Auburn University is achieving high status in areas other than football.
Earning top rankings among others in the nation, the Auburn University fashion program stands above the rest.
Auburn's fashion merchandising program is ranked sixth in the nation - ranked above all other fashion schools in the southeast.
The fashion design program is ranked 12th in the nation and second in the southeast behind a school that specializes in fashion design.
Auburn's production management program is ranked fifth in the nation.
According to Carol Warfield, head of the department of consumer and design sciences, this is the second year the fashion ranking system has put out an official ranking.
Created to satisfy the requests of students and individuals nationwide, the ranking ranks schools by academic reputation, geographic location, faculty, quality and school surveys which were an added category for the 2014 rankings.
"Our students will have a broader and more integrated background," Warfield said.
She contributes the program's success to a number of aspects including its accessibility and experienced professors that have a desire to see students succeed in the professional world of fashion.
"We have a great group of faculty from very diverse backgrounds," Warfield said. "We help ensure that students' education is in tune with reality."
Ashley Young, sophomore in apparel merchandising, said she is proud to be a part of the fashion program at the University.
"I know I can go to any of my professors about anything," Young said. "They want me to do the best that I can; and not just pass anything, but get a really good education in the fashion industry."
According to Young, Auburn's high rankings and geographical location was what inspired her to pursue her education on the Plains.
Young said she is confident her education at Auburn and relationships with professors will successfully prepare and benefit her in her future fashion career.
According to Warfield, the professors involved with Auburn's fashion program pride themselves in educating well-rounded students.
Professionals with a fashion degree from Auburn are required to take a variety of fashion courses and are expected to understand the industry from all perspectives.
"In the industry, you have to work as a member of a team," Warfield said.
Jenny Rice, senior in apparel merchandising, shares similar views to Young.
"It gives me confidence when I talk about my college," Rice said. "I am confident in my abilities to succeed when I graduate because of Auburn and the knowledge I have gained."
Rice made her decision to be a part of Auburn's fashion program after speaking with multiple faculty members and students.
According to Rice, every professor offered her encouragement and inspiration.
"I am so thankful for Auburn and what it has taught me in the classroom and outside of the classroom," Rice said.
Rice said she values visual learning and contributes her success to the hands-on experience and variety she experienced in the fashion labs and curriculum.
Warfield said she hopes to see an increase in the number of fashion students at Auburn because of the program's high rankings, which she feels reflect the high quality of the program and passion shared by professors and students alike.
A complete list of the 2014 rankings can be viewed at fashion-schools.org
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