In a news release, university officials announced today that Dr. Elizabeth Rhodes, retired director of the School of Fashion Design and Merchandising, passed away July 23. Rhodes had been battling more than one type of cancer since 1994, the same year she accepted the job as the director of the school.

“Elizabeth Rhodes embodied the characteristics that speak to Kent State’s excellence, “said Kent State University President Lester A. Lefton.

During her time as director, the Fashion School more than tripled in enrollment, launched initiatives with JCPenney, Sears, Simplicity, Dots and Jo-Ann Fabrics, and formed collaborations with the Paris-American Academy and Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

In addition, Rhodes helped to create the June F. Mohler Fashion Library, raised millions of dollars for the Fashion School and implemented a more rigorous and technologically advanced education for fashion students.

Rhodes, 62, retired in June after 15 years at the university.