by Claudia Wilburn
The Center for the Arts & Design would like to welcome Andrea Skillings to the team as a new assistant professor of fashion. Skillings has rich experience in merchandising and product development that is backed by a Master of Arts in Decorative Arts and Design from Parsons School of Design in The New School, located in New York City. Skillings also holds a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising, Textiles & Design from the University of Rhode Island.
Most recently, Skillings was the product development program coordinator at San Francisco’s Academy of Art University. She also has industry experience as the Director of Product Development for Kahn Lucas Lancaster, a leading company focusing on girls apparel in New York City.
“Initially I was attracted to the Brenau fashion programs,” Skillings said. “I appreciated that the fashion design and fashion merchandising programs included core classes that provide students with foundational skills in drawing, sewing, textiles and graphics. They are important no matter what career path a student chooses within the fashion industry post-graduation. As I went through the process of meeting the faculty in the art and design department, I also appreciated that the team worked closely together and prioritized the students and their success at Brenau. It felt like a good fit for me.”
Skillings looks forward to getting to know the students, learning their design aesthetic and watching their ideas transform from 2D to 3D in the classroom.
Outside of her joy for fashion, Skillings enjoys working out and teaching exercise classes.
“While in California, I became certified in teaching kettlebell strength training and spin,” she said “I taught classes at Glow, a yoga and strength training gym. I am hoping to continue that once I settle in here.”
