DR. COURTNEY A. HAMMONDS, DBA
THE DEAN OF FASHION™

Dr. Courtney A. Hammonds, globally recognized as The Dean of Fashion™, operates at the intersection of luxury fashion, media, and education—where cultural insight meets strategy and leadership. From his early career as a special education teacher to leading global fashion initiatives, he has built a body of work focused on elevating brands, developing talent, and shaping the next generation of industry innovators. His academic foundation—a DBA from Argosy University, an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management, and a B.S. in Education from Alabama State University—anchors a career defined by rigor, creativity, and measurable impact.

Hammonds refined his leadership and mentorship early, shaping a path across fashion, entrepreneurship, and education. By 23, he co-launched URUP Design Luxury Boutique in Atlanta, blending strategic precision with creative vision. He later served as Assistant HR Manager at Neiman Marcus Atlanta and Academic Director at the Art Institute of Atlanta, where he launched SACS-accredited BFA and Fashion Marketing programs recognized nationally, including by the Obama Administration. His work bridges luxury innovation and social impact—from Project Runway and Project Accessory to co-creating Fashion Uncorked with Easter Seals of North Georgia, launching his signature fragrance HERE with Dragon Perfumes, and serving as a Fashion Council Ambassador for St. Lucia. His honors include the Stephen Shank Award for Teaching Excellence, Alabama State University’s 50 Under 50, the President’s Humanitarian Award, and recognition in Men of Style for Modern Luxury Magazine.

Today, Hammonds serves as Senior Fashion Editor at Upscale Magazine, founder of CAH & Co., and professor at Capella University and Georgia Military College. A recurring contributor on NBC Atlanta, Host of the Miss Universe St. Lucia Pageant, and FashionTech mentor at Startupbootcamp Milan, his insights have appeared across ABC, CBS, FOX, NPR, GQ, InStyle, and WWD. He has collaborated with leading designers and cultural figures—including André Leon Talley, Alek Wek, Clare Waight Keller, Fern Mallis, June Ambrose, Mimi Plange, Nicolas Ghesquière, Tim Gunn, and Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel—and partnered with premier global brands and institutions spanning Banana Republic, Neiman Marcus, New York Fashion Week, and MODA.

From Columbus, Georgia, with formative years in Berlin, Germany, professional roots in Atlanta, Georgia, and projects across Milan, Italy, and St. Lucia, Dr. Hammonds brings a global lens and practical clarity—empowering students, executives, and creatives to translate vision into lasting impact across fashion, leadership, and enterprise.