Jessica Palmer

Jessica Palmer is an Associate Professor and Program Coordinator of Fashion Merchandising Design at Meredith College, part of the Human Environmental Sciences division. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Fashion Design from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Textile Design and Art Education from East Carolina University (ECU).

Her research and professional interests bridge fashion design, entrepreneurship, and industry collaboration. With over 15 years of teaching experience, she emphasizes hands-on learning, drawing from her career in NYC’s fashion district, founding a custom bridal company, launching a children’s wear brand, and managing an online boutique.

Palmer’s work has been showcased in juried exhibitions including fashionSPARK (Raleigh, 2016), Alter Ego (Durham, 2012), and SCAD’s MFA Thesis Show (2005). She has received awards such as the People Choice Award (2016) and ECU’s Outstanding Senior Award (2002). She actively participates in academic conferences like NCFCS, focusing on bridging industry and academia.

Professional affiliations include membership in the International Textiles Apparel Association and the National Retail Federation. Her teaching philosophy prioritizes nurturing creativity and empowering students to succeed in the fashion industry.