Friday, September 19, 2025
Media Contact:
Christy Lang | Director, Marketing and Communications | 405-744-9740 | christy.lang@okstate.edu
Karynsa Teel is making a big name for herself in the fashion industry, and she said
she credits much of her success to Oklahoma State University’s design and merchandising
program.
After graduating from OSU in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising
and a minor in apparel, design and production, Teel embarked on an exciting yet nerve-wracking
leap into the professional world.
The journey has brought her success so far, and she said the skills and support she
received at OSU helped her seamlessly transition from the classroom to the professional
setting.
“It is a great program,” she said. “Even though Oklahoma isn’t near many major fashion
hubs, (faculty) have amazing connections — both local and on the coast.”
Teel recalls how valuable the relationships she built at OSU were to her growth and
confidence. Because of this, she never questioned her ability to succeed.
“I think my professors were great and always willing to help,” she said. “I didn’t
face a lot of difficulties with the program, but if I did have a problem, I would
reach out to the professors and work it out.”
From retail math and sourcing to Excel spreadsheets and critical thinking, Teel said
OSU equipped her with the technical and analytical skills she relies on every day.
“I still use everything I learned in the Excel course on a daily basis,” she said.
“The coursework was extremely engaging, and I think that is what really set me up
for success.”
She also described the pre-internship course as one of the department’s most useful
resources. The preparation paid off during her internship at The Children’s Place,
where she worked in the soft accessories merchandising division.
“All of the mock interviews were extremely helpful, ” she said. “The professors really
made it clear how professional we needed to be, so I had those building blocks.”
The company offered her a full-time position as an assistant merchandiser in the shoe
division immediately after graduation. Teel has since been promoted to an associate
merchandiser.
“I am really happy with where I landed after graduation,” she said. “Even though I
am in merchandising, there are still some product development aspects in my work.
I work closely with the design team for the new seasonal buys, so I have a say in
the aesthetic of the new products we purchase for next season.”
Faculty members at OSU say they aren’t surprised by her success. Diane Limbaugh, an
instructor in the Department of Design and Merchandising, remembers Teel as a standout student.
“Karynsa was a calm, attentive and reliable student who was focused on her classwork
in order to build her skills to become successful in the apparel industry,” she said.
Dr. Sumit Mandal, Teel’s textiles science professor, also recalled her determination
and academic excellence.
“She was very sincere, productive and focused on her studies,” he said. “In fact,
she was one of my first undergraduate students at OSU to submit a research paper at
the International Textile and Apparel Association Conference.”
Looking ahead, Teel said she hopes to continue leaving her mark on the fashion industry
while inspiring other students to chase similar opportunities.
Story By:
Annie Ross | annie.ross@okstate.edu
link