Pedagogy and Professional Development

HBCU Fashion Program NASAD Accreditation and Fashion Industry DEI Reform

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Abstract

Although fashion apparel educational opportunities exist for Black students at thirteen HBCUs, only four of the programs have the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) accreditation that provides federal funding and apparel industry support. To address the study’s purpose, a literature review delineates the current state of DEI within the fashion industry, the current state of HBCU fashion apparel programs, and the potential impact of NASAD accreditation on HBCU fashion program graduates. Based on the synthesis of relevant literature, a conceptual framework was developed to highlight the significance of HBCU fashion apparel programs receiving NASAD accreditation. There exists a research gap in which the current apparel industry’s DEI efforts have under examined the potential transformative impact of recruiting HBCU fashion apparel graduates. The industry support for HBCU fashion apparel programs to obtain NASAD accreditation will help increase equitable education and inclusive career opportunities for Black fashion apparel graduates.  

Keywords: HBCU, NASAD, accreditation, Black fashion apparel education, fashion apparel industry, DEI, pipeline

How to Cite:

Cuffee, S. M. & Su, J., (2024) “HBCU Fashion Program NASAD Accreditation and Fashion Industry DEI Reform”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 80(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.17439