Dr. Courtney A. Hammonds
Visionary. Educator. Consultant.

Affectionately known as The Dean of Fashion, Dr. Courtney A. Hammonds is a dynamic force at the intersection of fashion, education, and culture. His career spans luxury retail, academia, and global consulting, all grounded in a people-first philosophy and purpose-driven leadership.

Leadership & Career

From special education to luxury retail and higher education, Dr. Hammonds brings a distinctive blend of strategic vision and operational excellence. His career foundation was built in leadership roles, including Operations Manager at URUP Designs and Assistant HR Manager at Neiman Marcus—where he seamlessly integrated talent development with business performance.

In academia, he served as Fashion Program Director at The Art Institute of Atlanta, where he launched the institution’s first BFA in Fashion Design, secured SACS accreditation, and redefined the fashion marketing curriculum. Nationally, his work extended to the Obama-era Gap for Community Colleges initiative and multiple NYFW student showcases.

He currently teaches HR and business courses at Capella University and Georgia Military College, continuing his mission to develop future industry leaders.

Global Impact

As Global Fashion Ambassador for the St. Lucia Fashion Council, Dr. Hammonds supports the island’s creative economy and serves as a mentor across platforms—including Milan’s Startupbootcamp FashionTech and the Miss Universe St. Lucia organization.

Creative Direction & Editorial Work

Dr. Hammonds is the Founder of CAH & CO. Consulting, where he delivers strategy and creative direction in fashion, HR, and curriculum design. As Senior Fashion Editor at Upscale Magazine, he curates trend direction, editorials, and cultural storytelling.

His editorial journey includes contributions to Sheen Magazine, HERS Magazine, and visual direction for notable covers featuring Mimi Plange and Emme. His fashion insights have appeared in InStyle, Reader’s Digest, CBS, NBC, FOX, and NPR.

A recognized voice in fashion critique, he was an early contributor to Project Runway blogs and featured in the documentary The South Got Something to Say, exploring fashion’s role in hip hop culture. His signature fragrance, HERE—in collaboration with Dragon Perfumes—has been featured in Glamour, GQ, and Condé Nast Traveler.

Philanthropy & Legacy

Committed to mentorship, inclusion, and social impact, Dr. Hammonds has supported causes like Easter Seals North Georgia, co-producing their Fashion Uncorked runway benefit. He is also a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Honors & Recognition

• Master of Ceremonies – Miss Universe St. Lucia Pageant (2024)

• President’s Volunteer Service Award – Presented by President Joe Biden (2023)

• Media Contributor – 71st Miss Universe Pageant (2023)

• Stephen Shank Award for Teaching Excellence – Capella University (2022)

• 50 Under 50 Honoree – Alabama State University (2018)

• Modern Luxury Men of Style Honoree – Atlanta (2013)

Academic Credentials

• DBA, Argosy University

• MBA, Keller Graduate School of Management

• B.S. in Education, Alabama State University

Based in Atlanta, Dr. Hammonds continues to elevate every space he enters—through bold creativity, educational impact, and an unwavering commitment to culture.