Cal State L.A. Adds Textile Program
A new university program specializing in textile design and manufacturing will get underway as early as next fall at California State University’s Los Angeles campus.
The program will offer classes on the weekends and evenings primarily for students with full-time jobs who want to expand their knowledge of the textile world. It is being funded through a $50,000 state grant.
“This certificate is aimed at people who are already in the industry but who wish to advance their careers, as well as for other interested students,” said Carol Tuntland, an associate professor in the fashion and textile option within the Department of Art at CSULA.
Currently, professors and advisors are surveying local textile companies, converters, knitters, dyers and finishers about what types of training students need.
“It seems there is a need for textile education in the L.A. area because there is a vital and vibrant textile industry here,” Tuntland said. “Even though the industry is outsourcing and sending goods offshore to be produced, those are the things that are tried and true. There is always a need for creative and innovative people here who are doing cuttingedge things in the industry.”
Under consideration are courses on basic textile lexicon, fashion trend analysis, supplychain management and logistics, textile design and development, textile plant management, textile converting, onsite mechanics, and engineering.
Upon finishing the required classes, students will receive a textile production and management certificate through the university’s Division of Extended Education.
An advisory committee of textile and apparel professionals is helping develop the program. The professionals include Cassandra Durant-Hamm of Cotton Inc., Kathy Swantko of FabricLink, Ilse Metchek of the California Fashion Association and CSULA faculty members. —Deborah Belgum
