Dr. Joyce F. Brown, the first woman and African American president of the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), will step down at the end of the 2024-2025 academic year.
Brown has led FIT, part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, through 26 years of transformation since her appointment in 1998.
Marrying Design and Technology
FIT started as a place where European immigrants could learn and refine skills like embroidery, sewing, and tailoring. However, today, FIT is not just about fashion but about “marrying design and technology and design writ large,” Brown told Forbes.
Under her guidance, FIT has infused technology into every aspect of the curriculum and introduced courses in Computer Animation, Interactive Media, Footwear and Accessories Design, Toy Design, and more.
The number of bachelor’s degrees awarded rose by 348%, with 33 new degree and certificate programs added.
She also launched the Center for Innovation and FIT’s DTech Lab, where students, faculty, and industry partners work together to solve real-world problems through design and technology.
From designing adaptive clothing for patients with neuropathy to partnering with IBM and Tommy Hilfiger, the lab embodies FIT’s marriage of creativity and technology.
Commitment to Inclusivity and Innovation
Beyond technological advances, Brown’s legacy is marked by her commitment to inclusion.
She told Forbes FIT’s goals for students are twofold: “One was to make sure we were cutting-edge […] At the same time, we were creating programs to incorporate opportunities for young people in underserved communities to have the exposure and opportunity to study here as well.”
In 2021, Brown launched the Social Justice Center at FIT, an initiative to increase the number of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) in creative industries.
The center connects students with internships, mentorships, and real-world opportunities at companies like Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, and Michael Kors. In 2023, the center was recognized on Fast Company’s list of World Changing Ideas.
Today, 40% of FIT’s class of 2025 is Black, Hispanic, or multiracial, according to college data.
A Lasting Legacy
Reflecting on her tenure, Brown said: “Serving as FIT’s president has been my honor and privilege. Much has been accomplished over the past two decades, including establishing FIT as a higher education community that is committed to inclusivity, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology.”
“Dr. Joyce Brown’s vision has transformed FIT, and her tenure has been one of the most significant periods of leadership in the college’s history,” added Board of Trustees Chair Robin Burns-McNeill.
“Her commitment to technology, innovation, and DEI modernized the college, while also deepening its commitment to our mission and to graduate success.”
Brown will help FIT search for her replacement over this academic year.
Image credit: FIT
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