Professor Marissa Zorola is a Principal Lecturer in Merchandising at UNT. As an undergraduate, Prof. Zorola had an interest in going into Product Development; however, as a graduate student, she discovered something she loved more than fashion, and that was teaching. Over 20 years with the Department of Merchandising and Digital Retailing, she has taught a wide breadth of courses including Introduction to Merchandising, Consumer Psychology, Textiles, Visual Merchandising, and more. What Prof. Zorola loves most about teaching is the ability to make a difference in a person’s life and foster a love for lifelong learning. Her greatest reward as a teacher is learning alongside her students, and every day is an opportunity to learn from each other. She co-leads the Europe Study Tour and has led the New York Study Tour and China - Hong Kong Study Tour in the past. Currently, Prof. Zorola also serves as the Merchandising Internship Coordinator, helping to develop industry connections in order to assist students in their own career and professional development.

Originally from San Antonio, Prof. Zorola has called North Texas home for the past 25 years. She is the proud mother of two boys, Gabriel and Isaac. Gabriel is a sophomore accounting major at UNT and Isaac is a sophomore at Guyer High School. In addition to spending time with her family, Prof. Zorola enjoys trail running and fitness in general. She is also a Disney enthusiast, believing in the same values Walt Disney held dear when he developed the Walt Disney Company: find a passion, build a dream around, and work hard towards it. “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” – Walt Disney.