Research & Outreach
Our Research
Department of Retailing and Tourism Management faculty have a variety of research interests. Through their hard work and credibility, their research has been published in a variety of peer-reviewed journals, books, abstracts and more.
- Hospitality and event management
- Consumer behavior in service settings
- Consumer engagement strategies, loyalty programs, drivers of attendee loyalty to events and impacts of events on host communities
- Tourism planning for the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area in Central, Illinois
- Aspiring Innkeeper's Guide for the Bed & Breakfast Association of Kentucky
- Analysis of paddle trail demand in North Carolina
- Emerging trends in tourism industry business sectors throughout the United States
- Festival and event visitor research
- Tax implications on restaurant demand
- Tourism policy in Antarctica
- Poverty alleviation in developing countries through sustainable tourism
- Small and medium hospitality and tourism enterprise economic development in developing countries
- Tourism issues in Kentucky
- Curriculum and didactic materials development in hospitality and tourism at both the university and vocational and tertiary levels
- Cross-cultural consumer decision-making
- Soft skills development
- Women in leadership
- Rural retail development
- Corporate social responsibility and socially responsible consumption
- Consumer behaviors in new retail formats
- International retailing and retailing for ethnic consumers
- Sustainable development/sustainability in the retail industry
- Shopping behavior of specialty markets
- Consumer decision-making
- Laundry fundamentals of consumer and institutional textiles
- Quality control evaluation of apparel and textiles
- Protective clothing
- Immigrant women's dress: Identity and acculturation
- Relationship between social, cultural and personal identity and dress
- Relationship between emotional and physical disability and appearance
- Feminist theory and meanings of dress
- Dress and gender
- Omnichannel retailing strategy
- Sustainable fashion
- Digital innovations in fashion retailing
Betty D. Eastin Historic Costume Collection
The Betty D. Eastin Historic Costume Collection is an educational, scholarly and artistic resource for the University of Kentucky Department of Retailing and Tourism Management.
Explore the CollectionTextile Testing Lab
The lab assists the textile and apparel industry through the development of high-quality products, evaluation and/or development of specifications for an existing product, and/or evaluation of the end-use performance of a product.
Explore the LabFaculty Awards & Distinctions
- Martin-Gatton CAFE Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility (DEI&A) Award Nominee, 2023
- International Marketing Advisory Board, Woxsen University, Hyderabad, India, since 2022
- RTM Department Nominee, Outstanding Teaching Award (University of Kentucky) (Spring 2021)
- My article, Exploring Consumers’ Understanding and Evaluation of their Ethical Consumption and Disposition, was used to develop a lesson plan for a module entitled, Consumers and their Demands, in a CSR class at Ohio State University. (Spring 2020)
- Ethics in Practice 2.2: Slow Fashion Consumers. Research highlighted In Ethics in the Fashion Industry (2nd ed.) by V. Ann Paulins and Julie L. Hillery. New York, NY: Fairchild Publications. (Spring 2020)
- Teaching Top 25 Recognition. Acknowledged for RTM 425 being one of the Top 25 classes taught in the School of Human Environmental Sciences, based on Teacher Course Evaluation scores (University of Kentucky). (Fall 2017)
- Guest Panelist, Presentation U! Faculty Fellows Cohort #8 Kickoff Luncheon- One of five faculty members identified from seven cohorts as “stellar Faculty Fellows." Invited to attend Cohort #8 Kickoff Luncheon to share Faculty Fellows program experiences (University of Kentucky). (Fall 2017)
- Nominee, Ken Freedman Outstanding Advisor Award (University of Kentucky) (Spring 2017)
- Guest Speaker, Phi Upsilon Omicron Induction Ceremony, Honor Society for the Family and Consumer Sciences (University of Kentucky). (Spring 2017)
- Editor’s Choice Best Paper Award, Fire Technology Journal, McQuerry, M. & Easter, E. Wildland firefighting personal protective clothing cleaning practices in the United States, 2022
- Patricia Brantley Todd Awards of Excellence in Human Environmental Sciences Research, 2010
- Patricia Brantley Todd Awards of Excellence in Human Environmental Sciences – Research 1/2010.
- Gamma Sigma Delta George Mitchell Award for Outstanding Faculty Service to Graduate • Students. 3/2009.
- Certificate of Appreciation, Midwest Section of the American Association of Textile Chemists & Colorists, 8/5/03.
- Recognized for 10+ years of continuous research funding by the Research & Graduate Studies Reception, University of Kentucky, Spindletop Hall, 97 & 99.
- Recognized as a Centennial Leader by the College of Human Ecology Centennial-Celebration at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 8/97.
- Awarded Honorary Registered Laundry and Linen Director by the American Laundry and Linen College, 6/94 • Fourth Place, 1989 Intersectional Paper Competition of the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists
- Faculty Incentive Grant Award, University of Kentucky, $2,500/year, 1988-91
- Editor: International Textiles and Apparel Association Newsletter, 2011-2014
- Editorial Board: Clothing and Textile Research Journal
- COA Diversity Advisory Board (Fall 2012)
- Editor: International Textiles and Apparel Association Newsletter (January 2011- December- 2016)
- Editorial Board: Clothing and Textile Research Journal
- Editorial Board: Journal of Fashion, Style and Popular Culture
- College of Agriculture Curriculum Committee (Fall 2010 - 2013)
- Retroactive Withdrawal Committee (2009-2012).
- UK Honors Program Faculty of Record Committee (Spring 2012 - present)
- Dissertation Research Support Fellowship, University of Massachusetts, 2022
- ICHRIE Conference Funding Scholarship, NENA Board, 2022
- All But Dissertation Fellowship, University of Massachusetts (2022)
- Dissertation Research Support Fellowship, University of Massachusetts (2022)
- ICHRIE Conference Funding Scholarship, NENA Board (2022)
- Graduate Student Assistance Funds, University of Massachusetts (2020)
- Outstanding Doctoral Applicants Fellowship, University of Massachusetts (2019)
- Graduate Assistantship, University of Massachusetts (2019 – 2023)
- Dean’s Academic Excellence Scholarship, University of Houston (2018)
- Brinker International Scholarship, University of Houston (2017 – 2018)
- Graduate Assistantship, University of Houston (2016 – 2018)
- Par Excellence Scholarship, University of Houston (2016 – 2017)
- Magna Cum Laude, Sejong University (2016)
- Summa Cum Laude, University of Houston (2015)
- Conrad N. Hilton Scholarship, University of Houston (2013 – 2015)
- Dean’s List Recipient, University of Houston (2013 – 2015)
- Foreign Exchange Student Scholarship, Sejong University (2013 – 2015)
- Outstanding in Foreign Language Scholarship, Sejong University (2013)
- Patricia Brantley Todd Award of Excellence in Research, University of Kentucky, 2011
- Best Research Paper, Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles Fall Conference, Seoul, Korea, 2009
- 2015 Faculty Fellow Cohort 2, Presentation U, University of Kentucky ($3,000)
- 2014 School of HES Awards for Teaching: One of my classes were ranked by students in the top 25 of all classes in the School
- 2012 School of HES Awards for Teaching: One of my classes were ranked by student in the top 25 of all classes in the School
- 2011 Patricia Brantley Todd Award of Excellence in Research ($1,000), University of Kentucky
- Inducted into Gamma Sigma Delta, The Honor Society of Agriculture, March 29, 2011.
- 2009 Best Research Paper from Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles fall conference, Seoul, Korea, Oct. 16.
- 2008 Best Retail Research Paper from American Collegiate Retailing Association (ACRA), May 2008. “Segmenting online auction consumers.”
- Barnhart Fund for Excellence ($1,000), February, 2008. College of Agriculture, Food & Environment, University of Kentucky - Proposal title: Encouraging and Supporting Undergraduate Student to Participate in International Business Competition Program.
- Travel Award from the Research Office to attend the CSREES grants workshop ($1,000), February, 2008.
- International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Best Paper Award ($1,000). “Competitive Analyses between Regional Malls and Big-Box Retailers: A Correspondence Analyses for Segmentation and Positioning,” American Collegiate Retailing Association (ACRA), April, 2006.
- Ida A. Anders Scholarship, Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management, University of Tennessee. (2006)
- Graduate Fellowship, College of Business, University of Tennessee (2002)
- University Scholarship, Department of Journalism and Mass Communications, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea (1996)
- Clothing and Textiles Research Journal Top Altimetric Score Paper Award, 2021
- Paper of Distinction, Textile and Apparel Industries Track, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference, 2020
- Clothing and Textiles Research Journal Top Altimetric Score Paper Award. (2021)
- Paper of Distinction, Textile and Apparel Industries Track, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference (2020)
- Kitty G Dickerson Graduate Fellowship for Excellence Award, College of Human Environmental Sciences, University of Missouri (2020)
- Martin-Quilling Graduate Fellowship, College of Human Environmental Sciences, University of Missouri (2020)
- Maxine Hobbs Patrick and Homer Patrick Graduate Fellowship, Department of Textile and Apparel Management, University of Missouri (2019)
- Marion K. and Vernon W. Piper Distinguished Doctoral Fellowships, College of Human Environmental Science, University of Missouri (2018)
- Curator’s Grant-in-Aid Scholarship, University of Missouri (2016)
- Editor-in-Chief, International Journal of Hospitality and Event Management
- Best Paper Award, The 40th Annual Conference of the International Society of Travel & Tourism Educators (ISTTE), 2021
- Best Paper Award, Received the Best Paper Award at the 40th Annual Conference of ISTTE (International Society of Travel & Tourism Educators) in 2021. (October 4, 2021 - October 6, 2021).
- Best Paper Award, Received the Best Paper Award at World Convention on Hospitality, Tourism & Events Research (WHTER) & International Convention and Expo Summit (ICES) in 2013. (May 24, 2013 - May 28, 2013).
- Best Paper Award, Received the Best Paper Award at International Convention and Expo Summit 2012. (May 22, 2012 - May 24, 2012 Who’s who in America 2014
- Editor-in-Chief, International Journal of Hospitality and Event Management
- Editorial Board Member, International Journal of Qualitative Research in Services • Editorial Board Member, International Journal of Tourism Anthropology Updated 10.30.2023
- Best Paper Award, World Convention on Hospitality, Tourism & Events Research (WHTER) & International Convention and Expo Summit (ICES) 2013, May 24nd – 28th, 2013, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Best Paper Award, International Convention and Expo Summit 2012, May 22 - 24, 2012, Hong Kong, China.
- Media Recognition in Horizon, School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China, Fall Issue, 2011
- Media Recognition in Boilerplate, School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Purdue University, Fall Issue, 2010
- Norma H. Compton Outstanding Doctoral Student Award Nomination, School of Consumer Sciences, Purdue University, 2010
- Outstanding Graduate Teaching Award, School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Purdue University, 2010
- University of Kentucky Ken Freedman Outstanding Faculty Advisor Nominee, 2020
- University of Kentucky Teachers Who Made a Difference Award, 2019
- University of Kentucky Ken Freedman Outstanding Faculty Advisor nominee 2020
- University of Kentucky Teachers Who Made a Difference Award 2019 University of Kentucky Top 25 Award (five classes were ranked the in Top 25 of student evaluations in the college). 2017-18
- KYACTE Post-secondary Teacher of the Year nominee 2018
- Wisconsin Technical College System New Teacher of the Year Award nominee 2005 Wisconsin Technical College System 6X Star Faculty Award Nominee 2005-2012 Tempe Accelerated High School Outstanding Teacher Award, 2000
- Nominee for Ken Freedman Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award, University of Kentucky. Advising, Recognition Award, University. (2018).
- 5 of the top 25 Classes Based on Student Evaluations, University of Kentucky. Teaching, Recognition Award. (2017 - 2018).
- Nominee for Ken Freedman Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award, University of Kentucky. Advising, Nomination by Students. (2017).
- Four of the top Twenty classes based on Student Evaluations., University of Kentucky. Teaching, Recognition Award. (2016 - 2017).
- Nominee for Ken Freedman Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award, University of Kentucky. Advising, Recognition Award. (2016).
- 6 of the top 20 classes based on student evaluations, University of Kentucky. Teaching, Recognition Award. (2015 - 2016).
- Early Career Outstanding Teacher Award from the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Student Council, 2014
- Named to the inaugural class of Forty for the Future, a national program recognizing tourism’s leading talent under the age of 40, 2012
- Reader’s Choice Awards – Advocate-Messenger Best College Professor (2021/22)
- Reader’s Choice Awards – Advocate-Messenger Best College Professor (2020/21) • Patricia Brantley Todd Award of Excellence in HES Faculty Research Award (2017/18) Updated 10.30.2023
- Nominated for Ken Freedman Outstanding Advisor Award: University award for undergraduate advising (2017/18)
- Nominated for Ken Freedman Outstanding Advisor Award: University award for undergraduate advising (2016/17)
- Nominated for Ken Freedman Outstanding Advisor Award: University award for undergraduate advising (2015/16)
- Two School of HES Awards for Teaching: Two classes were ranked by students in the top 25 of all classes in the School (2015/16)
- Two School of HES Awards for Teaching: Two classes were ranked by students in the top 25 of all classes in the School (2014/15)
- Nominated for Ken Freedman Outstanding Advisor Award: University award for undergraduate advising (2014/15)
- Gamma Sigma Delta: The Honor Society of Agriculture – Univ. of KY Chapter (2014/15)
- Early Career Outstanding Teacher Award: Presented by the CAFE Student Council (2013/14)
- Three School of HES Awards for Teaching: Three classes were ranked by students in the top 25 of all classes in the School (2013/14)
- Gamma Sigma Delta: The Honor Society of Agriculture – Univ. of KY Chapter (2013/14)
- In 2012, he was named to the inaugural class of Forty for the Future, a national program recognizing tourism’s leading talent under the age of 40.
- 2012- Forty for the Future: Travel’s Leading Talent- Selected as a member of the inaugural class of the top 40 travel and tourism professionals under the age of 40 in the United States.
- 2012- Three School of HES Awards for Teaching- Four of my classes were ranked by students in the top 25 of all classes in the School
- 2011- Four School of HES Awards for Teaching- Four of my classes were ranked by students in the top 25 of all classes in the School
- 2009- Three School of HES Awards for Teaching- Three of my classes were ranked by students in the top 25
- Ken Freedman Outstanding Advisor Award Nominee, 2018
- Teachers Who Make a Difference Award, 19th Annual Program, College of Education, 2017
- Ken Freedman Outstanding Advisor Award Nominee. (2018).
- Teachers Who Made a Difference Award, University of Kentucky, College of Education. (April 29, 2017).
- Highly Commended Paper Award from the Emerald Publishing Literati Network Awards for Excellence for Tourist shoppers’ satisfaction with regional shopping mall experiences, International Journal of Culture, Tourism, and Hospitality Research, 2008
- Highly Commended Paper Award presented by the Journal of Managing Service Quality, Retail Personality and the Hispanic consumer: Attitudes about American retailers, European Institute of Retailing and Services Studies Conference Proceedings, 2005 Updated 10.30.2023
- Centennial Future 100 Award presented by School of Human Environmental Sciences, University of Kentucky, 2007
- Inducted into Gamma Sigma Delta (ΓΣΔ) Agriculture Honor Society, University of Kentucky, 2010
- Editor of Book Essays, Journal of Business Research, 2005-present
- Member, UK Plaid Advisory Board & Faculty Coordinator, 2007-present