Dean’s Page Alumnus: Greg Redden ’17, TT, Global Textile Alliance

By Ngoc Nguyen

Greg Redden ’17, ’19

Degree: B.S., textile technology (2017) and M.S., textile engineering (2019)

Current position/employer: quality engineer at Global Textile Alliance

Dean’s page: January 2016 – May 2017

Tell us about your current role:

My current position as a quality engineer has me learning everything that the company does: extrusion, warping, knitting, weaving and finishing, so that I can respond to customer complaints more effectively by zeroing in on the department and process that the problem stems from and implementing a solution to fix the problem and potential ones. There are a lot of analytical tools I work with to spot potential issues, as well as projects that require me to improve machine performance, and new products that pull me into finding the right machine settings to have quality output.   

Other NC State/Wilson College activities: I was involved in multiple clubs and was a member of Phi Psi and also served as an ambassador. I volunteered for events related to the Wilson College such as Open Houses and working the Packapalooza tent. Around my junior year at the college, there were days I spent 12 to sometimes 16 hours being on or around campus.

Looking back, what was it like being a dean’s page?

Being a dean’s page was exciting. There were new people constantly cycling through the office which spiced up the average day-to-day structure of the position. Sometimes there were new requests that were also fun. For the most part, it was relaxing or somewhat therapeutic in a place I was already spending so much time. The best part included staying in-the-know with the latest news within the College.

What did you take away from the Dean’s Page Program that helped you in your current position?

Being able to tackle timing and quantity — there were a lot of tasks that needed to be done and getting through them quicker meant I could get some homework done. Also, developing the emotional intelligence and demeanor required to deal with people in a setting where there may be nobody coming in or calling to the exact opposite. And being able to ‘host’ individuals and uphold the environment deserving of a dean’s office. 

What advice do you have for those who are new dean’s pages or interested in becoming one?

Know how to entertain guests of the dean properly. Figure out what aspects of tasks or infrequent odd jobs that other pages may have missed or that haven’t been done in a while. This program is a great way to become familiar with people who work within the college that you may not see in your day-to-day interactions in classes and labs. This can help tremendously when you find that certain people do research that may be of interest, or be doing projects that align with your interests. Becoming a dean’s page can help to initiate conversations that may have otherwise been forgotten. 

What is the funniest time or most interesting experience you had as a dean’s page?

I did meet an astronaut while serving as a dean’s page!