
Sally Fortenberry, Ph.D., retires as a professor and chair of the Department of Fashion Merchandising.
Sally Fortenberry, Ph.D., retires as a professor and chair of the Department of Fashion Merchandising. She shares her dynamic 35-year career in fashion merchandising at the College of Fine Arts.
Early Beginnings
Fortenberry earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Carson-Newman University, a small liberal arts college nestled in the foothills of the Smokey Mountains in Jefferson City, TN. She pursued a degree in secondary education with a focus on family and consumer sciences because it encompassed various areas she used daily—nutrition, textiles and clothing, housing, child development and family financial planning.

Fortenberry with fashion merchandising students.
“I enjoyed teaching at the high school level; however, I found I preferred teaching college-age students,” said Fortenberry. “I mentored them during the summer after I graduated from college while serving as the resident director for those living and studying in the home management house on campus.”
This experience motivated Fortenberry to pursue a Master of Science degree at Texas Woman’s University in Denton, TX, one of the few universities offering both a master’s and doctorate program in textiles and clothing at that time.
“Although fashion merchandising as a major was not an option when I was in college, my love of textiles is what ultimately motivated me to pursue a career in the fashion industry.”
Fortenberry worked as a buyer for swimwear, coats and sportswear with a Dallas-based buying office, primarily serving independently owned specialty stores, sparking her interest in entrepreneurship. She later worked as a buyer for a 16-store retail chain division of a major manufacturing company, where she served as the liaison between the manufacturing division and the outlet stores.
“These experiences provided a foundation in the fashion industry from which I was able to draw upon when I began teaching, and better understand the expectations of employers in the dynamic textiles and apparel industry.”
Adapting to Industry Needs
After completing her doctorate, Fortenberry held full-time faculty positions at Northwood University and Texas Tech University before joining TCU.
A friend from graduate school, recently hired at TCU, recommended Fortenberry apply for the fashion merchandising position. She was thrilled to be offered the assistant professor role in 1989.
“Having attended a small liberal arts university, I knew I would thrive in an environment where faculty are part of a welcoming academic community and are encouraged to take on leadership roles and participate in university governance.”

Fortenberry with students at a Phi Upsilon Omicron Honor Society senior appreciation dinner.
During her 35-year career, Fortenberry made significant changes to the curriculum to keep pace with the evolving fashion industry. Shortly after joining TCU, she developed three new courses: “Global Trade of Textiles and Apparel,” “Entrepreneurship in Merchandising” and “Advanced Textile Testing and Analysis.”
She also revamped the Center for Merchandising Education and Research and fashion internship classes to better align with current industry needs. Today, fashion majors take courses in computer graphics using Adobe design software, Excel for data management, Kaledo Style for digital design and Digication for electronic portfolio development.
Additionally, the program offers an advanced merchandise planning and analysis class and electives on topics like visual merchandising, sustainability, creative design, wholesale and fashion styling, offered on a rotating basis.
Inspiring Futures

Fortenberry with Jonathan Hall ’09, Strategy and Analytics Director of People Services at Neiman Marcus Group.
“The success of our graduates, however they may define success, is my greatest accomplishment and continues to motivate me to teach.”
Department of Fashion Merchandising graduates have excelled in various industry roles, holding leadership positions across sectors and in education. Many alumni mentor current students, helping them secure part-time jobs, internships and entry-level positions. Notably, three alumni teach full-time in the department, while three others serve as adjuncts.
“Our alumni are role models for current students, who represent the future of the industry.”
Fortenberry encourages all students to focus on learning as much as they can, get to know those who are available to help them succeed, especially their professors, and engage intentionally in activities outside the classroom. She advises students to talk with those who have been in their shoes and avoid worrying about what might happen tomorrow, next year or after graduation.
“This takes up a lot of your energy and creates too much anxiety, which detracts from learning and enjoying your life in the moment. No one can really predict the future, so focus on and live in your present—not someone else’s future.”
Highlights from Fortenberry’s Career
- Fortenberry has attended every TCU graduation ceremony except one, which conflicted with an event for her daughter. That totals approximately 71 graduations, with ceremonies in December and May.
Fortenberry at the May 2024 Commencement.
- Fortenberry has been here for so long that she has had the privilege to get to know former students’ children who also attended TCU.
- During her 35 years at TCU, the University has had three chancellors, three provosts and one interim provost. She has worked under two deans in AddRan College of Liberal Arts, when the department was housed in the social sciences division, and four deans within the College of Fine Arts.