Rooted in the Pack Since Childhood, Kaylee Smith Wagner ’17 is a Proud New DYALC Member

Ever since she was an infant, Kaylee Smith Wagner’s ties to the Wolfpack have been strong. One of her family’s most cherished memories is when Coach Kay Yow held her as a six-week-old at a Wolfpack women’s basketball game. 

“That moment has always represented how closely my family is connected to the NC State community,” she says. 

Wagner had always thought she would end up at NC State, but she wasn’t sure what she’d major in at the university. When a representative from the Wilson College of Textiles visited her high school and she heard about the innovation, opportunity and global impact within the textile industry, she knew she had found the perfect fit.

Her 2017 bachelor’s degree in textile engineering prepared Wagner for her current role as a senior account manager at Lear Corporation. To this day, she continues to use the knowledge and skills she gained from the college about fabric performance in her career. Wagner also values the connections she made during her time at the Wilson College, which will last her a lifetime. 

“I remember walking through the halls and seeing familiar faces, especially professors who knew me by name,” she shares. “Those who genuinely cared about my success and who took time to mentor and encourage me.”

Those connections and experiences inspired her to join the Dean’s Young Alumni Leadership Council (DYALC) as a new member. The DYALC consists of Wilson College of Textiles graduates under 40 who provide leadership and guidance on alumni engagement and funding for the dean of the Wilson College of Textiles and the North Carolina Textile Foundation (NCTF). Together, the DYALC promotes and supports the NCTF by strengthening relationships among students, alumni, and industry partners to ensure continued engagement among young alumni.

You can learn more about Wagner’s journey at the Wilson College of Textiles and beyond in the Q&A below.

Degree: B.S. Textile Engineering, 2017 
Job Title: Senior Account Manager, Lear Corporation 
Current City: Charlotte, North Carolina
Hometown: Greenville, North Carolina

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

I chose NC State and the Wilson College of Textiles because it’s always felt like home. 

As a competitive cheerleader, I was also drawn to NC State’s strong and respected cheerleading program. I admired how many of the athletes were not only outstanding representatives of the university but also high-achieving students, many of them in the Wilson College of Textiles. Seeing cheerleaders successfully balancing athletic and academic excellence, especially in such a rigorous and specialized college, showed me it was possible to pursue both of my passions at NC State.

When a representative from the Wilson College of Textiles visited my high school, everything truly came together. Hearing about the innovation, opportunity and global impact within the textiles industry lit a spark in me. I walked away knowing I had found the career path I wanted to pursue, and that I could do it at the university that already felt like home.

What activities were you involved in as an NC State student, and how did they impact your experience?

I was fortunate to be involved in a wide range of activities that shaped both my personal and professional growth. I was a member of the NC State cheerleading team, which had a tremendous impact on my college experience. I was part of the first group to win the Stunt Group National Championship in 2016, followed by our success in the Division One Small Coed National Championship later that same year. Being part of such a competitive and high-profile team taught me discipline, resilience and how to balance the demands of a rigorous academic program with high-level athletic commitments.

As a representative of the NC State Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, I worked directly with the NCAA to advocate for student-athlete welfare and help improve the overall experience for athletes on campus. It was empowering to have a voice in shaping policy and culture for future generations of student-athletes. I was also deeply involved in the Collegiate Athletic Mentoring Program, where I mentored underprivileged elementary school students. That experience gave me purpose beyond the classroom and instilled in me a lifelong passion for service, leadership and the power of positive role models.

Beyond athletics, I built meaningful relationships within the Wilson College of Textiles, constantly inspired by peers and faculty who shared a passion for innovation and excellence. Academically, I was honored to be a member of Sigma Tau Sigma, the textile honor society.

My involvement in both athletics and academics made my time at NC State incredibly fulfilling and prepared me for success well beyond graduation.

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

My fondest memories from the Wilson College of Textiles aren’t tied to one big moment. They’re all the little ones that added up over time. I think back to late nights in the labs with classmates, helping each other through tough projects and laughing through the stress. We really became a family in that building.

There was something incredibly unique about being part of a tight-knit college where everyone was celebrated, and I always felt supported. The Wilson College of Textiles always felt like home. It was a place where I felt challenged, encouraged and surrounded by people who wanted to see each other succeed. Those small, everyday moments are what made my experience so meaningful, and what I’ll always remember most.

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

Distinguished Professor Jeff Joines had the biggest influence on me during my time at the Wilson College of Textiles. From the very beginning, he was the professor who made me feel seen and supported — not just as a student, but as a person. He had this incredible way of making complex topics feel manageable, and he truly believed in his students even when we didn’t fully believe in ourselves yet. Even now, he continues to support me as a professional, often connecting with me at industry events and cheering on my career growth. Because of Dr. Joines and Dean David Hinks, I’ve maintained a close connection to the college, and that ongoing relationship has been invaluable.

Professor Joines made a big place like NC State feel small, and that kind of mentorship and genuine care is something I’ll never forget.

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

I use the knowledge and skills I gained from my degree every single day, from understanding fabric performance to navigating the technical aspects of various products. The college gave me a strong foundation that’s directly relevant to everything I do.

Beyond the classroom, the connections I made have been just as valuable. The relationships I’ve built with professors, classmates and industry professionals have opened doors and helped me succeed in every job I’ve had since graduation. The college not only prepared me academically but also connected me to a network that continues to support me.

In what ways are you currently involved with the Wilson College of Textiles and NC State?

I stay actively involved with both the Wilson College of Textiles and NC State in several meaningful ways. I’m proud to be joining the Dean’s Young Alumni Council, and I’m really excited for all that’s to come as I take on this new role.

I’m also involved with the Blend Mentorship Program, which allows me to mentor current students and share my experiences as a professional in the textile industry. It’s rewarding to give back and help guide the next generation as they prepare to launch their careers.

Beyond that, I regularly attend industry events and stay active in networking receptions, which helps me maintain strong connections within the textile community and continue representing Wilson College of Textiles and NC State with pride. It’s a community I’m proud to be part of long after graduation.