Kori Smith Urso

Kori Smith Urso is the Chair of the Department of Fashion at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), a position she has held since 2024. Previously, she served as Associate Chair of Fashion (2023–2024) and Professor of Fashion (2018–2023). Her career includes part-time professorial roles at SCAD (2016–2018) and earlier technical and design roles at the institution. She holds an M.F.A. in Fashion from SCAD and a B.Phil. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Miami University.

Her expertise spans fashion technology, draping, patterning, and software like Gerber Design. She has extensive experience in garment construction, custom tailoring, and patternmaking, gained through roles as a sewing technical specialist at SCAD, a freelance patternmaker, and owner of Couture Tailoring. Her professional background includes collaborations with brands like Cate Lyon Studio and Hant Blu, focusing on custom and production garment design.

Urso’s work emphasizes bridging design theory and practical execution, with a focus on training students in technical skills. She has no listed scientific awards, but her contributions to fashion education and industry partnerships reflect her commitment to advancing the field.