The Colorado State University Department of Design and Merchandising is highlighting the incredible talent that fosters the community of design and merchandising to showcase the unique passions of faculty and staff.
Name: Jennifer Jeanneret
What program or class best represents you? I teach in the design and merchandising side of the program, including Fashion Industries, Product Development I, Retailing, Professional Practice, Fashion Show, and Internships.
What do you try to emphasize in your teaching experience? I really like students, and I love learning! What we do in the fashion industry is so noble and valuable. We are in the business of fulfilling people’s needs and wants through something tactile, beautiful, and functional. I try to emphasize excellence, formatting (it matters, people!), two-way communication, and engagement in class. I am big on in-class participation, so I encourage students to risk answering and engage with the material by saying, “I like boldness rather than rightness, so who wants to answer?” Then, if they don’t, I call on them.
What is a goal you have? To disillusion students as quickly as possible. Ha! But really, that is my goal so that they can get past fears, fantasies, and unrealistic expectations. By doing this, my hope is to convey what industry is really like and set them up for success as they enter it.
What is your favorite aspect of being a part of the DM department? Collaborating with industry and other departments, leveraging our amazing technology in the RDC Fabrication Lab, and fostering a love of our industry.
What is a fun fact about you that would connect with the students? As an intern in New York, I once wore open-toe sandals with pitifully unpedicured toenails. While standing at the elevator, the creative director for Donna Karan LOOKED DOWN and saw them! Talk about an embarrassing moment of learning professional dress and presentation!
A hobby you enjoy outside of teaching: Cultivating my relationship with God, my husband, and my family. I also enjoy cooking to music, walks, and reading.
Jeanneret is an integral part in making the annual Fashion Show a reality. This year’s theme is EMERGE and will be a virtual show debuting on April 9, 2021 at 7:00pm. There is still time to buy tickets! They are $10 for general admission and $5 for students. They can be purchased here.
The Department of Design and Merchandising is part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.
