ATHENS, Ohio -- Ohio University's School of Human and Consumer Sciences recently received a $2,500 contribution from Target Stores to support student and faculty professional development for its retail-merchandising program. The funds will enhance opportunities for students to work with faculty in scholastic endeavors related to retail merchandising, such as exploration into retail practices in international markets or surveys of industry professions that could lead to a better understanding of the factors associated with successful careers.
"The retail industry is dynamic. To stay at the forefront of the latest trends and expectations, both students and faculty need to continually pursue opportunities to enhance the scholarship of the field," said Ann Paulins, director of the School of Human and Consumer Sciences. "It is exciting to work with students who are able to see application of retail principles and theory in their work experiences. Much of the academic work that we do in this program reflects analysis and assessment of this relationship. Our appreciation goes to Target Stores for contributing to our ability to facilitate that pursuit."
Nearly 180 students are enrolled in the retail merchandising major, an area of study in which a minor is also offered. Graduates of the program are employed in a wide variety of careers, including buying, fashion communication, visual merchandising, product development, design, and management.
The Target Stores' grant is the first to Ohio University from the Minneapolis-based corporation, which includes retail operating divisions of Target, Marshall Field's and Mervyn's. The corporation gives more than $2 million every week to support education, the arts, and social services.
The School of Human and Consumer Sciences is one of six schools in Ohio University's College of Health and Human Services. Other programs offered by the school include child and family studies, interior architecture, and food and nutrition programs.
The contribution is part of the university's Bicentennial Campaign. The Bicentennial Campaign -- which has raised more than $192 million toward its goal of raising $200 million to celebrate the university's bicentennial in 2004 -- will provide money for scholarships, endowed professorships, technological enhancements, innovative programs, and selected capital improvements.
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Media Contact: Health and Human Services Director of Communication Linda Lockhart, (740) 593-1433 or lockharl@ohio.edu
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