Hinks Named Interim Dean of Textiles

Dr. David Hinks will serve as interim dean of NC State University’s Wilson College of Textiles, starting July 1. Provost Warwick Arden announced the appointment May 30.

Hinks was born and raised in Derby, England and worked for Courtaulds Research for two years prior to attending the University of Leeds, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1989 and a Ph.D. in colour chemistry in 1993.

Hinks moved to NC State’s Wilson College of Textiles as a postdoctoral research associate and later as a visiting assistant professor investigating the genotoxicity of dyes and pigments. In 1996 he joined Milliken & Co. in Spartanburg, South Carolina, as an R&D chemist. Two years later he returned to NC State as an assistant professor in the Wilson College of Textiles. He was promoted with tenure in 2004, becoming director of the newly created polymer and color chemistry program. He was promoted to full professor in 2009 and became the Cone Mills Professor of Textile Chemistry in 2010. He currently serves as the director of the emerging Forensic Sciences Institute and associate head and director of graduate programs in the Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science.

Hinks is a member of NC State’s Academy of Outstanding Teachers and Academy of Outstanding Faculty Engaged in Extension. He enjoys serving on the Park Scholars Advisory Committee and the North Carolina Forensic Science Advisory Board that was established by the North Carolina General Assembly in 2011.

“It is truly an honor and a privilege to be entrusted to serve the college and university as interim dean,” Hinks says. “I believe what sets the Wilson College of Textiles apart from other renowned academic programs is our passion for service to a global industry, and our faculty, staff and students’ reputation as a close-knit family that supports each other, and our outstanding alumni. Through Dean Godfrey’s leadership, we are recognized as having broad and deep national and international reach in first quality undergraduate and graduate education, research, and local and global engagement. I very much look forward to working with our outstanding community in making the college even stronger and at the same time creating a safe, creative, inspiring, impactful and enjoyable place to work and learn.”

The search for a permanent dean, which was suspended in May, will be restarted in the coming academic year, Arden said. Blanton Godfrey, who has served as dean for 14 years, will return to the faculty.