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    • Graduate Programs Overview
    • PhD in Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management
  • Student Experience
    • Student Experience Overview
    • Career Development
    • RHTM Learning Labs
    • Study Tours
    • Student Organizations
  • Research & Outreach
    • Research and Outreach Overview
    • Rural Business & Retail Development 
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    • food4VOLS
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  1. Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management
  2. People
  3. Michelle Childs

Michelle Childs

Michelle Childs

March 27, 2025 by

Featured Person
Email
mlchilds@utk.edu
Website
https://faculty.utk.edu/Michelle.Childs

Michelle Childs, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

I am passionate about retail brand architecture—crafting and managing brand portfolios to captivate consumers and elevate their experiences. My research combines experimental methods with a holistic perspective to uncover new insights in this dynamic field. I focus on three key areas: driving retail brand growth and recovery (through co-branding and comeback strategies), amplifying brand purpose with mission-driven and charity-affiliated initiatives, and exploring innovative pathways to keep brands ahead of the curve. My goal is to enhance the quality, value, and impact of branded retail products.

Beyond research, I love sharing my expertise in the classroom. I teach RMM 200: Introduction to the Fashion Industry, RMM 410: Retail Strategic Planning, and lead study abroad programs for undergraduates, as well as RHTM 615: Literature Review for PhD students. Additionally, I’m proud to serve as co-advisor for the National Retail Federation (NRF) Student Association, helping to shape the next generation of retail leaders.

Education

Ph.D. in Consumer, Apparel and Retail Studies
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
M.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies; Merchandising Management and Communication
Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
B.A. in Social Science
Providence College, Providence, RI

Research Interest

Retail branding
Cause-related marketing and responsible consumption
Co-branding
Retail growth and recovery

Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management

110 Jessie Harris Building
1215 W Cumberland Ave
Knoxville, TN 37996
865-974-2141 

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
865-974-1000

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