Education

M.A., Education and Human Development, Western Michigan University
B.AS., Fashion Merchandising, Western Michigan University
A.AS., Retail Merchandising, Mott College

Background

Stephanie Taylor joined the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management's Department of Retailing as an instructor in January 2023. Taylor came to HRSM with a progressive history of positive contributions in both educational settings and the private sector. Her academic background includes administrative roles in areas such as faculty development and training, accreditation and compliance standards, and curriculum development and program review.

Prior to becoming a member of HRSM's Department of Retailing, Taylor founded and served as creative director for TaylorMade Solutions, LLC, in Greenville, South Carolina. Her company functioned as an educational consulting group focused on professional growth and career readiness, curriculum development, and fashion program studies.

Before starting her own business, Taylor spent 17 years with The Art Institutes living in Philadelphia, New York, Charlotte and Pittsburgh. During her tenure, she served as the department chairperson of the fashion, business and design programs. Taylor was an organizational leader of program development and direction as well.

Taylor did a couple of stints with colleges in Missouri, the first with Columbia College as an assistant professor in the fashion and business department from 1994 to 1997. She then moved on to Lindenwood University where she was an assistant professor in the fashion, marketing and business department for three years.

Upon earning her bachelor's degree, Taylor went to work for Belk over a three-year period as a retail buyer and divisional manager. She then spent four years as a retail buyer with Federated Department Stores (now Macy's).

Originally from Flint, Michigan, Taylor earned an associate degree in retail merchandising from Mott College before going on to receive a Bachelor of Applied Science in fashion merchandising from Western Michigan University. She also got her master's in education and human development from WMU while simultaneously working for the Kalamazoo Chamber of Commerce as a family coordinator for an academic achievement mentoring program targeting at-risk students.

Organizations and Activities

• Board Member, The Children’s International Fashion Academy (New York) – 2022
• Board Member,  Pittsburgh Fashion Film Festival – 2022
• Guest Speaker, Global Entrepreneurship Event (Greenville, South Carolina) – 2021
• Guest Speaker, Walker Legacy Mentor Matchmaking Event – 2020
• Presenter, TaylorMade Solutions Professional Development Seminar (Greenville, South Carolina) – 2020
• Member, Fashion Group International (New York) – 2000-Present