Mary Graham recently returned to her alma mater as the academic program coordinator in the Department of Retailing and Tourism Management (RTM). Having earned both of her degrees in merchandising, apparel and textiles, Graham is well prepared to advise students in the department.
Graham is a Kentucky native and began her college education at the University of Kentucky in 2007. She has always had an interest in fashion and business ownership. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Merchandising, Apparel, and Textiles in 2010. Immediately continuing on, Mary finished her Master of Science in Merchandising, Apparel, and Textiles in 2012. During her time at UK, Mary held various leadership roles. She was in the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and worked behind the scenes and directly with recruitment. As a graduate student, she worked in RTM as a teaching assistant and research assistant. In the beginning, she thought she would like to be more involved with the industry-side of merchandising, but took the opportunity to try teaching.
In the spring of 2013, Graham held a part-time instructor position teaching Introduction to Merchandising (MAT 114). While teaching, Mary found enjoyment in working with students, answering questions and getting to know them. When the opportunity became available to apply for the academic program coordinator position, she applied.
As the academic program coordinator, Mary is responsible for updating the RTM curriculum, coming up with recruitment ideas, and advising freshmen and sophomores for the department. Most of all, she is looking forward to putting names with faces and assisting and encouraging students with their career aspirations, whether that be through internships or simply needing an ear to listen. Mary stated, “An involved academic program coordinator can be crucial to a student’s success.”
Posted 11/14/13