Alex Hutchens ’24 is Creating a Future Brimming With Success: Her Journey as an Inaugural Textile Pioneer Scholar

Like many before her, Alex Hutchens first learned about the Wilson College of Textiles through the highly sought-after Summer Textile Exploration Program, commonly called STEP. 

During that one-of-a-kind experience, she upcycled old apparel into a new garment while participating in an interactive group project. That was the moment when Hutchens, a New Bern, North Carolina, native, first knew she belonged at the college. 

“Living in the dorms, dining on campus and making use of the college’s facilities provided me with a firsthand glimpse into how my future would look,” she says. “This experience greatly influenced my decision to apply to attend the Wilson College of Textiles.”

As a student, Hutchens’ expertise in brand management and marketing landed her coveted internships at Madewell and Macy’s. Since graduating with her bachelor’s degree in fashion and textile management with a concentration in brand management and marketing, Hutchens has hit the ground running as a production intern at Peter Millar.

Thinking back to her remarkable time on campus, Hutchens credits her Textile Pioneer Scholarship for expanding her internship prospects and funding her stay in New York City during her Macy’s and Madewell internships. 

“I am incredibly grateful for the support I’ve received from donors throughout my educational career,” Hutchens says. “Knowing that there are people who genuinely care about students like myself has been a source of motivation to strive for excellence in everything I do. I anticipate the opportunity to pay forward this kindness and support to future students, as I am confident that it will make a meaningful difference in their lives as it has in mine!”

Established in 2018, the Textile Pioneer Scholarship Program awards financial support to exceptional students from non-metropolitan areas of North Carolina, some of whom are first-generation college attendees, who have a strong interest in the textile industry. Serving as the Wilson College of Textiles’ first need-based scholarship, the Textile Pioneer Scholarship Program awards a minimum of $14,000 to scholars and up to $4,000 in enrichment funds for transformative experiences. This unique scholarship program is made possible through generous donations to the North Carolina Textile Foundation (NCTF), the philanthropic arm of the Wilson College of Textiles.

Below, you can learn more about Hutchens’ journey as a Wilson College of Textiles student and recent graduate. 

What led you to apply to attend the Wilson College of Textiles?

During the summer before my senior year of high school, I participated in the Summer Textile Exploration Program (STEP) at the Wilson College of Textiles. During the program, I crafted an outfit using upcycled materials, which I presented during a showcase on the last day. Living in the dorms, dining on campus and making use of the college’s facilities provided me with a firsthand glimpse into how my future would look. This experience greatly influenced my decision to apply to attend the Wilson College of Textiles!

What is one of your favorite memories from your time at the Wilson College of Textiles?

Volunteering for the annual Textiles Scholarship Interview Weekend holds a special place in my heart, as I remember participating in this event before I received the Textile Pioneer Scholarship. Being able to give back to the very process that paved the way for me to attend this college has been a meaningful and bittersweet experience. It has allowed me to reflect on my own journey while highlighting the importance of scholarships in enabling students to pursue their dreams!

What is your proudest moment from your time as a Wilson College student?

My proudest moment as a student at the Wilson College was when I had the opportunity to travel to New York City during the summer between my sophomore and junior years to work at Macy’s as a merchandising intern. Working at Macy’s, particularly at the Herald Square location, was a dream come true for me. I had always been fascinated by the reputation of this flagship store and to actually be on the backend was a surreal experience. 

During my internship, I gained hands-on experience in the field of merchandising and collaborated with fellow interns on a capstone project that provided me with an opportunity to apply my classroom knowledge to the real world. This solidified my passion for pursuing a career in the retail industry and was a defining moment in my academic and professional journey!

What knowledge and skills will you carry with you as you move forward in your life and career after NC State?

Since graduating from the Wilson College of Textiles, I’m excited to bring my depth of knowledge of the fashion and textile industries, along with my skills related to organization, time management and adaptability, into both my future endeavors and personal life.

How has your Textile Pioneer Scholarship enriched your college experience? What has it allowed you to do that you didn’t think was possible?

Receiving this scholarship has enriched my college experience by alleviating the financial strain of independently funding my education. It has allowed me the opportunity to focus more on academics and extracurricular activities, fostering a healthy work-life balance that I aim to maintain in my future career. Additionally, my scholarship allowed me to pursue internship opportunities at both Macy’s and Madewell, which has prepared me to begin working outside of college.

Are there any Textiles faculty or staff members who have been especially influential during your time on campus? If so, who and why?

I am so grateful for the support provided by the staff members at the North Carolina Textile Foundation throughout my college journey. I began working in this office during my sophomore year, and I know that my experience at the college has been better because of it. Their guidance in preparing for life beyond college, including connecting me with industry professionals, reviewing my resume and aiding with interview preparations, has been invaluable. Their dedication to supporting students like myself has truly made a difference, and I am deeply thankful for the opportunity to have worked alongside them during my time at the college.

What advice would you give to incoming Textiles students?

My advice to incoming Textiles students is to always ask questions! Demonstrating a willingness to learn and expand your knowledge by asking questions not only shows humility but also your eagerness to grow. This attitude will be valued by both professors and industry professionals in the future!

What are your post-graduation plans?

In April, I started working at Peter Millar as a production intern. Through my close work with the company’s sample coordinator, I’m involved in distributing samples across various departments and learning about the responsibilities of production specialists within Peter Millar!