Education

MBA, Fashion Management and Entrepreneurship, LIM College
B.A., Communications, Penn State University

Background

Donald S. Pollard, Jr., is a creative director, entrepreneur, TEDx speaker and educator with over 20 years of experience in executive and entrepreneurial roles. He has launched multiple startups, guiding them from concept to profitability. Pollard is recognized for his ability to influence, unify and lead teams across various company functions, driven by his passion for developing strategic partnerships and increasing profitability.

Pollard served as an adjunct professor of entrepreneurship at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York before joining the Department of Retailing at the University of South Carolina. His course focused on the intersection of entrepreneurship and the creative arts, covering areas such as design ideation, product development and market identification. He has also taught at Penn State University and Long Island University, sharing his extensive knowledge of the business side of fashion.

Pollard's entrepreneurial ventures include founding the DONN STERLING Group Inc., a private label menswear company, and co-founding Impact Mentors, an organization aimed at breaking systemic barriers for minority entrepreneurs through mentorship. He has also held significant roles in various accelerators and mentoring programs, such as the Sovereignty Fashion CEOs Accelerator and MIT Solv[ED].

In addition to his entrepreneurial and teaching roles, Pollard has been an active consultant, offering strategic advice to startups in the consumer-packaged goods, beauty and apparel industries. He has helped executive teams align their business goals with production strategies and prepare for investor pitches. His consultancy work spans across multiple continents, reflecting his global perspective and expertise.

Pollard holds an MBA in fashion management & entrepreneurship from LIM College and a B.A. in communications from Penn State University. He has also completed intensive studies in strategic management and Italian language in Milan, Italy. His commitment to sustainability and innovative business practices is evident through his various certifications and professional involvements.

Teaching

• RETL 365 – Visual Merchandising and Store Design
• RETL 368 – Fashion Product Analysis
• RETL 487 – Retail Management Strategies