Professional Career:

Dr. Courtney A. Hammonds, fondly known as the "Dean of Fashion," began his career as a special education teacher before transitioning into the fashion and HR industries. His early roles include serving as Assistant HR Manager at Neiman Marcus. Later, as the Fashion Program Chair at The Art Institutes, Dr. Hammonds launched the first Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Fashion Design, secured Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) accreditation, and managed the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Fashion Marketing. He also organized BFA showcases at New York Fashion Week and led initiatives like the "Gap for Community Colleges" under the Obama administration’s Skills for America’s Future.

Currently, Dr. Hammonds is the founder of CAH & CO., a boutique consulting firm that offers strategic fashion consulting, academic curriculum development, and tailored HR solutions. He serves as Senior Fashion Editor at Upscale Magazine and teaches HR and business doctoral courses as a professor at Capella University. He also teaches undergraduate courses, including dual enrollment classes for high school students, at Georgia Military College.

Dr. Hammonds has been a contributor to major media outlets, including the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, InStyle, CBS, Fox, NBC, Reader's Digest, and Project Runway. He was also featured in the award-winning documentary The South Got Something to Say. In 2024, his collaboration with Dragon Perfumes led to the creation of the acclaimed fragrance HERE, which was showcased in Condé Nast, Glamour, and GQ.

Philanthropic Pursuits & Community Engagement:
Dedicated to philanthropy, Dr. Hammonds supports disability and sustainability initiatives and serves as a Global Ambassador. A proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., he leads with a commitment to community service.

Awards & Recognitions:
Dr. Hammonds' accolades include the Volunteer Service Award from President Joe Biden (2023), the Stephen Shank Award for teaching excellence (2022), recognition in the Alabama State University 50 Under 50 (2018), and placement on the Modern Luxury Men of Style List (2013).

Educational Background:
Born and raised in Columbus, Georgia, Dr. Hammonds earned a Doctorate in Business Administration from Argosy University, an MBA from Keller Graduate School, and a Bachelor’s in Education from Alabama State University. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, he is globally recognized for his transformative impact on fashion, education, and community development.