Ted Meyers ’17, Business Development Project Manager of Supply Chain and Manufacturing at Kroger, Joins the Dean’s Young Alumni Leadership Council

After he was exposed to the unique opportunities within the Wilson College of Textiles, Ted Meyers was excited to realize he could combine his passion for problem-solving with his drive to serve others by working toward innovative solutions. This led him to pursue a degree in textile engineering.

His passion for the textile industry continued growing during his time on campus. Meyers quickly became involved in Wolfpack organizations, including serving as a student ambassador, a Wellness and Recreation lifeguard and a member of the Student Alumni Association.

“My time as a textiles ambassador allowed me to speak with prospective students about the opportunities the college provided, and each time I did that, I got a chance to further renew my ‘why’ about my choices and what had led me to that point,” he shares. “It gave me the opportunity to remember that I was working with a long-term goal to serve others each time I spent showing off the school.”

Outside of the classroom, Meyers became a lifelong Wolfpack fan. Through countless football and basketball games alongside friends, he gained a deeper appreciation for the NC State community and has maintained these relationships to this day. As he continued his academic career, he began to set his sights on his future goals.

My time as a textiles ambassador allowed me to speak with prospective students about the opportunities the college provided, and each time I did that, I got a chance to further renew my ‘why’ about my choices and what had led me to that point.

With the guidance of Wilson College staff and faculty, he completed two internships, which led him to his current role with Kroger as the corporation’s business development project manager of supply chain and manufacturing. He credits much of his career to the knowledge that he gained from his degree at the Wilson College of Textiles and shares that he gained the skills to think critically and challenge traditional thought, which is a vital piece of his role today.

He is proud to maintain his connections to the Wilson College of Textiles as a new member of the Dean’s Young Alumni Leadership Council (DYALC). The DYALC, which consists of alumni members under the age of 40, provides guidance to the dean of the college. Since joining the DYALC, his enthusiastic participation, along with the entire council’s leadership, has directly benefited the college’s success in alumni engagement and fundraising in partnership with the North Carolina Textile Foundation. The foundation, which is the philanthropic arm of the Wilson College of Textiles, propels the college’s groundbreaking and industry-leading work. 

You can learn more about Meyer’s career journey in the Q&A below.

Degree: B.S. Textile Engineering, 2017
Job Title: Business Development Project Manager of Supply Chain and Manufacturing, Kroger
Current City: Cincinnati, Ohio
Hometown: Gaithersburg, Maryland

Why did you choose NC State and the Wilson College of Textiles?

I chose NC State because of my passion for problem-solving and my drive to pursue engineering. Through the engineering first-year program, my eyes were opened to the opportunities textile engineering provided, which could still lead me to help and serve others with creations and process improvements. I also chose NC State because my older sister went to NC State and exposed me to a fulfilling life I could develop. Finally, I chose NC State because I knew Raleigh and the surrounding area would provide plenty of employment opportunities for those who stay in the area after school.

What is your fondest memory as a student at NC State and the Wilson College of Textiles?

My fondest memories of NC State include going to many football and basketball games, spending hours in study rooms with friends, and developing the adult life and persona I wanted as I continued to grow. I will never forget the 2016 football game between NC State and Notre Dame that was played during a heavy storm and standing there with my future best man. We were soaked to the bone but just enjoying each other’s company.

Who influenced you most during your time at the Wilson College of Textiles? And why or how?

Kent Hester was the driving force behind helping me set up interviews and gain my two internships, which positioned me to move to Cincinnati, Ohio. This is where I met my wife and established my career. Kent worked to bring companies in and encouraged alumni to seek the next generation of textile leaders for opportunities.

How did your education at the Wilson College of Textiles prepare you for what you are doing today?

My education at the Wilson College of Textiles prepared me to think critically and challenge traditional thought because many people underestimate the role of textiles in today’s world. It allowed me to prove to my future employers that the late millennial generation is ready to take on the complex problems that exist in the textile industry and beyond, as I now work for the largest grocery store organization in the United States.