AAFCS turns the spotlight on individuals, their experiences, and how they have benefited from AAFCS membership and/or family and consumer sciences programs. It offers an opportunity for you to share your story with your colleagues and the greater FCS community, inspire future FCS professionals, and strengthen awareness of the profession and association.
Isn't it your turn to grab the spotlight? Download a submission form here!
Melinda Adams
San Antonio, Texas
Active Member for eight years and former Student Unit member
Melinda Adams is associate professor of fashion management at the University of the Incarnate World. She joined AAFCS while a graduate student in family and consumer sciences at the University of Wyoming as an outlet for her creative work. When the university started an AAFCS student chapter, Melinda worked as one of the leaders to introduce other students to the association. Nationally, Melinda’s served as leader of the AAFCS Community of Apparel, Textiles, & Design.
Melinda was the curator for the 2008 & 2009 mounted exhibits for the International Textiles & Apparel Association, and currently has a piece traveling as part of the Hoffmann Fabrics exhibit. The last two years, her pieces have been part of the American Quilter’s Society fashion show in Paducah, Kentucky. Her research includes defining creative scholarship, shoplifting, the use of environmentally friendly bags, and social media and buying habits. Melinda was selected to present research at the Fifth International Conference on Design Principles and Practices, held February 2011in Rome.
How has membership in AAFCS been of value to you and your practice?
My membership has allowed me to connect with professionals that I may not have met through other organizations. AAFCS has also given me excellent leadership opportunities and allowed me to really develop events like the juried showcase into what it is today. I have been able to work with great people who have had a dream of what could be and we have worked to make some of that a reality. I have been able to truly expand who I am professionally and my research (creative or traditional).
Please complete the following sentence:
AAFCS is …
. . . an opportunity for networking and professional growth.
Please explain your answer. I started with AAFCS as a graduate student. I am now an associate professor. I have had the opportunity through AAFCS to grow as a professional, take on national leadership roles, and develop relationships with other professionals in areas beyond textiles and apparel.
Why did you choose the field of family and consumer sciences?
I chose apparel and textile design because I wanted to be a fashion designer. I stayed with apparel and textile design because I love the creative aspect and I have the opportunities to express myself through a variety of art forms and am constantly learning new techniques. It is something that I truly love.
Please list a few of your most recent accomplishments. Received promotion and tenure (2010), invited juror for the Surface Design Association Competition for 2011, article published with colleagues in nursing, pharmacy, & education on our work with Red Dress Event at UIW, selected to have research highlighted by UIW.
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