For the first time in its 132-year history, the College of Visual Arts and Design (CVAD) at the University of North Texas (UNT) has unveiled a named program: the Michael W. Faircloth Fashion Design Program. The announcement marks a significant milestone in UNT’s renowned visual arts and design education.
The program is named after Michael Faircloth, a distinguished alum and fifth-generation Texan, who graduated from UNT in 1983 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts focusing on fashion design. Faircloth is celebrated for his contributions to fashion, especially through his Dallas custom couture company, Michael Faircloth Designs, known for dressing prominent figures, including former First Lady Laura Bush. The gown he designed for Bush’s appearance at the 2001 inaugural ball is permanently displayed at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.
The official introduction of the Michael W. Faircloth Fashion Design Program took place during a ceremony on March 29 at UNT. Dr. Harrison Keller, UNT President, praised Faircloth’s dedication, stating, ‘There’s no one better than Michael Faircloth that we can name the fashion design program for.’ The dedication recognizes both Faircloth’s professional achievements and his ongoing support for enhancing educational opportunities in fashion design.
Instrumental in the program’s establishment was a campaign led by Faircloth more than eight years ago, raising $1.25 million from friends and clients. These funds will be directed towards supporting student scholarships, research, and professional development opportunities for students and faculty.
‘By honoring Michael Faircloth in this way, we reinforce CVAD’s commitment to nurturing innovative, world-class designers,’ said Dr. Karen Huztel, Dean of CVAD. ‘His legacy serves as an inspiration for students, showing that their dreams are achievable.’
Contributing significantly to the initiative were UNT alumni Lisa Troutt and her husband, entrepreneur Kenny Troutt. Reflecting on her time at UNT, Lisa Troutt emphasized the importance of giving back to the institutions that have played a vital role in personal and professional growth.
The Michael W. Faircloth Fashion Design Program signals UNT’s dedication to fostering talent in fashion, ensuring that students continue to have access to resources that prepare them to influence the fashion industry on a global scale.