Karen Leonas has been named the Cornelson Family Distinguished Professor at NC State University for her spearheading of innovation in the Department Textile and Apparel, Technology and Management (TATM). 

Leonas earned her undergraduate degree in textile chemistry at NC State. After earning her master’s and doctoral degrees at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, she held teaching appointments at several state universities across the United States. She reunited with the Wilson College at NC State in 2013 when she joined TATM as the department head and professor.

Researching, Teaching and Extension

Leonas has been active in the field of textile technology for more than forty years. Her dual expertise and experience in both textile chemistry and apparel distribution has allowed her to focus her research on different aspects of supply chain sustainability. 

A large part of Leonas’ responsibility at the Wilson College is effectively disseminating her expertise, leading undergraduate and graduate courses ranging in topics — from the international textile industry to apparel product development to sustainability.

Her research includes studies into the material degradation in various environments, recycled bio-materials and new processing technologies that reduce environmental impact. Her work has been published in many peer reviewed journals including the Clothing and Textiles Research Journal, the AATCC Research Journal and the Textile Research Journal. She has also travelled across the United States and internationally to give research presentations at various summits and conferences. 

In his letter recommending Leonas to the professorship, Prakash Chand Kochhar Dean David Hinks wrote:

“She demonstrates strong scholarship, with funded research and publications. Dr. Leonas is internationally recognized and is actively engaged in national and international professional organizations. Her students note that Dr. Leonas provides consistent mentoring and extensive support beyond the classroom.”

Awards and Distinctions

In 2025, she received the AATCC Olney Medal, the highest scientific honor given by The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC), signifying her outstanding achievement in textile and fibrous materials. She was a faculty recipient of the Sustainability Award at NC State in 2023, and was also awarded the Outstanding Extension and Service Award at NC State University in 2018 for her continuous outreach and dissemination of research. 

Leonas is deeply embedded in the textile industry as a leader and advisor, serving on boards for Walmart, the New York Academy of Sciences, the AATCC and The Sustainability Consortium.  

The Cornelson Family Distinguished Professorship was established in 1987 to help advance the field of textile and apparel design, recognizing a visionary leader devoted to advancing academic excellence.