See How KSU Fashion Ranks Worldwide!
At the Kent State University School of Fashion, we revel in the creativity and confidence of our students.
We believe you should be able to showcase your talent, which is why our fashion design and merchandising majors have the chance to apply their skills and innovation in real-world settings. This authentic experience has earned the school a consistent ranking among the best fashion programs in the world.
In 2023 we celebrated the 40th anniversary of Kent State University’s Shannon Rodgers and Jerry Silverman School of Fashion Design and Merchandising, the research-led teaching institution that fosters industry excellence and is grounded in real-world industry experience.
Scholarships
60+ scholarship opportunities available for current freshmen through senior-level students in design and merchandising. View our entire list of scholarships and criteria!
KSU Fashion in the News
Dalí Comes to Ohio
Thanks to a collaboration between Peg’s Foundation & Gallery, Scabal and Kent State University’s School of Fashion, Peg’s Foundation & Gallery will become the epicenter of international art, fashion and innovation this summer with the U.S. premiere of “Dalí Beyond Time: Fashioning the Future.” The groundbreaking exhibit will bring 12 Salvador Dalí paintings commissioned for Scabal to Hudson, Ohio – and to American soil – for the very first time.
Kent State Designers Dazzle in the 2025 Fashion Show
The nationally and internationally ranked Kent State University School of Fashion was thrilled to hold its acclaimed Annual Fashion Show April 24-26, in Crawford Hall on the Kent Campus.
Shoe Design Icon Donald J Pliner Inducted into Kent State's School of Fashion Hall of Fame
Kent State University’s School of Fashion celebrated the legacy of iconic footwear designer Donald J Pliner last week, inducting him into its prestigious Hall of Fame during the 2025 Annual Fashion Show on April 26.
Kent State Shines at 2025 Fashion Scholarship Fund Gala
Kent State University continued its tradition of excellence at the 2025 Fashion Scholarship Fund (FSF) Gala, held in New York City this April. The event, known for bridging the gap between academia and the fashion industry, celebrates the nation’s most promising fashion students and honors standout talent shaping the future of the field.
The Authoritative Influence of the Runway on Fashion Trends
Fashion shows are alluring, no doubt. But what is the actual influence of a runway show on a person's everyday life? Kent State professors and students in the School of Fashion break it down.
Rachel Stauffer Fashions Her Future
This March, senior fashion design and marketing major Rachel Stauffer will take her fashion research to the international stage at the International Foundation of Fashion Technology Institutes (IFFTI) conference.
A Fashionable Use of Artificial Intelligence
Lauren Copeland understands the importance of becoming familiar with artificial intelligence – and balancing technology with human thought and creativity – to train students to be confident in their skills and what they can provide to the industry. Her Fashion Fundamentals class was recently tasked with creating shoe designs using an AI platform.
Don’t just imagine your future in the arts—Experience it!
Visiting campus is the best way to see and understand what makes the School of Fashion at Kent State University special. Come see for yourself!