September 16, 2016

Chris Baeza has joined us as an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Design & Merchandising program. Ms. Baeza has had an extensive 20 plus year career as an accomplished design and merchandising executive with proven results working with iconic global brands.  Chris has a strong background in the business of fashion and has multi-tier capabilities in men's, women's, accessories and children’s with particular emphasis on brand-building for different channels of distribution.  Her positions in the industry allowed her to travel all over the world, working with top companies such as Tommy Hilfiger, Hugo Boss, Adidas, Nordstrom, Dockers and Nautica.

Her background in branding, product merchandising, design and product development brings real-world experience to the classroom. Chris is a dynamic educator who provides opportunities to expand student’s learning with experiential and inter-disciplinary course work along with international study tours.  She has a passion for ethical fashion and “for benefit” business models which inform her teaching philosophy where she strives to spark engagement for learning and developing one’s character; to demonstrate the importance of relationships and collaboration; to ignite a sense of meaning and purpose and to create a classroom environment which fosters a strong work ethic.

Outside of the classroom, she serves as an advisor to several companies in the industry and is exploring various technologies for sock products which improve circulation. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design and Textile Design from Philadelphia University and a Master’s degree in Leadership Development from Pennsylvania State University.