Champion Thread Company Establishes the Poovey Family Scholarship for Textiles Students

Pride for the Wolfpack runs deep in the Poovey family.

With four proud Wilson College of Textiles graduates in their family, it was only fitting that the Pooveys chose to strengthen their NC State legacy while also advancing the next generation of textile leaders.

During the Wilson College of Textiles’ 125th anniversary celebration in 2024, the family’s business, the Champion Thread Company (CTC), established the Poovey Family Scholarship in honor of its late founder, Robert “Bob” Lee Poovey III ’64. The company proudly announced the scholarship on Oct. 7, 2025.

Through this new, permanent endowment, CTC and the Poovey family will help expand the pipeline of textile talent and ensure that future students can succeed without the financial barriers that might otherwise stand in their way.

Spearheaded by Bob’s son, Matt Poovey ’01, president and CEO of CTC, and his wife, Melissa Poovey ’00, this new scholarship endowment reflects their enduring commitment to education and innovation.

“This scholarship is more than a recognition. It’s a reflection of my father’s lifelong devotion to the textile industry and his unwavering pride in the Wolfpack,” Matt says. “He believed deeply in the transformative power of education, excellence and service.”

“This scholarship is more than a recognition. It’s a reflection of my father’s lifelong devotion to the textile industry and his unwavering pride in the Wolfpack.”

For the Poovey family, textiles are more than a profession. They are a shared passion passed down through generations and woven into every aspect of their work.

Founded in 1979 by Bob, CTC is a family-owned and operated manufacturer and global supplier of industrial sewing threads, engineered yarns and other textile-related products. Headquartered in Gastonia, North Carolina, the company remains committed to sustainability, innovation and community, which are the core values guiding the company today under Matt’s leadership.

Woven through textiles and time

From the classroom to the factory floor, Bob’s story mirrors the evolution and enduring impact of NC State’s legacy of innovation and hands-on learning.

He grew up immersed in the textile industry before going on to study textiles at NC State’s then School of Textiles. While on campus, he was an active member of the ROTC. After graduating in 1964, he served in the United States Army and later worked at NASA before returning to his roots in manufacturing.

Drawing on years of industry experience, Bob leveraged his deep technical knowledge to found CTC in 1979. What began as a small family business has grown into a leading manufacturer and supplier of industrial sewing threads, yarns and other sewn products, serving customers around the globe.

Now approaching 50 years in business, CTC continues to honor Bob’s memory and embody his values of innovation and integrity. 

Through the Poovey Family Scholarship, those same values will live on and nurture the next generation of thinkers, makers and leaders who will define the future of textiles.

“My father’s passion for textiles was matched by a quiet generosity,” Matt explains. “He had a gift for recognizing when someone just needed a helping hand, and he offered it freely, without fanfare.”

A legacy of generosity that continues to grow

As the family looks toward the future, the Pooveys’ generosity ensures that their impact will reach far beyond the walls of their business.

The Poovey Family Scholarship will provide need-based support for undergraduate students pursuing degrees at the Wilson College of Textiles. Priority will be given to students who are North Carolina residents, continuing the family’s tradition of investing in their home state and its textile workforce.

“Just as the Poovey family approaches 50 years in business, this gift ensures that the next generation of textile leaders will have the support they need to innovate, grow and carry forward the values that have defined both their company and the Wilson College.”

“The Wilson College is honored to recognize the Poovey family — a multigenerational Wolfpack family and a pillar of our industry,” says David Hinks, dean of the Wilson College of Textiles. “Just as the Poovey family approaches 50 years in business, this gift ensures that the next generation of textile leaders will have the support they need to innovate, grow and carry forward the values that have defined both their company and the Wilson College.”

Beyond the numbers, the Poovey family’s philanthropy reflects the same empathy and vision that have guided their business for decades. Their gift represents a belief in students and the power of community to change lives.

“Whether mentoring young professionals or offering encouragement at just the right moment, my father believed in helping others rise,” Matt adds. “This scholarship carries that spirit forward, empowering future students to pursue their goals with courage, diligence and the values that shaped his life and legacy.”