Jennifer Johnson Jorgensen named Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design chair

28 Jun 2024     By Kelcey Buck

Associate professor Jennifer Johnson Jorgensen has been named the chair of the Department of Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design in the College of Education and Human Sciences at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She begins her duties July 1. 

“I’m thrilled to have Professor Jorgensen lead the Department of Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design,” CEHS Interim Dean Nick Pace said. “She brings great passion for learning and discovery, community, and innovation to her work, and I look forward to working with and learning from her.” 

Jorgensen’s research focuses on two areas: rural retail vitality and how small retailers utilize technologies and other resources to survive over time; and how consumers are socialized via technology and other influences to consume a product. She also teaches a variety of courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. 

“Being chosen to serve as the chair of the Department of Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design is such an honor,” Jorgensen said. “I’m excited to support faculty, staff, students and stakeholders in their innovative pursuits to fulfill the industry’s current needs and the shortage of industry professionals.” 

Jorgensen joined the TMFD faculty in 2015 as a lecturer before being appointed an assistant professor the following year. She earned both her doctorate (2015) and master’s (2012) degrees from the department after graduating summa cum laude with her bachelor’s degree at North Dakota State University. 

Jorgensen is replacing Maria de Guzman, who served as the TMFD chair for the last three years. She is returning to her appointment as professor and youth development extension specialist in the Department of Child, Youth and Family Studies. 

The Department of Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design’s mission is to create, disseminate and apply knowledge about textile and apparel products. The department offers undergraduate options in merchandising; textiles and apparel design; textiles, merchandising and fashion design communications; and textile science. Graduate programs in TMFD include a graduate certificate in quilt studies, as well as master’s and Ph.D. degrees specializing in apparel design, material culture and textiles studies, merchandising, and textile science. To learn more about the department, visit https://cehs.unl.edu/tmfd/.