Texas Tech University

Dr. Deborah Fowler selected as Faculty Banner Bearer for December 2017 Commencement Ceremony

 

Dr. Deborah Fowler Faculty Banner BearerThe Faculty Banner Bearer representing the College of Human Sciences (COHS) for December 2017 Commencement is Deborah Fowler, Ph.D. Dr. Fowler currently serves as Interim Associate Chairperson, Professor, and Director in the Retail Management program.

After completing both a bachelor's and master's degree in family and consumer sciences from the University of Central Arkansas, Dr. Fowler went on to receive her Ph.D. from Texas Tech University in 1991.

Dr. Fowler's research and publications focus of retail and hospitality industries. She teaches category management in the undergraduate and graduate levels. Her graduate classes in category management and retail complete consulting projects for large companies like Walmart, H-E-B, and Academy.

During her tenure at Texas Tech University she has received numerous teaching awards including President's Excellence in Teaching Award. Dr. Fowler is established in her relationships with the retail technology community including JDA, Big Research, and ACNielsen.

Dr. Fowler will have the celebrated task of carrying the Faculty Banner during the December 2017 Commencement Ceremony.

The faculty banner displays a shield symbolizing the community alongside a red cross holding nine cotton bolls, symbolizing the cotton industry of West Texas. The original banner's design displays the intention of providing students with a thorough education in textiles and technical engineering.

When asked what she thinks it means to be the Faculty Banner Bearer, Dr. Fowler says she sees the role as an opportunity to represent the College of Human Sciences through the momentous ceremony to celebrate the accomplishments of COHS students.

"As a former student and current faculty in Human Sciences, this is a great honor. I attend graduation almost every semester and I enjoy the pomp and circumstance," Dr. Fowler said. "Carrying the banner in will be a new experience for me and it is one I look forward to fulfilling."

For many of the students, this is the last time that Dr. Fowler will see them before they go on with their lives. Dr. Fowler notes that congratulating the students and seeing the pride light up in their faces is a highlight of the event for her.

Having such an impact of so many students makes commencement an event that Dr. Fowler says she is proud to be a part of. Commencement will take place Saturday, December 16, 2017 in the United Supermarkets Area at 1:30 p.m.