Recordpub.com - Elizabeth Rhodes loses her fight with cancer: Headed KSU fashion school

The former director of the Kent State University School of Fashion Design and Merchandising died Thursday following a 15-year battle with cancer.

Dr. Elizabeth Rhodes, 62, of Brimfield, retired in June from her position as director of the fashion design and merchandising school after 15 years. She learned of her diagnosis with breast cancer in August 1994, just one month after accepting the job as director of the school at KSU.

In a statement released by the university, President Lester Lefton said Rhodes’ efforts helped establish a studio in the heart of New York City’s fashion district in addition to a program in Florence, Italy, where her students learned from top designers in the industry.

“Throughout her tenure, and while she battled cancer on the home front, she demonstrated unfaltering commitment to and pride in the success of her students, not to mention the national and international repute of the Fashion School and the university,” Lefton said. “Elizabeth will be sorely missed, especially by students, alumni and faculty of the school that was so enriched by her talent and dedication.”

Rhodes’ battle with cancer proved initially successful. A mastectomy and chemotherapy treatments forced the cancer into remission by 2003. But months later, the cancer returned in the form of leukemia.

In April, she told the university’s online magazine, eInside, that tests later determined her drug-related leukemia had likely been caused by the very drugs used to treat her breast cancer.

Again, she beat the disease and both cancers were in remission until 2006, when she was diagnosed with metastic breast cancer.

“I would pray every day to not have it, but I know for some reason this was part of my plan,” she told eInside. “No matter what religion or regardless of what deity you pray to, there comes a time when we realize we don’t control everything.”

In May, Rhodes earned the honor of 2009 Woman of Valor at the 23rd Annual American Cancer Society North Ohio Region Runway of Hope benefit.

During her tenure as director, the fashion school more than tripled in enrollment, launched initiatives with JCPenney, Sears, Simplicity, Dots and Jo-Ann Fabrics, and formed collaborations with the Paris-American Academy and Hong Kong Polytechnic University, according to KSU.

“The College of the Arts has lost a respected colleague and dear friend,” Dr. John Crawford, interim dean for the College of the Arts, said in a statement. “Her strength, vision and commitment will continue to inspire all of us who knew her.”

Rhodes’ family will hold a service in the atrium of Rockwell Hall on the Kent campus of KSU on Monday from 5 p.m. to 8 for anyone who would like to attend.

In place of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to the Elizabeth A. Rhodes Legacy Campaign. The fund supports, in part, the New York City Studio and other projects of the school. To make a contribution, contact Shawn Gordon at 330-672-8484 or sgordo10@kent.edu.