students in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. Undergraduate majors are offered in Furnishings and Interiors and Fashion Merchandising, with an emphasis on Product Development and Design. The Department is a member of the National Retail Federation and is endorsed by the American Apparel and Footwear Association. The Georgia Soft Goods Education Foundation, a board of industry professionals, provides guidance to the curriculum and scholarships for students. The graduate programs lead to a Master of Science in Textiles, Merchandising, and Interiors and a Ph.D. in Polymer, Fiber and Textile Sciences, and a Ph.D. emphasis in International Merchandising. Presently, 16 faculty members are engaged in teaching and research. The college has excellent computer laboratories for teaching and research. More information about the Department can be found at www.fcs.uga.edu/tmi.
The University of Georgia, located in Athens, is the flagship research, land-grant/sea grant institution in the University System of Georgia. Founded in 1785, the University of Georgia is also designated an innovation and economic prosperity university. The campus and community of Athens offer many cultural and recreational opportunities. UGA has approximately 40.000 students and has been ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top 20 public institutions of higher education in the United States. The Athens campus is approximately 75 miles northeast of Atlanta, 60 miles from the Blue Ridge Mountains, and 195 miles from the coast. Athens fosters a rich cultural environment interconnected with the University and is perennially identified as one of America’s most livable cities. Visit the University’s website at http://www.uga.edu for additional information.

College/Unit/Department website

https://www.fcs.uga.edu/tmi

Posting Type

External

Retirement Plan

TRS or ORP

Employment Type

Employee

Benefits Eligibility

Benefits Eligible

Underutilization

Advertised Salary

Commensurate with Experience

Anticipated Start Date

08/01/2025

Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings)

Job Posting Date

12/24/2024

Job Closing Date

Open until filled

Yes

Location of Vacancy

Athens Area

EEO Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title

Open Rank

FLSA

Faculty Rank

Open Rank

Contract Type

Academic (9 mo.)

Tenure Status

Non-Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications

Doctoral degree.

Additional Requirements

To be considered for the rank of Clinical Associate Professor, the applicant must hold an earned doctoral degree (upon appointment) and have at least 5 years at the rank of Clinical Assistant Professor.
Candidates with non-terminal master’s degree must document exceptional accomplishments in their respective field and must be approved for a terminal degree exception before hire.

For initial appointment to the Clinical Associate Professor rank, comparable training, background, and experience may be considered. To be considered for the position of Clinical Professor, the applicant must meet the above qualifications and have at least 5 years at the rank of Clinical Associate Professor. For initial appointment to the Clinical Professor rank, comparable training, background, and experience may be considered. At least 5 years of experience with overseas sourcing is required.

Clinical Faculty expectations for Promotion in the College of Family & Consumer Sciences, Department of Textiles, Merchandising & Interiors are summarized at:
https://provost.uga.edu/wp-content/uploads/capu-criteria-family-consumer-sciences.pdf
UGA Guidelines for Appointment and Promotion of Clinical Faculty are available at:
https://provost.uga.edu/wp-content/uploads/appointment-promotion-guidelines-clinical-faculty.pdf

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification

Preference will be given to candidates who have recognition at the national/international level by the soft goods industry, have taught or consulted at the university level, mentored interns or students, have product design and development and entrepreneurial expertise, and are well-versed in broadly-used soft goods industry software.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

Physical Demands

Is this a Position of Trust?

Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?

No

Does this position require a P-Card?

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?

No

Is driving a responsibility of this position?

No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?

No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)

Yes

Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website .

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website .

Duties/Responsibilities

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents