Regents Approve New Chair for Family and Consumer Sciences

DALLAS - The Baylor University Board of Regents, during their annual meeting at the Baylor University Medical Center, approved the appointment of Dr. Rita Sutherland Purdy as the chair for the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences effective Aug. 1.
Purdy comes to Baylor from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University where she has served as associate dean for undergraduate programs since 1988. Working primarily as the administrative liaison with undergraduate students, Purdy worked with deans, academic administrators, department chairs, faculty and students to develop and implement student policies and procedures.
Purdy earned her doctorate in clothing and textiles from Virginia Tech, a master's degree in clothing and textiles from the University of Tennessee and a bachelor's degree in clothing, textiles and related art from Virginia Tech.
She is a member of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, having served recently on the Council for Accreditation from 1992-95. She has delivered numerous presentations on subjects ranging from fashion merchandising and consumer's perceptions to dealing with difficult people and growing up in a coal camp.
Purdy replaces Dr. Wilma Pitts Griffin, professor in Baylor's Department of Family and Consumer Sciences. After serving as chair of the department for the past nine years, Griffin wanted to return to teaching full-time.