Professor Dena Strong Publishes New E-Book: Excel for the Fashion Industry

Excel for the Fashion Industry, an innovative e-book by Professor Dena Strong, is a comprehensive guide that serves as an invaluable resource for students and professionals alike. The book introduces readers to the practical applications of Excel in fashion design, styling, marketing, and merchandising.

“A career in fashion requires the use of Excel, both in business and creative capacities,” says Professor Strong. Drawing on over a decade of teaching experience and extensive industry expertise, she has created a resource designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice.

Excel for the Fashion Industry is an essential introductory guide for anyone looking to master the use of Excel in fashion-related fields. From creating effective spreadsheets to analyzing data, the e-book empowers readers to navigate the technical aspects of the industry with confidence. The e-book is available directly from Kendall Hunt. For more information, visit: Kendall Hunt Publishing.

As an adjunct professor in the Fashion Design and Merchandising program for over ten years, Professor Strong has revolutionized how students engage with retail mathematics and merchandising. She has redesigned curricula at Montclair State University, Berkeley College, and Middlesex College to incorporate Excel spreadsheets and interactive platforms like EX-PREP. Her innovative teaching methods include a virtual buying assignment developed in collaboration with a New York showroom, providing students with real-world experience in submitting purchase orders. Additionally, she’s a Co-Op Internship instructor and academic advisor at Montclair State University.

With over 10 years of diverse industry experience, Professor Strong’s career includes roles as a Brand Designer for DRS Designs, Assistant Buyer for Ashley Stewart’s accessories division, and Merchandising Associate at Simplicity Creative Group. Beyond the fashion sector, she has contributed to corporate strategy at Home Depot’s headquarters. These positions involved collaboration with major U.S. retailers, promoting private-label products, and gaining hands-on experience in merchandising and brand development.

Professor Strong’s multifaceted career informs her teaching, equipping students with the skills and knowledge required to excel in the global fashion industry. “The hands-on expertise I’ve gained allows me to differentiate fashion business programs and ensure they meet evolving industry needs,” she notes.

Recently, Professor Strong was honored as a Visiting Professor in the Fashion Business Management Department at the Fashion Institute of Technology (SUNY Korea campus) in South Korea. Over a week-long engagement, she taught three courses on developing six-month merchandising plans using Excel. This immersive experience provided students with essential skills and insights into global fashion practices.

With a focus on merging practical skills with academic learning, Professor Strong continues to prepare students for the dynamic world of fashion. Her innovative teaching methods, industry insights, and global perspective ensure that graduates are equipped to excel in their careers and adapt to the evolving demands of the industry.