September 20, 2024 – The Public Relations and Event Planning class (SEPS 495) at from the Department of Educational Leadership & Workforce Development,  along with fellow students and faculty from the fashion merchandising program, showcased their creativity and teamwork at Dillard’s department store in the Greenbrier Mall. A highlight of the students’ semester, this excursion provided an invaluable hands-on experience that blended their classroom knowledge with real-world application.
Arriving before the store opened, the students donned their custom-designed uniforms—a sleek black outfit paired with striking red and black aprons—alongside personalized name tags that highlighted their unity.
The students, split into pairs, transformed the store’s display with a stunning array of Christmas trees, featuring themes ranging from traditional to modern, including a pink tree with gaming decorations, a beach design, and a silver tree with dozens of small glass ornaments. Utilizing their visual merchandising skills, the class successfully created seven unique looks, expertly following a detailed design plan. Each tree was meticulously crafted to create a unique look, and the students’ attention to detail was apparent in every ornament, ribbon, and light.
A total of 13 dedicated students contributed three hours of labor each.
The class had a wonderful time decorating the trees, and we are incredibly grateful to Dillard’s for being such amazing hosts. The hands-on experience not only enhanced their skills but also allowed them to spread some early holiday cheer.
Learn more about the fashion merchandising program by visiting their program website.