Marsha Dickson, Irma Ayers Professor of Human Services in the University of Delaware’s Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies, has been named a fellow of the International Textile and Apparel Association (ITAA).

The selection as a fellow is the association’s highest honor, which it said was awarded to Dickson “in recognition of her significant contributions to ITAA and the field of textiles and apparel regarding sustainability and social responsibility.”

Dickson founded Educators for Socially Responsible Apparel Business (ESRAB), a subgroup of ITAA members from more than 80 universities in 10 countries. The association cited the formation of ESRAB as one of Dickson’s major contributions.

“Through ESRAB as well as independently, she organized workshops, special sessions and presentations about sustainability and social responsibility in the global textile and apparel industry,” the ITAA said in announcing Dickson’s selection as a fellow. “She has also written numerous articles, books and book chapters on these topics.”

At UD, Dickson was part of a multi-university faculty team that developed an online graduate certificate in social responsibility. In 2009, this work resulted in an award for outstanding programming from the University Continuing Education Association Mid-Atlantic region.

Dickson also has been an active leader in major domestic and international organizations, including the Fair Labor Association Board, American Apparel and Footwear Association and the Sustainable Apparel Coalition.

ITAA is a professional educational association composed of scholars, educators and students in the textile, apparel and merchandising disciplines in higher education.

About UD’s graduate certificate in sustainable apparel

The graduate certificate in socially responsible and sustainable apparel business addresses labor and environmental problems in the global supply chains for apparel, textile and footwear industries.

The certificate program, consisting of nine one-credit courses, is offered online.

The curriculum is based on research and on principles of the United Nations Global Compact, which supports human rights, labor and the environment.

Courses and materials for the certificate program were developed by faculty members from UD and from Cornell and Colorado State universities.