Maria Simmons 

Fashion and Design

Assistant Professor

Biography

Maria Simmons is a fashion design graduate of Kent State University with more than a decade of experience in apparel design, technical design, and product development. She began her career at Abercrombie & Fitch, where she worked across multiple categories before specializing in outerwear. During her time there, she helped develop and launch the company’s first extended sizing initiative, reflecting her ongoing commitment to thoughtful, inclusive design.

After relocating to Nashville, Maria joined Workwear Outfitters as a technical designer and later moved into product development. In that role, she built specialized expertise in designing and sourcing technical apparel for several U.S. government agencies, including TSA, CBP, FBI, FWS, and NPS. This work deepened her understanding of performance-driven design, compliance requirements, and large-scale manufacturing.

In addition to teaching, Maria works as a freelance technical designer, partnering with smaller brands to develop fit, sizing, and product development strategies. She also serves as a graphic designer for LED Marquee nationwide, bringing a versatile design perspective across apparel, branding, and visual communication.