Jasmine Cox ’13, ’20: Connecting Others to a World-Class Textiles Education

The connection that Jasmine Cox ’13, ’20 had with the Wilson College of Textiles as a student didn’t end when she crossed the graduation stage. Actually, that connection deepened after she left campus and moved to Charlotte.

Today, Cox serves as the director of textile technology programs and business innovation at Gaston College’s Textile Technology Center. In this position, she plays an instrumental role in giving students from rural, western North Carolina the opportunity to earn a degree in textile technology through the Gaston College of Textiles and the Wilson College of Textiles. 

In addition to her day job, Cox serves as a member of the Dean’s Young Alumni Leadership Council (DYALC) within the Wilson College and chairs the DYALC’s event committee. This fall, she’ll become the council’s co-president and serve alongside Courtney Musciano ’13. 

“Being a member of the Dean’s Young Alumni Leadership Council is truly an honor and an amazing opportunity,” Cox says. “There’s nothing that compares to having the ability to help serve as the voice of students, alumni and the textile industry.”

Learn more about Cox’s path to success in the Q&A below.

Degree
B.S. Textile Technology, 2013 
Master of Textiles, 2020
Ph.D. Textile Technology Management (in progress) 

Job Title Director of Textile Technology Programs and Business Innovation at the Textile Technology Center at Gaston College

Current City Charlotte, North Carolina

Hometown Raleigh, North Carolina

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

After entering NC State as a prospective chemical engineering student, I discovered that I was missing the creativity that accompanies product development.

After a discussion with my parents, my dad encouraged me to attend a Wilson College of Textiles open house to better understand the various disciplines within the textile industry. From there, I knew that the Wilson College of Textiles was the perfect fit for my interests.

What is your fondest memory of being at NC State and the Wilson College of Textiles?

My fondest memory at the Wilson College of Textiles would be My fondest memory at the Wilson College of Textiles would be completing the capstone Senior Design course for textile technology and textile engineering students.

Through my group project and research with the American Flock Association, I had the opportunity to travel to Orlando, Florida to present at the association’s annual meeting. The course taught me the fundamentals of team building and the product development process. These basic skills were essential to my first few years as a working professional.

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

During my time at the Wilson College of Textiles, Professor Jeff Joines influenced me the most. As I transitioned from the Chemical Engineering program into the Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science (TECS), I often doubted myself and truthfully suffered from imposter syndrome.

Having Dr. Joines as a professor and advisor encouraged me to continue to push myself no matter the circumstance, the negative opinion of others or the grade. Even now as a current Ph.D. student, Dr. Joines serves as my advisor and he goes above and beyond for his students’ success.

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

I am involved at the Wilson College of Textiles in several ways: 

• I’m currently a Ph.D. student in the Textile Technology Management program.
  
• I’m serving on the Dean’s Young Alumni Leadership Council (DYALC) as the chair of the Events Committee, and I will serve as the council’s co-president for the upcoming year.
  
• Finally, in my role at Gaston College, I am an essential part of the relationship between Gaston College and the Wilson College of Textiles. This partnership gives students from rural, western North Carolina the opportunity to obtain a degree in textile technology through the Gaston College of Textiles and the Wilson College of Textiles Articulation Agreement for Transfer.

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

During my time as an undergraduate student, I did not understand the importance of open-ended group projects, research, etc. 

However, if I did not have that experience, I would not be prepared to work with our clients at the Textile Technology Center at Gaston College. Prior to my current role, I served as a process coordinator and oversaw large-scale development projects for our major clients. Because of my studies and experiences at the Wilson College of Textiles, I have never faced a development problem that intimidated me! I have the drive, fundamental skills and positive attitude to solve any textile-related issue.

What advice do you have for current Wilson College of Textiles students?

Soak in as many opportunities as you can without sacrificing your studies. Become active in campus organizations, attend office hours and create bonds with your professors and classmates. 

Upon graduation, professional advancements and your success is based on healthy relationships with others.