Darryl Thornton, DBA (Hon. Causa)
Dr. Darryl Thornton earned his M.S. in Human Environmental Sciences from the University of Alabama in 2006, was awarded an Honorary DBA in 2019, and is currently working toward a PhD in Higher Education Administration. Prior to fall 2018, Dr. Thornton worked at the University of Alabama as an adjunct since 2015; teaching in Human Environmental Sciences and Clothing, Textiles, and Interior Design. While in the Clothing, Textiles, and Interior Design Department, he worked to develop a sophomore level class in Trend Analysis and Fashion Forecasting where students were engaged with industry professionals through the semester in developing a final project to present to their specific industry contact. In addition to his current teaching responsibilities, Dr. Thornton works on developing product for our own UATartan plaid here at the University of Alabama. As a fashion industry professional, Dr. Thornton comes to us offering a career of over 15 years spanning roles across purchase management, product development, fashion merchandising, strategic planning, and business development. With a proven record of introducing process improvements / controls to maintain desired operational efficiency while demonstrating a logical and analytical approach to solving complex problems and issues. He is an excellent communicator who is able to formulate positive relationships at all levels, enjoys leading a team and thrives in highly pressurized and challenging working environments.