| Carol Larson Warfield, Ph.D. |
|---|
Professor and Head, Department of Consumer Affairs |
Administrative Philosophy and Scholarly Interests
Teamwork, partnerships, and transdisciplinary approaches focused on the Science of Design to identify and meet needs of consumers in their near environment is the mission of the Department of Consumer Affairs. Teaching, research, and outreach are consumer centric and emphasize innovative, science-based solutions to meet consumer needs in a global economy.
My research focuses on the role of consumers in a globally competitive textile/apparel/retail environment. My teaching focus is on development of learning experiences to prepare students for a globally competitive marketplace. Outreach to consumers and to the business community is a personal commitment as well as an essential component of our Departmental mission. Administratively, my goal is to facilitate an environment where faculty, staff, and students can grow to their own potential.
Administrative Responsibilities:
Provide leadership for academic programs which include the B.S. in Apparel Merchandising, Design and Production Management with Options in Apparel Merchandising and in Product design and Production Management; the B.S. in Interior Design; the M.S. in Consumer Affairs–Apparel and Interiors; and a Ph.D. in Integrated Textile and Apparel Science, an interdisciplinary program offered jointly with the Department of Polymer and Fiber Engineering. Serve as Chair of the International Minor for the College of Human Sciences, a credential earned through participation in the Joseph S. Bruno Auburn Abroad in Italy program..
Provide leadership for the departmental research program. Serve as Auburn University Department of Consumer Affairs Site Director for the National Textile Center University Research Consortium.
Provide leadership for departmental outreach programs which include development of academic/industry partnerships designed to ensure responsiveness of academic programs to needs of industry, students, and a global economy.
Significant Departmental Accomplishments:
• NTC research brought in over $11 million in research funds for the Department since 1992.
•Interior Design program ranked #4 nationally among CIDA accredited programs in 2008. Based upon survey by Design Intelligence of employers of interior design graduates.
• Interior Design accredited by CIDA (Council for Interior Design Accreditation), 2008-2014.
• Apparel Design and Production Management Option endorsed by American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) Leadership Development Committee, 2006-2011.
• More than 50% of internships (required for graduation) in both Apparel Merchandising, Design and Production Management and in Interior Design have been new placements in past four years.
• Graduate enrollment doubled (1994-2009) with implementation of the Ph.D. program in Integrated Textile and Apparel Science.
Leadership Responsibilities:
• President of the International Textile and Apparel Association, 1991-1992; President-Elect, 1990-1991; Counselor, 1992-1993.
• Co-Chair of Ph.D. Committee to establish interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Integrated Textile and Apparel Sciences, 1995-1999. Program approved for implementation in 1998; met Auburn University/Alabama Commission on Higher Education Five Year Viability Standards in 2004.
• Member of Feasibility Committee to consider establishment of Auburn University College of Human Sciences Campus in Ariccia, Italy and of Program Planning Committee to establish Auburn Abroad in Italy. Program launched Summer 2002 and now offered as three 12 week immersion programs each year, culminating in an International Minor in Human Sciences. Led Departmental Faculty Development Study Tour to Italy to introduce faculty to the opportunities for faculty and students inherent in the Auburn Abroad in Italy program. The majority of student participants are majors in the Department of Consumer Affairs.
• Co-Chair of the Student Mentoring Committee for the Women’s Philanthropy Board (WPB), 2006-2008. Recruited 394 student mentees from the College of Human Sciences (25% of College enrollment).
Significant Honors and Awards:
• Fellow, Textile Institute, 1996.
• Fellow, International Textile and Apparel Association, 1995.
• “Educator of the Year,” 1992. Award given by Bobbin-Blenheim Media Corporation and the International Textile and Apparel Association.
• Outstanding Faculty, School of Human Sciences, 1990.
• Outstanding Faculty, Department of Consumer Affairs, 1989.
• Award of Appreciation for Meritorious Service on Committee D-13 on Textiles, American Society for Testing and Materials, 1988.
• Alumni Award of Merit, University of Illinois, School of Human Resources and Family Studies, 1987.
• Listed in Who’s Who in American Men and Women of Science and Who’s Who in American Women
• Phi Kappa Phi
• Phi Upsilon Omicron (Human Sciences honorary)
• Kappa Omicron Nu (Human Sciences honorary)