TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Retired University of Alabama professor Wilma Greene, who brought national prominence to UA’s fashion retailing program, died Wednesday.

“She was the consummate professional and friend to her students, and she was someone whose Christian principles always guided her, both professionally and personally,” said Dr. Milla Boschung, dean of the College of Human Environmental Sciences.

Greene, coordinator of the fashion retaling program for 32 years, was highly regarded in the fashion industry.

“She was known for mentoring her students while at UA, and those relationships continued beyond graduation,” said Boschung.

During her UA career, Greene established the Interim New York Study Tour that allows fashion students to travel to New York to visit fashion houses and hear presentations from leaders in the New York fashion industries.

She and the late Morris Mayer established Retailing Day which gives students the chance to meet and talk with business executives from a number of professions.

Greene was recognized with several awards during her time at UA, including the UA National Alumni Association Outstanding Commitment to Teaching Award, the Penny Allen award for service, and was the first recipient of both the Morris Lehman Mayer Award for integrity and leadership, and the HES Joseph Rowland Teaching award.