Education: BS, North Carolina Central University, 2007; MBA, North Carolina Central University, 2007; PhD, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 2010. At SPU since 2010.
Dr. Raedene Copeland specializes in social, psychological, and merchandising areas of clothing and textiles. A native of Trinidad and Tobago, she brings global experiences and vast cultural perspectives to the classroom. Her teaching experience expands beyond the classroom to conducting workshops locally and abroad.
Dr. Copeland has received many grants with which she has conducted workshops on the socio-economic impact of dress, the global and cultural impact of dress in distinguishing cultures, and individual and corporate branding. She has presented her research at the International Textiles and Apparel Association, the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, and the Washington Family and Consumer Sciences conferences, and she has published in the Fashion Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management. She is currently the co-vice president of development and implementation of the WAFCS – Washington Family and Consumer Science Organization.
Dr. Copeland has corporate experience in sales, management, and marketing, which she uses to add context to her merchandising courses and help develop students for their transition into the corporate world. She was recently honored with the North Carolina Central University inaugural “40 Under 40” award.
Dr. Copeland is passionate about developing her students into compassionate global partners and leaders. Her global travels and acculturation into the U.S. society to pursue her tertiary education have given her lots of key experiences, wisdom, and tools for success.
As a Trinidadian, Dr. Copeland brings a liveliness and Caribbean flavor to the classroom. Students often tell her she is one of the most “unique” professors they have ever had — and one able to connect with each and every student on an individual level.
Courses Taught
“Appearance and Culture,” “Flat Pattern Design,” “History of Costume,” “Retail Merchandising,” “Retail Buying,” “Fashion Merchandising Seminar,” “Seeing History Through Clothes”
Awards and Honors
- NCCU inaugural “40 under 40” award
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Outstanding Graduate Student Award, School of Human Environmental Sciences, UNCG, 2009–10
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Dr. Elizabeth Williams International Scholarship Fund, School of Human Environmental Studies, 2009–10
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Dr. Nancy J. Sears Fellowship for Excellence, School of Human Environmental Sciences, UNCG, 2008–09
Professional Memberships
View Dr. Raedene Copeland’s CV (PDF) for more information.