The Wilson College of Textiles’ doctoral programs are so diverse and so prestigious, they’re almost reminiscent of the sporting event that captivates the world every four years.
That’s how the programs’ newly-appointed leader sees it: “I kind of think of us as the Olympics,” says Professor Lisa Chapman, the recently-named director of doctoral programs.
“We recruit the best and the brightest from around the globe, and students prepare for years to get into our program,” Chapman says. “And so it’s really wonderful to have all of these bright, innovative, scholars together under one roof.”
That appreciation will serve Chapman well as she begins to oversee the fiber and polymer science and textile technology management programs in her new role — one that will put her on the front lines of some of the most advanced textile-related academic research in the world.
A reputation for collaboration
For the past five years, Chapman, a professor in the Department of Textile and Apparel, Technology and Management, has served as the TATM department’s ’s director of graduate programs. During that time, she shepherded the Master of Textiles and Master of Science in Textiles programs through a period of rapid growth.
In that role, Chapman gained an appreciation for mentoring students in a one-on-one capacity — something she expects will be even more prominent at the doctoral level.
“I think once you move into that graduate role it does tend to be a more personal relationship: a lot of mentoring, a lot of one-on-one interactions,” she says. “So I’m really excited to be moving into this role now with the Ph.D. students.”
Proven track record
Chapman is no stranger to coaching high-achieving students through high-level scholarly work.
She currently serves as chair or co-chair for five Ph.D. students — and has graduated an additional 11 students over the course of her career, notes Associate Dean Jeff Joines.
“She brings a wealth of knowledge in graduate education and mentoring to the role,” Joines says of Chapman’s appointment.
“Her students talk about her as a great coach who helps guide them through their journey,” Joines adds. “She advocates for the students and faculty when necessary and helps develop solutions.”
Growth goals
Chapman has plenty of goals as she helms the college’s doctoral programs. She’s hoping to improve global recruitment efforts, with a particular focus on regions with emerging textiles sectors, from Vietnam to Bangladesh and China.
Chapman will lean on successful recruitment strategies honed at the master’s level, Joines noted, which helped drive increased enrollment in the accelerated bachelor’s/master’s program. That globally-focused recruitment approach already saw Chapman help the university land a strategic partnership with a well-respected textile school in Vietnam.
Closer to home, Chapman hopes to find new ways to support and recognize Ph.D. students with conferences, publications and awards that can bring more attention to the cutting-edge research already underway within the college’s two doctoral programs.
“I think that they’ll find that I’m accessible — both faculty and students; that if they need to talk through an issue, or if they have an idea that they’ll find me really open to listening and helping to solve problems,” Chapman says.
Over her career at NC State, Chapman has — in conjunction with colleagues — been awarded more than $2.3 million in competitive grants to support research in key focus areas ranging from digital printing to integral knitting and sustainable design.
She’s no stranger to NC State, as a 2008 graduate of the textile technology management doctoral program herself. Prior to her doctoral program work, Chapman earned her Master of Textiles from the Wilson College in 2000.
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