Before a recruiter from the Wilson College of Textiles came to Helen Wilson’s chemistry class, she had not known about the infinite possibilities that existed within the textile industry and at the college. 

“There was so much more to textiles than clothes,” she says. “And, I had no idea until that point.”

When she finally arrived at NC State, her introduction to engineering and textile courses sparked a deeper interest in the field. From there, she chose to pursue a major in textile engineering. “I loved the idea of smaller class sizes and getting to study something very specific that was always interesting to me,” she explains.

After graduating in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in textile engineering, Wilson began her career at Renfro Brands as a quality assurance engineer. She then transitioned to a product and operations analyst role at Cone Denim, where she tackled data analysis to support the company’s sales, product development and customer service. Today, she is a material developer at Workwear Outfitters, a leading manufacturer of performance workwear. 

Outside of work, Wilson proudly serves her alma mater as one of the newest members of the Dean’s Young Alumni Leadership Council (DYALC). 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 her journey at the Wilson College of Textiles and beyond in the Q&A below.

Degree: B.S. Textile Engineering, 2015 
Job Title: Material Developer, Workwear Outfitters
Current City: Nashville, Tennessee
Hometown: Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina

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

I always knew I wanted to go to NC State and that I was interested in engineering, but I didn’t know the Wilson College of Textiles existed until a presentation in my high school chemistry class introduced it and its diverse areas of study. 

When I was accepted to NC State, I knew textile engineering would probably be the path I took, but I wanted to get on campus and learn more before I decided. I spent my freshman year in general engineering classes while also learning more about textiles, and then, I declared textile engineering as my major during my sophomore year.

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

While studying and schoolwork took up the majority of my time, I was also in the NC State Marching Band all four years and the NC State Pep Band my junior year. I loved the school spirit that the band instilled in me, and it gave me a great community of friends and a place I belonged outside of my studies. I was able to travel with the marching band to several away games and even go to Spain to perform at a parade in Madrid.

I was also involved with the campus ministry, Cru, which gave me another great place to find community with people who shared my beliefs. While taking summer school classes, I got a job on campus at the Carmichael Gym as an event coordinator and continued that through my junior and senior years. This allowed me to meet new people and learn more about the various events taking place around campus.

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

My fondest memory at the Wilson College of Textiles was my Senior Design class. I had a great team, and we spent so much time in the design lab working on our project. The project gave me experience in a real-world application and pushed me to grow in my ability to present to my classmates and professors. I specifically remember our team staying up very late one night in the lab to finish our poster for the presentation the next day.

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

Distinguished Professor Jeff Joines influenced me the most during my time at the Wilson College of Textiles as a faculty member and briefly as my advisor. I had several classes with him, and he always took time to help me when I did not understand something. He also cared about how I was doing outside of the classroom.

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

I have had the privilege of working in the textiles industry my entire career in various areas. I would not have been able to do these jobs without the education I received from the Wilson College of Textiles. It would have been much harder to learn the intricacies of knitting and weaving if I had not already been set up with that foundation from my education. It has also helped me network and meet other alumni in the industry. I also receive immediate recognition from others when I tell them I went to the Wilson College of Textiles at NC State because of the reputation that precedes the college.

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

I am the volunteer leader for the Nashville Alumni Network, and I host game watches and alumni networking events. I also participate in local outreach with my fellow NC State alumni. I also try to make sure I stop by the Wilson College of Textiles’ booth at any trade show I attend, keep in touch by reading the college’s monthly alumni newsletter and give back financially each year.