About Dr. Irene M. Foster

Education

University of Massachusetts Amherst

Doctor of Education, Concentrating in Retail Merchandising, 1996

Dissertation:  The Education of Retail Managers Through Management Training Programs in Apparel Retail Organizations

Master of Science, Clothing & Human Behavior, 1994

Thesis: The Dress of the Sisters of Ste. Chrétienne of Quebec and New England:  Sign of Commitment and Distinction

Framingham State College      

Master of Education

Home Economics Education, 1988

Bachelor of Science

Clothing and Textiles, cum laude, 1987

Concentration:  Clothing Design,  Minors:  Economics, Art  

Academic Involvement at Framingham State College

Teaching Awards: 

Nominated for Distinguished Faculty Award, 2001. Nominated for Framingham State College Faculty-of-the-Year Award, spring 1996; Faculty recipient of the Christa Corrigan McAuliffe Honored Teacher Award, fall 1995. 

Courses Taught: 

Fashion Merchandising: Theory and Distribution; Fashion Merchandising: Planning, Policy, and Implementation (business and buying plans analysis); Psychological and Sociological Implications of Clothing and Textiles; Fashion Promotion (marketing and advertising); Coordinator and Faculty Supervisor of Internships in Merchandising; Consumer Textiles; Fashion: Designer to Consumer; Costume History*; Home Furnishings and Equipment*; Human Development; and, Family and Interpersonal Development* (*graduate as well as undergraduate course credit); Research and Evaluation (graduate course).

Securing and Supervising Internships: 

Continually developing and updating alliances with cooperating businesses; Coordinating with area businesses to place students in retail management, store design and display, fashion and mall promotions, analysts, distribution, allocation, and assistant buying positions each Fall semester; Participation in and coordination of student involvement with corporate “College Days”, Supervise approximately 16 to 38 student interns, each Fall semester.

 Academic Advising: 

Academic advisor to approximately 25+ students each semester, suggesting courses and guiding students with departmental and college requirements and student scheduling; Advisor to the Family and Consumer Sciences’ Masters program.

Service on Departmental Committees: 

Department Technology Committee; Recruitment Committee; Peer review committee; Chair evaluation committee; Secretary of Clothing and Textile transfer committee, reviewing courses students have taken while attending other colleges for credit within the major, assembling and delivering results to department chair, students, advisors, and college registrar; Secretary of Clothing and Textiles program committee; Graduate Faculty Committee; Assessment Committee; Strategic Planning Committee, Recruitment Committee, Technology Committee.

Participation in Other Departmental Development: 

Faculty advisor and coordinator of "Career Symposium" for all Framingham State College and high school students interested in all majors offered in the Family and Consumer Sciences Department, April 2001, April 1998, April 1994, April 1992; Department Accepted Students Open House, April 10, 1999; Centennial Celebration Open House, November 6, 1998; Liaison with South Middlesex School-to-Career Consortium on the Retailing Advisory Board; Faculty advisor to the Family and Consumer Sciences Club, reactivated student organization 1990, initiated new membership drive and redeveloped executive board, coordinated club newsletter, assisted student board with establishing and scheduling club activities each year, including biannual Career Symposium for FSC and high school students, and mentor for student leaders, accompanying club’s leaders to national meetings of American Association of  Family and Consumer Sciences each year, 1990-present.

Service to College

Arranged for $125,000 software donation from ANT USA Inc.; Secretary to the Framingham State College Professional Association, 1999-2001; Academic Policies Committee, 1995-2002, chair 1999-2001; Committee for the development of the first Framingham State College interdepartmental minor, Museum Studies Minor, worked with History, Art, and Family and Consumer Sciences departments; Graduate Faculty; Graduate Council 1997-2001; Volunteer for “Parent to Parent Guest to Guest Program,” January 20, 1999 orientation; Student Activities Advisory Board 1996-1998, leadership seminar presenter to student leaders; Volunteer for orientation of new Framingham State College students and transfer students' course credits evaluations each semester. Represented Framingham State College at each American Association  of Family and Consumer Sciences Annual meeting for the Higher Education Unit and the Collegiate Assembly business meetings since 1992.

Community Outreach

Organizer for “America the Beautiful” Fashion Show for Professional Association of Custom Clothiers, the American Sewing Guild, Family and Consumer Sciences student club, and 4H Textile and Clothing Advisory Council, April 13, 2002, Framingham State College.

Retailing “Expert” for Framingham State College Marketing and Promotion, quoted in Metro West News, on-going; Interviewed by Channel 7 as “Clothing Guru” analyzing retail outlet shopping;

Fashion, Culture, and History Tour of France and Spain, May 31 to June 10, 2001, coordinator of 10-day tour for 18 faculty, students & family.

Presenter for the Framingham Business Center Improvement Council, November 2000;

Fashion, Culture, and History Tour of Italy, May-June 1999, coordinator of 10-day tour for 31 faculty, staff, student & family including FSC Board of Trustee Member;

Fashion, Culture, and History Tour of England, May-June 1996, coordinator of 10-day tour for 10 faculty, student & family;

Fashion, Culture Tour of France, May-June 1993 coordinated of 10-day tour for 18 Framingham State College faculty and students.

Framingham State College representative on the South Middlesex School-to-Career Council, 1996-1999. Created and presented seminar “Retail: School-to-Career” for high school teachers at Framingham State College, summer 1998;

FHA/HERO National and State Evaluator for STAR Event “Job Interview”, 1998-2000;  “Professional Appearance and Dress,” presentation to high school leaders, April 2000, July 1999 & 1998; Coordinator of Framingham State College's sponsorship of  "Catch the Spirit," FHA/HERO State Meeting, May 1996;

Framingham State College representative to the 4H state clothing advisory board, coordinating annual workshops held at FSC since 1994;

Massachusetts Board of Education Life Management Advisory Council, 1997/1998;

Massachusetts Association of Occupational Educators, member, 1995 to 2000, presented workshop on retail careers to Massachusetts Occupational Administrators Council, February 1999;

Co-Chair of Fashion Group of Boston Educational Committee's Career Day, sponsored by Fashion Group International, Spring1995;

Represented Framingham State College at the "University/College Day" at TJX Corporation, 1994, 1999;

Designed and conducted in-service training seminar for Lowell teachers, April 1994;

Family and Consumer Sciences Department faculty liaison and student participation coordinator for “Christa Corrigan McAuliffe Fashion Show,” fall 1993

Courtesy of Frugal Fannies

Framingham State College Faculty Development

“Teaching Circles” faculty development, spring 2002-present;

“FIT Faculty Summer Institute” The Center for Academic Technology, August 13-17, 2001;

“Creative Training Techniques for Teleconferencing Workshop”, June 14, 2001, Stalker Institute.

“Snowflake Conferences,” January 1999, 1998, 1996, 1995, and 1994;

Computer training: Internet, Microsoft Office, and web page development;

All “Faculty Development Seminars.”

Publications and Presentations                                                                                  

Foster, I. M. (September 19, 2002). Textiles and Fibers Update: E-Textiles and More. Maine Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Annual Conference. Portland, ME. Research and presentation.

Using industry software in assortment planning for merchandising courses, developing curriculum and standards for evaluation.

National Professional Marketing and Public Relations survey studying the opinions of AAFCS affiliates; AAFCS Committee Research chair.

Documentation of content, objectives, methods, assessment, and evaluation used in management education in the apparel retail industry.

Overview of the history of home economics education, with a Massachusetts' perspective.

The history of textiles and clothing education, with an emphasis on education in Massachusetts.

Archival research regarding historical precepts and sociological implications of the habit of the Sisters of Ste. Chrétienne.

The history and use of sizing in the apparel industry in conjunction with ASTM data collecting.

Honors

American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences

Wiley-Berger Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service, 2002.

  Family and Consumer Sciences Professional of the Year, MA, 1999.

  Family and Consumer Sciences New Professional of the Year, MA, 1997.

Certified in Family and Consumer Sciences, (CFCS), national professional certification; continuous   since 1989.

Wiley-Berger Volunteer Award Nominee, 1995.

  Inez Eleanor Radell Fellowship, 1992-1993.

Girl Scouts U.S.A

 Appreciation Pin, Patriot's Trail Girl Scout Outstanding Volunteer Award, 1993.  Lifetime membership awarded by Wayland Service Team, 1996.

4H

  MA Salute to Excellence, October 3, 2001; Recipient of Outstanding Service, 1996, 1997, 1998,

Phi Upsilon Omicron         

  Diamond Anniversary Fellowship, 1991-1992.

Framingham State College  

Christa Corrigan McAuliffe Honored Teacher Award, 1995.

            Graduate Assistant, Home Economics Department, 1987-1988.

            Outstanding Home Economics Student, 1987, President's List, 1986-88.

            Dean's List each full time semester, 1985-88.

            Mary Melley Cotter Scholarship Award , 1986.

Membership and Involvement in Professional Organizations

American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences; National Apparel and Textiles Division Chair (2001-2003), National Evaluator of New AAFCS Professional Award, Chair-elect National Apparel & Textiles Division 2000-2001; Vice Chair of Apparel and Textiles Division, 1999-2000; Organized and Arrange for Pre-conference tours for the Apparel and Textiles Division, 2001 Tour of Natick Laboratories in Natick Massachusetts, 2000 Tour in Chicago of Robie House and Chicago Apparel Mart, and Tour in 1999 in Seattle Washington of Eddie Bauer and Nordstrom’s; College, Universities and Research Section Journal abstract reviewer 2001;  AAFCS Bank of Experts,1997-present; Committee to rewrite the AAFCS Textile Handbook, 1998-1999; Chair of Affiliates’ Nominating Committee, 1997-1998; Professional Marketing and Public Relations Committee; 1996-1998; National committee member and researcher, 1996-1997; Advisory committee, 1996-1997; Pre-professional member, 1987-1989, professional member 1990-present.

Massachusetts Association of Family and Consumer Sciences; Chair College and Universities and Research Section (2001-2002), Past-president/nomination Chair, 1999/00; President, 1997/1998; President-elect, 1996/1997; Vice President of Program, 1995/1996; Junior Vice President, 1994/1995; Teacher of the Year Volunteer Program, 1993; American Home Economics Association Foundation Representative, 1990-92.

Costume Society of America; Symposium speaker, 1992, 1994; member, 1990-present.

Fashion Group International; Boston Chapter, Co-Chair Educational Committee 1995/1996; Executive board member 1994/1995; member, 1990-1999.

International Textile and Apparel Association; Cincinnati conference presenter 2000; National Reviewer of 1996 Creative Teaching and Curriculum abstracts for the 1996 annual meeting in Banff, Alberta, Canada; member 1990-present.

American Collegiate Retailing Association; Research Presentation Reviewer, 2002-2003, Research Presenter 1999, member 1997-present.  

Association for Career and Technical Education (formerly American Vocational Educational Research Association); Presenter at National Conference in New Orleans, LA; December 1998. member 1996-present. Member of Family and Consumer Sciences Division;1998-present. Research Reviewer 2002, member 1998-present.

Grant reviewer for University of Ohio, 2001-2.

Honor Societies

Kappa Omicron Nu  

Phi Upsilon Omicron

Phi Delta Kappa

Attendance and Participation at Professional Meetings

American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences; The 93^rd  Annual Meeting and Exposition. June 22- June 25, 2002. Chair of Apparel and Textiles Division, conducted two business meetings; presented two juried educational sessions; represented Framingham State College at the Collegiate Assembly’s and the Higher Education Units’ meetings.

American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences; The 92^nd  Annual Meeting and Exposition. June 29- July 3, 2001. Chair of Apparel and Textiles Division, conducted two business meetings, presented juried educational session, organized pre-conference seminar to Soldier Systems Center in Natick, MA., represented Framingham State College at the Collegiate Assembly’s and the Higher Education Units’ meetings, mentored three Framingham State College undergraduate students.

A Day with the Tirocchi Sisters; Rhode Island School of Design: From Paris to Providence; April 8, 2001; symposium and tour participant.

International Textile and Apparel Association Conference. Cincinnati, Ohio. November 8-12, 2000.  session presenter and meeting participant.

American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences; The 91^st  Annual Meeting and Exposition. Chicago, IL.  June 23-27, 2000. Chair-elect of Apparel and Textiles Division, organized pre-conference seminar on Chicago Apparel Industry; presented two juried educational sessions, represented Framingham State College at the Collegiate Assembly’s and the Higher Education Units’ meetings, mentored two Framingham State College undergraduate students.

National Retail Federation Conference. New York, New York. January 14-16, 2000. conference attendance.  American Collegiate Retailing Association Meeting. New York, NY. January 15, 2000. meeting participation.

Professional Association of Custom Clothiers and American Sewing Guild Fashion Show. Framingham State College.  Framingham, MA. April 15, 2000.  organized and participated.

Massachusetts Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Annual Meeting. Worcester, MA. March 30, 2000. meeting participation.

Professional Association of Custom Clothiers. Framingham State College.  Framingham, MA. February 13, 2000. organized and participated in meeting.

National Retail Federation Conference. New York, New York. January 15-18, 2000. conference attendance.  American Collegiate Retailing Association Meeting. New York, NY. January 17, 2000. meeting participation.

Metro-west Chamber of Commerce Meeting. Framingham, MA. November 18, 1999.

Sportswear Manufacturers Association: Changing Shape of Fashion. October 1, 1999. New York, New York. conference attendance.

American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences; The 90th Annual Meeting and Exposition. Seattle, WA; June 26-29, 1999. Vice Chair of Apparel and Textiles Division, organized pre-conference seminar on Northwest Apparel Industry, represented Framingham State College at the Collegiate Assembly’s and the Higher Education Units’ meetings, mentored two Framingham State College undergraduate students.

Massachusetts Association of Occupational Educators (MAOEd). Framingham State College, February 11, 1999; organized and presented workshop and discussion about retail merchandising and school-to-career opportunities.

American Vocational Association Annual Meeting. New Orleans, LA; December 11-13, 1998; presented juried paper, “Management Training in Apparel Retail Organizations.”

American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences; The 89th AAFCS Meeting and Annual Exposition. “Invest in Families:  Intergenerational Relationships,” Atlanta, GA; June 27-30, 1998; presented juried paper, represented Framingham State College at the Collegiate Assembly’s and the Higher Education Units’ meetings, mentored two Framingham State College undergraduate students.

New England Leadership Conference. Framingham State College, July 1, 1997;  Organized, developed, and presented all-day leadership seminar for New England American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences members, Extension, 4-H, FHA/HERO, and other leaders in the field of Family and Consumer Sciences from New England; topics included: Leadership Building, Teamwork and Motivation, Marketing, and Web-site applications.

American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, The 88th AAFCS Annual Meeting and Exposition. Washington, DC, June 21, 1997-June 25, 1997; Represented Massachusetts’ affiliate, represented Framingham State College at the Collegiate Assembly’s and the Higher Education Units’ meetings; participated in “Fellowship Recipients,” presented research and autobiographic materials;  elected Chair of Affiliates’ Nomination Committee; participated in various forums; mentored two Framingham State College undergraduate students.

American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. Leadership Conferences, Washington, DC;  1995 & 1996; one of two selected from Massachusetts to represent state affiliate. 

American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences The 87th Annual Meeting and Exposition. Nashville, Tennessee, June 29, 1996-July 3, 1996;  Massachusetts affiliate senator to the annual meeting;  Framingham State College advisor to student member participants;  member and participant on panel for Professional Marketing and Promotions Committee, “Marketing Yourself Professionally and Your Profession” panel discussion leader, mentored two Framingham State College undergraduate students.

Northeast Regional AAFCS Conference. Member of Northeast AAFCS Regional Conference Committee; Springfield, MA; October 1996; produced, edited, and printed program booklet.

Massachusetts Association of Family and Consumer Sciences; 1996 Annual Conference, “Moving Forward Together”  Natick, MA; March 12, 1996; coordinated, organized, and delegated; responsible for organization of conference and budget which included day-long activities, over 250 in attendance, 18 workshops and speakers, poster session, and exhibitors.  Organized, edited, and printed program which included program of events, abstracts of poster presentations, speakers' and workshop presenters' bibliographies, and advertisements.  Coordinated Professional Development Units (PDUs) for AAFCS national certification (CFCS), and Professional Development Points (PDPs) for Massachusetts’ teachers’ certification .

Fashion Group International of Boston “College Career Day.” Framingham State College, Framingham, MA; April, 1995; co-chaired day's events, including job fair, guest speakers, students, and faculty participation.

Massachusetts Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, “Empowering Individuals, Strengthening Families, Enabling Communities.”  Annual Spring Convention.  Boxborough, MA; March, 1995; junior vice-president of programming; contracted and organized over 25 exhibitors.

TJX Corporation “University/College Day.” Framingham, MA; August, 1994; represented Framingham State College Family and Consumer Sciences Department..

Costume Society of America Annual Meeting and Symposium. “Dress Addressed:  Costume Across the Disciplines.”  Montreal, Quebec, Canada; June 1-4, 1994; presented juried paper and slides.

Filene's Basement “College/Business Day”  Needham, MA; June, 1994; represented Framingham State College.

Massachusetts Home Economics Association “Wellness;  Investment for the Family and Our Future.” MHEA Annual Spring Convention.  Boxborough, MA; April 28, 1994; presented research paper, led discussion panel.

American Home Economics Association Annual Meeting. Orlando, Florida; June 26-30, 1993; faculty advisor to Framingham State College student attendees.  AHEA Foundation Representative and Board of Trustees.

Massachusetts Home Economics Association “Navigating the Winds of Change.”  Fall Conference, Sturbridge, MA; October 23, 1992; presented paper; research update panel member.

Conference on the History of Women Religious. Conference held every five years.  Tarrytown, New York; June 28-July 1, 1992; presented juried paper and slides; panel discussion member.

The Costume Society of America “Exploring Our Cultural Diversity”  Annual Meeting and Symposium. San Antonio, Texas; May 27-30, 1992; presented juried paper and slides.

National Retail Federation Annual Meeting. New York City, New York; January 1992.American Collegiate Retailing Association Winter Meeting. New York City, New York; January, 1992.

Fashion Group International of Boston. Many board meetings and other special events, 1990-1998.

Community Volunteer Work

Girls Scouts U.S.A.,  Wayland, MA.   Patriot’s Trail Girl Scout Council Gold Award Committee 2000-2002. Troop Leader, 21 years;  “Appreciation Pin,” for outstanding service, 1995;  Awarded lifetime membership by the Wayland Service Team 1996. Publicity Chair, school organizer, and various Wayland Service Team positions, 1975-1998.

FCCLA (Future Career and Community Leaders Association) formerly FHA/HERO. Massachusetts Advisory Board; 1996 to present; evaluator of STAR events, 1996-2000, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and National; Honored Volunteer Recipient 1997.

4H.  Clothing and Textile Advisory Board, 1996-present; Clothing and Textile Review Board, since 1990; State and County Judge, 1989-present.