RayeCarol Cavender

Dr. RayeCarol Cavender is an Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Retailing and Tourism Management at the University of Kentucky's Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. She holds a Ph.D. in Apparel Business from Virginia Tech and has expertise in luxury fashion brand management, sustainable retail practices, and pedagogical strategies for education abroad programs.

Education:

• Ph.D., Apparel Business, Virginia Tech, 2012
• M.S., Consumer Affairs, Auburn University, 2007
• B.S., Merchandising Management, Virginia Tech, 2005

Research Interests:

Her work focuses on sustainable development in retailing, brand management of luxury fashion goods, and transformative education abroad experiences. Key themes include consumer behavior around sustainability, ethics in fashion industries, and pedagogical innovation in large lecture classrooms.

Recent Article Trends:

Her publications analyze greenwashing in fashion through social media, barriers to women's leadership in academia, and the impact of instructional methods on soft skill development. She also explores cross-cultural consumer-brand dynamics in global markets like India.

Honors & Awards:

• 2023 Martin-Gatton DEI&A Award Nominee
• 2022–present International Marketing Advisory Board Member
• 2021 UK Outstanding Teaching Award Nominee
• 2017 Ken Freedman Outstanding Faculty Advisor Nominee

Teaching & Advising:

Teaches courses including Dress & Culture (MAT 247), Sustainable Development in Retailing (MAT 359), and International Merchandising (MAT 572). Advises students through her faculty role, though specific advisee names are not listed.

Professional Affiliations:

• International Textile and Apparel Association
• American Collegiate Retailing Association
• National Retail Federation