Introducing the 2028 Class of Textile Pioneer Scholars

In the quiet corners of North Carolina, big ambitions are blossoming.

Four exceptional incoming NC State students have been named recipients of the Textile Pioneer Scholarship Program at the Wilson College of Textiles, embodying how support from generous donors can turn big dreams into reality. 

The newest Textile Pioneer Scholars — Dakota Coburn, Alleigh Fields, Camden Manning and Madina Tahirli — represent the diverse tapestry of the great state of North Carolina.

Supporting students and building futures

Established in 2018, the Textile Pioneer Scholarship Program provides financial support to exceptional students from non-metropolitan areas of North Carolina, many of whom are first-generation college attendees, who have a strong interest in the textile industry. Serving as the inaugural need-based scholarship for the Wilson College, the Textile Pioneer Scholarship Program not only aligns with NC State’s land-grant mission; it also contributes to diversifying the college’s student body.

Textile Pioneer Scholars receive a minimum of $14,000 each year for a span of four years along with $4,000 in enrichment funds, which can be used for studying abroad and participation in leadership activities. 

This scholarship program is made possible through generous donations to the North Carolina Textile Foundation (NCTF), which serves as the philanthropic arm of the Wilson College of Textiles. 

“We are thrilled to welcome these talented Textile Pioneer Scholars to the Wilson College of Textiles,” says Michael Ward, the executive director of the NCTF. “Thanks to the generous support of our donors, we can provide life-changing opportunities for students from communities across North Carolina, helping them realize their dreams at the Wilson College of Textiles.” 

Get to know this year’s scholars and learn how this scholarship opportunity will shape their experiences at NC State University and beyond.

Meet the 2028 Class of Textile Pioneer Scholars

Now, it’s time to meet the 2028 class of Textile Pioneer Scholars and learn more about their plans for NC State and beyond. 

Click on the links below to be introduced to each student.

• Dakota Coburn — Goodnight Scholarship and Textile Pioneer Scholarship
• Alleigh Fields — Rodney Sims Textile Pioneer Scholarship
• Camden Manning — Barnhill Textile Pioneer Scholarship
• Madina Tahirli — Knight Family Textile Pioneer Scholarship

Dakota Coburn

Goodnight Scholarship and the Textile Pioneer Scholarship
Hometown: Winterville, North Carolina
Major: B.S. Textile Engineering

Dakota Coburn’s journey to the Wilson College of Textiles began with a pivotal moment during her senior year of high school. After attending a presentation hosted by the college, she immediately knew that textile engineering was her path. 

“It was so different from the other branches of engineering I had looked into,” she said. “There are so many paths and applications I could do with it, which really drew me in.”

Coming from a single-parent household, Dakota faced uncertainty about affording college. However, with the support of her Textile Pioneer Scholarship and Goodnight Scholarship, she can attend without financial hardship. Now, she is considering pursuing a master’s degree to learn more about sustainable textiles — something she hadn’t thought possible. 

Why did you choose to attend the Wilson College of Textiles?

Toward the beginning of my senior year in high school, I attended a presentation for the Wilson College of Textiles at my school. At the time, it was unclear what branch of engineering I would pursue. Once the presentation was over, I knew immediately that textile engineering was the way to go. It was so different from the other branches of engineering I had looked into. There are so many paths and applications I could do with it, which really drew me in. I also loved the idea of a close-knit community and the pursuit of sustainability that the Wilson College of Textiles champions.

What has scholarship support enabled you to do that you may not have been able to do without it?

I come from a single-parent household so being able to afford college has always been up in the air for me. By receiving scholarship support, I am able to attend college without causing any financial hardship to my family. It also allows me to not have to get a job and have to somehow balance it with all of my degree work.

What are your professional goals or post-graduation plans, and how will your scholarship impact those goals?

After I graduate, I plan to pursue a master’s degree and then go into the field of sustainable textiles. Without my scholarship, I would not even consider pursuing a graduate degree due to the financial costs that go along with it. It was only after receiving my scholarship that I even considered pursuing my master’s degree in the first place.

If you could say anything to the individuals who made your scholarship possible, what would you say to thank them for their generosity?

Thank you for your generosity and this wonderful opportunity. It was always a giant question mark when it came to how I would afford college. Through this scholarship, I am able to pursue my dream of becoming an engineer without the added stress of how to afford it. I will be able to grow and develop as a student and a person through this scholarship program and one day go on to contribute positively to the world.

Alleigh Fields

Rodney Sims Textile Pioneer Scholarship
Hometown: Burlington, North Carolina
Major: B.S. Fashion and Textile Management, Brand Management and Marketing Concentration

Alleigh Fields can’t wait to leverage her experiences and leadership skills to excel at the Wilson College of Textiles.

She brings a unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit and resilience, shaped by her family’s background in fabric and design, bridal retail and construction. This has deeply influenced her desire to carve her own path in the world of textiles.

“As the oldest of three siblings, I was forced to become independent at a young age and be a strong leader for my family,” Alleigh says. “Being a part of a competitive cheer team since a young age has always motivated me to be a pivotal leader and taught me excellent teamwork and perseverance skills.”

Why did you choose to attend the Wilson College of Textiles?

I chose the Wilson College of Textiles due to its focus on innovation and sustainability, which resonates with my ambitions. It also reinforces my belief that this college is a perfect match for contributing to a successful career. The unique possibilities within the Wilson College of Textiles align perfectly with my goals, and they will challenge me and help me strive to accomplish my dreams.

What has scholarship support enabled you to do that you may not have been able to do without it?

My Textile Pioneer Scholarship has opened new opportunities for me to pursue my dreams of traveling overseas to shadow and learn from established designers. I hope to form valuable connections and gain insights that will help me accomplish my goals in the future. Networking with experts can open new doors to success and give me firsthand perspective within the field.

What are your professional goals or post-graduation plans, and how will your scholarship impact those goals?

In the future, I hope to develop a clothing line that is sustainable, using biodegradable elements from natural and eco-friendly fibers. I hope to use innovative technologies and marketing skills to expand social media platforms to reach an extended audience. With this scholarship, I am given opportunities to gain knowledge and skills that can enable me to accomplish my aspirations. By investing in my education, this scholarship will play a crucial role in making my vision come alive and have a positive impact on the fashion industry and beyond.

If you could say anything to the individuals who made your scholarship possible, what would you say to thank them for their generosity?

I am filled with gratitude that I have the opportunity to attend the Wilson College of Textiles at NC State. Thanks to your generous scholarship support and your belief in my potential, I can follow my dreams in the world of fashion and design. As I embark on this journey, I am thrilled to engage in the rich learning environment of the Wilson College, where I will strive to gain the knowledge I need to reach my dreams of developing my own sustainable clothing line.

Your investment in my education allows me to pursue my goals. Thank you for helping me in turning my dreams into reality!

Camden Manning

Barnhill Textile Pioneer Scholarship
Hometown: Winterville, North Carolina
Major: B.S. Textile Engineering

Camden Manning’s decision to study at the Wilson College of Textiles is a deeply personal one. He’ll be following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Thomas R. Manning, Jr., a 1963 textile technology graduate. 

He plans to major in textile engineering — with dual concentrations in information systems and product engineering — and hopes to add a secondary major in computer science engineering if his schedule allows. A busy course load isn’t new to Manning, who balanced being a member of five honor societies while volunteering within his community during high school. 

“With so many materials being considered a textile, this degree will give me the opportunity to branch out and work with materials from computer devices to sports hardware and find ways to improve materials used in our everyday lives,” Manning says. “The smaller class sizes, hands-on labs and research opportunities will give me wonderful experiences that will better prepare me for the workplace, and I am excited to take advantage of these opportunities.”

Why did you choose to attend the Wilson College of Textiles?

Growing up, I’ve always known that I wanted to be an engineer but was uncertain of exactly which type of engineering I would pursue. After visiting NC State and talking with Dean David Hinks, engineering faculty and current students in the Wilson College of Textiles, I knew that textile engineering was the best degree option for me.

What has scholarship support enabled you to do that you may not have been able to do without it? 

With my Textile Pioneer Scholarship, I look forward to being a part of a supportive community and networking with faculty and students with similar interests. Through these connections, I am hopeful I will secure research and internship opportunities with reputable companies to make my experiences more meaningful and provide hands-on opportunities. This scholarship will allow me the opportunity to work less, focus more on my academics, and earn an additional degree more affordably. Thanks to generous donors, this scholarship will allow me to graduate with less college debt and more meaningful opportunities and connections.

What are your professional goals or post-graduation plans, and how will your scholarship impact those goals?

After completing my bachelor’s degree in textile engineering, I hope to attend graduate school in business management or computer science to make me more marketable in the industry. Eventually, I hope to work with a sports or computer company to develop materials that athletes or others can use in their daily lives. This scholarship will provide meaningful opportunities outside of the classroom to better prepare me to be a leader in my field.

If you could say anything to the individuals who made your scholarship possible, what would you say to thank them for their generosity?

As a first-year student, the many support opportunities that this scholarship provides will be instrumental to my success in college. These support systems include financial support, academic support and overall well-being support. As an introverted male, I know that attending a large university will be a bit of a tough transition for me. I am thankful to have a support system of faculty and students who will help me during this journey. I am confident that the support provided and the accountability that comes with this scholarship will ensure that I work hard in and outside of the classroom. I am extremely grateful to the donors for their support and will work hard to represent this program well.

Madina Tahirli

Knight Family Textile Pioneer Scholarship
Hometown: Lenoir, North Carolina
Major: B.S. Fashion and Textile Design, Textile Design Concentration

Born in Baku, Azerbaijan, and raised in Lenoir, North Carolina, Madina Tahirli’s path to the Wilson College of Textiles was shaped by her love for her family and her passion for creativity. 

Madina’s lifelong love for designing began in her early years and grew even stronger during the isolation of the pandemic. Her transition from learning crocheting through YouTube to finding her place at NC State showcases her commitment to turning her passion into a successful career in fashion.

“Creating has always been a huge part of my life,” Tahirli says. “Expressing myself through clothing became one of the ways I got to know myself best. Representing myself to the world and creating an impression I wanted was something that helped me gain confidence.”

Why did you choose to attend the Wilson College of Textiles?

After attending the Textiles Scholarship Interview Weekend at NC State, I chose NC State because, in many ways, I felt as if the university had chosen me. I was able to connect with new individuals but also feel as though I was truly being considered. 

This feeling differed from all other experiences I had during the college application process. My acceptance into the Wilson College of Textiles allows me to transform a hobby into something much more. 

What has scholarship support enabled you to do that you may not have been able to do without it? 

The support of this scholarship not only lightens the financial burden of a college education but also allows for other opportunities such as studying abroad. Having the opportunity to experience and research other cultures is something I have always wanted. This scholarship created an opportunity to do that while furthering my education.

What are your professional goals or post-graduation plans, and how will your scholarship impact those goals?

After graduating with my bachelor’s degree in fashion and textile design from the Wilson College of Textiles, I hope to continue my education. This scholarship will allow me to complete my initial degree and then earn a master’s degree in textiles. My Textile Pioneer Scholarship will also provide me with other opportunities, such as internships and job shadowing.

If you could say anything to the individuals who made your scholarship possible, what would you say to thank them for their generosity?

I am sincerely honored to have been selected as a recipient of the Knight Family Textile Pioneer Scholarship. Thanks to your generosity, I can begin my education at the Wilson College of Textiles. I am deeply appreciative of your support and this generous investment in my education.