Claire Henson ’22, ’23, Material Developer at Under Armour, is a New DYALC Member

Claire Henson knew immediately that the Wilson College of Textiles was the place for her because it, in her words, “felt like home.”

The interactions she experienced before attending the college spoke volumes.

“I remember coming into the Textiles Scholarships Interview Weekend, and before I knew anything about receiving a scholarship or not, I had already decided that the Wilson College was for me because of the people who welcomed me,” Henson says. “These interactions said so much about what this college stands for, and I knew right then that it was something I wanted to be a part of for life.”  

Henson, a member of the Class of 2022 Centennial Scholars, was awarded the ITT/Roger Milliken Centennial Scholarship. This merit-based scholarship recognizes students who excelled in high school and continue to demonstrate exceptional achievement. Recipients are awarded up to $22,000 per year for four years. The support doesn’t stop there; scholars also receive up to $7,500 in enrichment funding, which can be used for study abroad opportunities or unpaid internships. 

In 2022, Henson earned a bachelor’s degree in textile engineering and went on to receive her graduate degree in the same field through the Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s program in 2023. This acceleration program allows students to begin graduate coursework while also completing their bachelor’s degree. 

Since graduating from the Wilson College of Textiles, Henson has built a successful career as a material developer at Under Armour, and she thanks the college for helping her get there.

“My education at the Wilson College of Textiles prepared me tremendously for what I am doing today,” she shares. “Every project and assignment is applicable in the real world for both the content and the process of how you got there.”

Henson now joins the Dean’s Young Alumni Leadership Council (DYALC) as a new member. 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 Henson’s journey at the Wilson College of Textiles and beyond in the Q&A below.

Degree: B.S. Textile Engineering, 2022; M.S. Textile Engineering, 2023
Job Title: Material Developer, Under Armour 
Current City: Baltimore, Maryland 
Hometown: Hickory, North Carolina

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

I chose NC State and, specifically, the Wilson College of Textiles, because it immediately felt like home. I remember coming into the Textiles Scholarships Interview Weekend, and before I knew anything about receiving a scholarship or not, I had already decided the Wilson College was for me because of the people who welcomed me. These interactions spoke volumes about what this college stands for, and I knew right then that it was something I wanted to be a part of for life.

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

As a student, I was involved in a wide range of activities. Some of my most influential activities were the NC State Choir, Greater Good Textile Group, studying abroad and the Campus as a Classroom Program. 

Being in the NC State Choir allowed me to meet people from across the university and take time to nurture my creative side, as many of my classes were more STEM-heavy, which helped me reduce stress and make new connections.

Being a member and eventually president of the Greater Good Textile Group provided me with valuable knowledge of sustainability in the textile industry, where I developed a passion for making the world a better place, as well as excellent communication skills that I use every day. 

Studying abroad, while cut short by the pandemic, gave me confidence that I would have never gained otherwise, by forcing me to leave my comfort zone and learn that I can adapt to any environment. 

Lastly, being part of the Campus as a Classroom Program helped me gain confidence in the sustainability field as I was able to make a direct impact on the NC State Athletics’ sustainability initiatives. There are so many other activities available at NC State and the Wilson College that had a great impact on me, and even more that I wasn’t able to be a part of. No matter how you’re involved, it’s going to be good.

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

My fondest memory as a student at the Wilson College of Textiles was rushing the field at the NC State versus Clemson football game, which is called the Textile Bowl, in 2021 with my closest friends. Even before the game, I knew that day was going to be a good one because I got to spend it with my Wilson College family at the tailgate, but pulling out such a big win during my senior year made it that much more special.

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

I sincerely believe that almost every person at the Wilson College had some sort of hand in making my experience as great as it was, whether I knew it or not, and for that, I’m truly grateful.

A few people stood out in particular. In the TECS Department, Assistant Professor Amanda Mills, former Professor Russell Gorga, Distinguished Professor Jeff Joines and Professor and Department Chair Emiel Den Hartog all had a tremendous impact on my time at NC State. Each one of them went above and beyond. They were not just invested in my time at NC State,  but in the rest of my life. I am so thankful for the time and effort all of them have put into making me who I am today.

From the Zeis Textiles Extension side, I am extremely grateful for the influence Professor and Director Andre West and Associate Director Melissa Sharp have had on me. In addition to more great mentorship, they were always willing to take a chance on me and help me in ways I could never imagine. They believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself, and I know that with their support, I have a bright future ahead. 

All of these amazing people have gone and continue to go way beyond what their job title entails. They genuinely care about their students and employees, and they take time to ensure everyone feels loved, cared for and supported. I couldn’t ask for a greater Wilson College of Textiles family.

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

My education at the Wilson College of Textiles prepared me tremendously for what I am doing today. Currently, I am a materials developer at Under Armour for apparel and accessories, working on both our inline and innovation teams. Of course, the Wilson College provided me with superior foundational textile knowledge and world-class hands-on experience, even during COVID, but they also taught me how to solve problems even when I didn’t have the background to support me.

Every project and assignment is applicable in the real world for both the content and the process of how you got there. Every day, I am grateful that I spent my time at the Wilson College of Textiles because I know that with that education, I can get through any challenge.

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

I remain involved with the Wilson College of Textiles and NC State in several different ways.

First, I still regularly attend football games each year to reconnect with former classmates and mentors. This is a great way to stay updated about what’s changed and what’s coming next for the college and university. 

Additionally, my work at Under Armour regularly coincides with my work at the Wilson College of Textiles. Every year, Under Armour sponsors a Senior Design project, so when possible, I try to work with these students and mentor their projects. Lastly, I am excited to join the Dean’s Young Alumni Leadership Council this year, where I will work more intimately with our college and make a positive impact on the lives of both students and alumni.