Retail and Merchandising Management Students Receive Scholarships to Attend and Compete at the National Retail Federation Student Program
Students Gain Exclusive Access to Top Retail Brands, Mentorship, and Career Opportunities
[Knoxville, TN] – The Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management (RHTM) in the College of Education, Health, and Human Science (CEHHS) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is proud to support over 20 students from the Retail and Merchandising Management (RMM) program participated in the prestigious National Retail Federation (NRF) Student Program in January 2025. Four students also competed in the market competition working with Carter’s, Inc.
The students met virtually with Carter’s executives who explained the competition scenario and answered questions from an industry perspective. The students immediately began their research and worked with Assistant Professor of Practice, Myra Loveday, to produce realistic solutions to the scenario. This incredible opportunity gave students direct exposure to some of the world’s leading retail brands, fostering connections and providing insights that will help shape their future careers in the retail industry.
“Most of the students received scholarships to support their travel to New York City. Some, including four students competing, received scholarships to cover 100% of their trip expenses,” stated Junehee Kwon, Department Head of RHTM. “These scholarships were made possible through student enrichment funds generated through our annual RHTM fundraiser. We want to make sure our students have access to these life-changing experiences, regardless of their financial situation.”
“We are thrilled to offer our students this invaluable opportunity to connect with industry leaders and explore the exciting possibilities within the retail sector,” said Michelle Childs, Associate Professor and Advisor of the NRF Student Association. “The NRF Student Program is an amazing way to build meaningful relationships and gain firsthand insights that will equip our students with the skills and confidence they need to excel in the retail industry.”
“It is critical to challenge our students to work in a high-level team performance environment and to innovate solutions to real-world retail challenges. Making decisions based on evidence-based research and strategizing retail and consumer trend insights to impact retail sales performance set them apart from other students,” said Loveday, Assist. Professor of Practice.
The NRF Student Program, hosted by the NRF, is designed to give students a deep dive into the retail world, with three days of enriching activities, including company tours, expert-led talks, and engaging breakout sessions. Participants have the chance to interact with experienced retail leaders, attend exclusive executive mentoring sessions, and participate in career recruiting opportunities that could pave the way for their professional success.
The RMM program at UT offers a dynamic curriculum that combines classroom instruction with hands-on learning opportunities, ensuring that students are well-prepared for a successful career in retail and merchandising. The program’s strong connections with top retailers, industry professionals, and alumni network provide students with unparalleled access to career-building opportunities. The NRF Student Program is just one example of how RHTM brings real-world experiences into the classroom and creates pathways for our students to thrive.
For more information about the programs offered in RHTM, please visit https://cehhs.utk.edu/rhtm/ or email rhtm@utk.edu. If you would like to support transformative experiential learning opportunities for students, please visit https://tiny.utk.edu/RHTMFundraiser for the 20th Annual RHTM Student Enrichment Fundraiser on April 3, 2025.