The School of Human Environmental Sciences welcomes Mika Pryor back to her alma mater as a full-time lecturer in the Department of Retailing and Tourism Management (RTM). Having earned both her degrees in merchandising, apparel and textiles, Pryor is well equipped to teach students in the department.
Pryor was born in eastern Kentucky, but grew up in Lexington. She began her college education at the University of Kentucky in 1993. As a student trying to find her niche, she took Introduction to Retailing (MAT 114) by a friend’s recommendation and discovered the major for her. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Merchandising, Apparel, and Textiles in 1998. As a teaching assistant in college, Mika always thought about teaching at the college level, but wanted industry experience first. She worked for the J. Peterman Company in sourcing, with Abercrombie and Fitch as a buyer, and later at Express in sourcing. In 2003, she returned to the University of Kentucky to pursue her Master of Science in Merchandising, Apparel, and Textiles focusing on sourcing and manufacturing in the apparel industry. After completing her M.S., Mika moved to Europe for several years where she lived in Germany and England.
After returning to the U.S., Pryor decided to pursue the teaching career she had long considered. In the fall of 2013, she held an adjunct position teaching three courses at the University of Kentucky. In January 2014, she joined the faculty as full-time lecturer teaching several courses including MAT 114, where she began. She is excited to work with the students and provide them with opportunity for exposure in the community. When she is not teaching, Mika enjoys spending time with her husband and young daughter.
As a lecturer, Mika will be responsible for teaching multiple classes, outlining course material, and providing real life examples of how material is applicable. When asked if her experience will aid her in teaching, she replied, “Absolutely, I think students respect the fact that I’ve been there and done that. I want to be able to help answer the question, how am I going to be successful in this field?”
Posted 1/29/14