Yunru Shen, EdD, MFA Pro

Spearheading the Merchandising Textiles and Design program, leading curriculum development, faculty mentoring, and student recruitment, boosting enrollment and program reputation.

Leading accreditation preparation and successful submission for AAFCS accreditation, reinforcing institutional credibility.

Directing curriculum digitalization and integration of AI tools and Blackboard LMS, improving student engagement, assessment consistency, and personalized learning.

Co-leading research grants exceeding $200,000, expanding resources for students and faculty development.

Conducting research on leadership, organizational behavior, and DEI in higher education, resulting in peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Building partnerships with national and international institutions and industries, providing students with global learning opportunities.

Mentoring faculty and staff to enhance instructional quality and support professional growth.

Courses taught: Basic Textiles; Advanced Textiles; Textiles/Apparel Selection/Design; Principles of Apparel Design; Advanced Apparel Design; Fashion Illustration; Fashion Buying & Merchandising; Merchandising, Textiles & Design Internship; Introduction to the Apparel Industry.

• Designed and delivered one-on-one instruction for undergraduate-level adult learners in creative disciplines, resulting in improved technical proficiency and higher course completion rates.
• Conducted evaluations and provided constructive feedback to improve student outcomes, which led to measurable growth in academic performance and professional readiness.
• Mentored students in setting and achieving professional and academic goals, resulting in successful graduate admissions, strengthened ability to integrate interdisciplinary knowledge, and improved student retention rates.
• Guided learners through the process of planning and executing their first public presentations and projects, increasing their confidence and enhancing the program’s visibility within the school community.

• Supported undergraduate instruction by facilitating classroom discussions, assignments, and project-based learning, resulting in more engaged participation and improved course performance.
• Helped students connect theoretical knowledge with hands-on applications in course projects, which strengthened their practical problem-solving skills and professional readiness.
• Offered academic advising and constructive feedback to enhance student progress and confidence, leading to measurable improvements in academic achievement and retention.
• Encouraged reflective learning and critical thinking to improve outcomes across the course, fostering deeper understanding and long-term knowledge retention.

• Mentored undergraduate learners by helping them establish academic objectives and professional development plans, primarily through in-person sessions supplemented with online support for assignments and guidance, resulting in clearer academic pathways and stronger preparation for graduate-level opportunities.
• Facilitated student success through instructional support and constructive feedback across multiple courses, combining face-to-face mentoring with online follow-up, which improved course performance and contributed to higher retention rates.
• Coached students on effective time management, organization, and independent learning strategies, providing both in-person coaching and online resources, leading to greater academic confidence and enhanced student persistence.