Educational Background
Eastern Michigan University, Master of Science, Apparel, Textiles, and Merchandising
University of Michigan, School of Art & Design Bachelor of Fine Arts, General Studies
Industry Experience
Rebecca is a citizen of both the United States and England, and has resided in the Midwest and Italy, allowing advancement of her research in fine art and design, fashion design, and textiles. Rebecca brings professional experience from the fashion and textile arenas, in visual and merchandise design, fashion event design and production, as well as textile product engineering and manufacturing in the automotive industry. At Eastern Michigan University she was an elected member of the Stoic Honor Society. She also maintains memberships in professional associations and affiliations.
Rebecca worked as a materials engineer for Johnson Controls, Inc., a global automotive supplier. She has managed and successfully launched interior vehicle platforms for Toyota Motor Corporation and Honda Motor Company in accordance with her development of automotive materials standards implementing ASTM and SAE specifications. In addition, Rebecca has completed extensive research on the physical properties of polymer composites and their relationships to manufacturing of vehicle interiors.
Rebecca also served as the director of production and design for a Midwest-based firm, leading her team to design and produce successful fashion events and merchandise displays from conception to production, including management of set design and operations, wardrobe and styling.
As Founder and President of the Art Group, Incorporated, at present, Rebecca is responsible for managing the reputation and success of the firm and its services, including visual design solutions to a broad range of clients. Outside of Westwood College Online, Rebecca serves as an adjunct professor instructing courses in fashion design, including forecasting, merchandising, and portfolio presentation. In addition, she directs an internship program fostering the development of career skills for visual communications, fashion design, and interior design bachelor’s degree candidates.
Teaching Philosophy
“While rehabilitating underprivileged youth and adults within incarceration facilities during my undergraduate coursework, I researched and observed what led these individuals down each of their paths. It became my goal to foster students with the knowledge and resources they need in order to be successful in this world. The most important thing to me is to be a mentor to students, sharing my knowledge with them and showing them there are people who are dedicated to their futures. I strongly believe time spent working with a student is time spent well - they have the world in their hands. It brings me a great deal of happiness to witness students learning. I choose to teach, and as a result, I am responsible for enriching the educational and work experiences of my students. I wouldn't have it any other way; I want to be a part of building their future.”