Nia Allen, Ph.D. candidate, will complete her dissertation on the relationship between luxury fashion, Black women, and their activism
Hospitality and Retail Management (HRM) Ph.D. candidate, Nia Allen, was awarded a dissertation fellowship from Middle Tennessee State University. Allen was awarded $40,000 for the fellowship, and this opportunity will allow her to complete her dissertation and possibly teach a course on the dissertation topic. Allen's dissertation will focus on the relationship between luxury fashion, Black women, and their activism.
Allen is very passionate about her research and has a history within the luxury fashion industry. She believes her work is important to highlight and beneficial to creating change within the industry. Allen's time in the HRM program has given her a chance to explore her academic interests and conduct research that will impact our society. She said her time at Texas Tech has helped her to become rooted in who she is.
“It helped me define my research area on my own terms and what I am most passionate about,” Allen said. “It has prepared me to take advantage of every opportunity presented to me and never be afraid to speak up for myself.”
Allen has had continuous support from the college and department throughout her time in the Hospitality and Retail Management doctoral program. Allen is also involved in the Black Graduate Student Association and her academic cohort, which has given her a sense of community over the past two years. She said she is thankful for the HRM faculty and staff who have supported her on her journey and wants to dedicate her success to her son, Amari.
“I have enjoyed my professors really supporting me in all that I want to do,” Allen said. “They have really come out to show me that they support me beyond my topic.”
After graduation, Allen plans to teach fashion courses at a historically black college or university. She wants to be a part of the change for students who look like her in the retail industry. Allen shares her goals for the future and how her degree will help make a difference.
“I would like to be a luxury fashion change maker, supporting Black individuals in the fashion industry,” Allen said.
The College of Human Sciences strives to educate students on material that will have an impact on the communities around them. Students, like Allen, are taught life-applicable skills that will improve and enhance human health and wellness in all industries.