Carol Larson Warfield, Ph.D.
	Professor and Head, Department of Consumer Affairs 308 Spidle Hall Auburn University Auburn, AL 36849 Tel (334) 844-1329 Fax (334) 844-1340 warficl@auburn.edu    Ph.D., University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, 1977, Consumer and Family Economics    M.S., University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, 1967, Textiles and Clothing    B.S., South Dakota State University, 1963, Home Economics Education

Administrative Philosophy and Scholarly Interests

     Teamwork, partnerships, and transdisciplinary approaches focused on the Science of Design to identify and meet needs of consumers in their near environment is the mission of the Department of Consumer Affairs. Teaching, research, and outreach are consumer centric and emphasize innovative, science-based solutions to meet consumer needs in a global economy.


     My research interests focus on the role of consumers in a globally competitive textile/apparel/retail environment. My teaching focus is on development of learning experiences to prepare students for a globally competitive marketplace. Outreach to consumers and to the business community is a personal commitment as well as essential components of our Departmental mission. Administratively, my goal is to facilitate an environment where faculty, staff, and students can grow to their own potential.

Administrative Responsibilities:

     Provide leadership for academic programs which include the B.S. in Apparel Merchandising, Design and Production Management with Options in Apparel Merchandising and in Product Design and Production Management and the B.S. in Interior Design; the M.S. in Consumer Affairs–Apparel and Interiors; and a Ph.D. in Integrated Textile and Apparel Science, an interdisciplinary program offered jointly with the Department of Polymer and Fiber Engineering. Serve as Chair of the International Minor for the College of Human Sciences, a credential earned through participation in the CHS@AU in Italy program.

     Provide leadership for the departmental research program. Serve as Auburn University Department of Consumer Affairs Site Director for National Textile Center University Research Consortium. Serve as Alternate Member of the Operating Board for NTC, which gives direction to the research agenda developed for NTC.

     Provide leadership for departmental outreach programs which include development of academic/industry partnerships designed to ensure responsiveness of academic programs to needs of industry, students, and a global economy.

Significant Departmental Accomplishments:

• NTC research brought in over $11 million in research funds for the Department since 1992.


• Interior Design program ranked #7 nationally of FIDER accredited programs in 2006 by Design Intelligence, based upon survey of employers of interior design graduates. Enrollment management employed to cap program at 144 students; admission is by competitive application.

• Interior Design accredited by FIDER (now CIDA, i.e., Council for Interior Design Accreditation), 2002-2008.

• Apparel Design and Production Management Option endorsed by the American Apparel and Footwear Association Leadership Development Committee, 2006-2011.

• Apparel Merchandising, Design and Production Management program-- 304% enrollment increase (1994-2005).

• Approximately 50% of internships (required for graduation) in both Apparel Merchandising, Design, and Production Management and in Interior Design have been new placements.

• Graduate enrollment doubled (1994-2006) with implementation of PhD program in Integrated Textile and Apparel Science.

Leadership Responsibilities:

• President of the International Textile and Apparel Association, 1991-1992; President-Elect, 1990-1991; Counselor, 1992-1993.

• Co-Chair of Ph.D. Committee to establish interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Integrated Textile and Apparel Sciences, 1995-1999. Program approved for implementation in 1998; met Auburn University/Alabama Commission on Higher Education Five Year Viability Standards in 2004.

• Member of Feasibility Committee to consider establishment of Auburn University College of Human Sciences Campus in Ariccia, Italy and of Program Planning Committee to establish CHS@AU in Italy. Program launched Summer 2002 and now offered as three 12 week immersion programs each year, culminating in an International Minor in Human Sciences. Led Departmental Faculty Development Study Tour to Italy to introduce faculty to the opportunities for faculty and students inherent in the CHS@AU in Italy program. The majority of student participants are majors in the Department of Consumer Affairs.

• Chair of Auburn University World Food Programme Academic Initiative Committee (2004-2005). Auburn partnered with the United Nations World Food Programme to develop a student-led initiative to address issues of world hunger.

Significant Honors and Awards:

Fellow, Textile Institute, 1996.

Fellow, International Textile and Apparel Association, 1995.

"Educator of the Year", - 1992. Award given by Bobbin-Blenheim Media Corporation and the International Textile and Apparel Association. Outstanding Teacher, School of Human Sciences - 1990.

Outstanding Teacher, Department of Consumer Affairs - 1989.

Award of Appreciation for Meritorious Service on Committee D-13 on Textiles, American Society for Testing and Materials, 1988.

Alumni Award of Merit, University of Illinois, School of Human Resources and Family Studies - 1987.

Listed in Who's Who in American Men and Women of Science and Who's Who in American Women.

Member of the following honoraries:

Phi Kappa Phi, Phi Upsilon Omicron, Kappa Omicron Nu