Alumni Spotlight

Our alumni and friends are some of our greatest assets – as advocates, preceptors, mentors, donors and employers of our graduates. Check out some of their success stories.

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Karynsa Teel
Class of 2022 | Fashion Merchandising
Career Position: Associate Global Merchandiser, The Children’s Place, New York

The coursework in the DM program was thoughtful, engaging, and sometimes challenging—in the best possible way. The retail math, sourcing, Excel, and critical thinking skills I learned at OSU have been pivotal, not only for my daily tasks but also in building a solid foundation for continued learning throughout my career. The faculty were inspiring, caring, and understanding, providing invaluable mentorship during my time on campus.

I interned at The Children’s Place in Summer 2022, working in the Soft Accessories merchandising division. Upon completing my internship and degree, I moved to New Jersey to work full-time in the Shoe division and have since been promoted to Associate Global Merchandiser. I continuously look back fondly at my time at OSU and how it has helped me achieve so many goals—and how it will continue to guide me as I grow in my career.

 

 

Natalie Dealy
Class of 2018 | Fashion Merchandising
Career Position: Marketing at Horizon Media, New York

During my time in the DM program, I not only gained valuable skills that I still use today but also had the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with my professors. After graduation, I began my career in New York City, working in wholesale at G-III. After four years in wholesale, I decided to pivot into marketing and am now at Horizon Media, a full-service marketing agency. My main client is the NFL, which brings a fun shift in priorities every September. What used to be all about fashion week is now all about kicking off the football season!

Even though I’ve moved away from the fashion industry, my career path is a great example of the breadth and versatility of the DM program. Marketing and merchandising are so closely connected, and the skills I use daily—like setting strategic goals, building campaigns, and analyzing KPIs—align directly with the courses I took in college such as Digital Retailing and Fashion Marketing. The foundation the DM program provided gave me a wide range of opportunities that I look forward to continuing to build on. Go Pokes!

 

 

Kali Higgins
Class of 2008 | Fashion Merchandising
Career Position: Housewares Buyer, Pier 1 Imports

I entered the DM program as a Fashion Merchandising option with my heart set on being a buyer for a major retail company after graduation. I proudly lived in Drummond, a traditional dorm, which was perfect since the Human Sciences building was just across the street. As a DM student, I learned skills and processes that I still use daily, and I absolutely loved my time in the program. I can’t think of a major that could have been more fun or a career more fulfilling than the one my DM degree prepared me for.

After graduation, I began working for Pier 1 Imports, a company often discussed in class. I’m now a housewares buyer at their corporate office in Fort Worth, Texas, traveling overseas and domestically to décor and gift markets. The retail math skills I learned in DM have been invaluable in my work. I love my profession and am excited to continue my buying career.

 

 

Rachel Green
Class of 2005 | Apparel Design
Career Position: Creative Director, Intimate Apparel, Home Goods & Fashion Accessories Private Label Brands, Little Rock

My time at OSU gave me great exposure not only to the creativity of design but also to the technical requirements of apparel manufacturing. Hands-on experience in pattern making, garment construction, and internships laid the groundwork for my career in the apparel industry.

After OSU, I worked as a technical designer for Dillard’s Department Stores. Over my career, I’ve served as both technical and creative designer across women’s sleepwear, bras, and loungewear. Today, I’m the creative director overseeing multiple private label brands.

 

 

Toby Hanyok
Class of 2006 | Fashion Merchandising
Career Position: Wholesale Account Manager, The Kasper Group, New York

During my time at OSU, I interned in New York City at Purdy Girl, attending trade shows, showroom appointments, and learning open-to-buy plans. After graduation, I returned to New York to start my buying career but soon moved to the wholesale side, joining G-III Leather.

I’ve been in wholesale ever since and now work for The Kasper Group, managing brands like Nine West, Anne Klein, and Kasper. I work closely with buyers from major retailers and continue to love the fast-paced environment of the fashion industry.

 

 

Ali Barbera
Class of 2004 | Apparel Design
Career Position: Director of Product Development, Global Brands Group – Calvin Klein Footwear, New York

The fundamentals I learned in DM courses prepared me to compete with graduates from top fashion schools in New York City. Shortly after graduation, I began working in product development for men’s and women’s shoes.

Today, I oversee costing, factory sourcing, compliance, and commercialization for Calvin Klein footwear. My OSU education gave me the confidence and skills to excel in this highly competitive field.

 

 

Robin Splawn
Merchandising
Career Position: Interior Designer, Luxe Furniture and Design, Tulsa

My time at OSU was beyond fun. I have so many fond memories of OSU—classes, football games, and the unique blend of a large university in a charming small town. I first studied Interior Design, but after discussions with my advisor, I switched to Merchandising, which turned out to be the perfect fit.  I had so many helpful classes, everything from retail mathematics to a class where the students got to chemically test fabrics. I got to explore lots of avenues my career could take.

Today, I present clients with product and furniture layouts, using skills I honed at OSU, from sketching to reading blueprints to applying retail math.

 

 

Teddie Price
Class of 1991 | Apparel Merchandising
Career Position: Director of Apparel Replenishment – Ladies, Walmart Stores Inc.

I chose Apparel Merchandising to combine my love for fashion with my head for business. The professors and curriculum at OSU prepared me for a career in apparel retailing. I started at Walmart right after graduation, moving from operations to apparel buying, and eventually into apparel replenishment, where I’ve spent the past 16 years.

Our goal is to optimize inventory investment in the right stores to drive satisfaction, sales, and ROI. OSU gave me the foundation to thrive in this role.

 

 

Molly Johnston
Class of 1980 | Interior Design
Career Position: Owner & Interior Designer, Molly Gerkin Interior Design

After graduating, I worked as a design assistant for one of Tulsa’s top designers before launching my own firm at age 28. For over 40 years, I’ve been designing homes and spaces for clients in Tulsa and beyond, including Grand Lake, Florida, Arkansas, California, and Minnesota, as well as dental offices — a specialty I truly enjoy.

I’ve served with organizations like AIA, the TCC Design Advisory Board, and the OSU DHM Advisory Board. Married to Retired Major USAF Larry Johnston for 22 years, we have five children, three adopted from Russia. My advice: find a career you love, and you’ll never “work” a day in your life. I’m grateful for my talent, my parents’ support, and OSU for giving me the foundation to pursue my dreams. Go Pokes!