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NC State Professor Wins One of the Textile Industry’s Greatest Honors

Honors and Awards

Wilson College of Textiles building

Apr 14, 2026

Leader of the Pack: Textiles Raises $8.7 Million to Transform Students’ Lives

On Day of Giving 2026, the Wilson College of Textiles led NC State’s leaderboard, raising $8,709,476 from 549 gifts to make the college more affordable for students and strengthen world-class academic programs.
Mengmeng Zhu stands at the front of a classroom holding papers and speaking, while students with laptops sit at desks and listen. The classroom features red chairs, a whiteboard and a bulletin board.

Mar 26, 2026

Wilson College of Textiles Faculty Member Receives 2026 Outstanding Teacher Award for “Real World” Application of Technical Concepts

Assistant Professor Mengmeng Zhu has been recognized by the Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost for this year’s Outstanding Teacher Award.
Smiling image of Amy Bircher Bruyn

Mar 18, 2026

Grace in Motion: Amy Bircher Bruyn’s Lifelong Commitment to Textiles, Leadership and Giving Back

Known for her leadership in the U.S. textile industry, Amy Bircher Bruyn is channeling that same drive into the Wilson College of Textiles through mentorship, philanthropy and her new role on the North Carolina Textile Foundation Board of Directors.
aerial photo showing the Wilson College of Textiles in the foreground and Lake Raleigh behind.

Feb 17, 2026

Two Outstanding Graduates Win the 2026 Distinguished Young Alumni Awards

Since graduating from the Wilson College of Textiles, Kiana Bonollo ’21 and Zain Khan ’10, ’16 have distinguished themselves through creative innovation, industry leadership and a shared commitment to giving back.
Kiana Bonollo at her desk

Feb 17, 2026

Kiana Bonollo ’21 Receives the 2026 Distinguished Young Alumni Award

In recognition of her outstanding achievements, service and alignment with the college’s core values, Kiana Bonollo, a fashion design content creator and sewing educator, was honored with the Wilson College of Textiles’ 2026 Distinguished Young Alumni Award.
Zain Khan smiling

Feb 17, 2026

Zain Khan ’10, ’16 Receives the 2026 Distinguished Young Alumni Award

In recognition of his outstanding achievements, service and alignment with the college’s core values, Zain Khan, vice president of commercial at Everra, was honored with the Wilson College of Textiles’ 2026 Distinguished Young Alumni Award.
Yang Zhang stands in front of a white background.

Dec 16, 2025

Wilson College Faculty Member Receives Goodnight Early Career Innovator Award

The honor recognizes assistant professors at NC State with impressive accomplishments in the areas of research, mentorship and education.

Talley tower is reflected in the windows of Talley Student Union

Dec 10, 2025

NC State Announces 2025-26 Goodnight Early Career Innovators

See which Wilson College of Textiles faculty member earned this prestigious recognition.
Aerial view of Centennial Campus and the Raleigh skyline.

Nov 26, 2025

Meet the Newest Members of the Dean’s Young Alumni Leadership Council

Six recent graduates will continue to build on their lifelong commitment to the Wilson College of Textiles through their leadership and philanthropic involvement in their new roles as members of the Dean’s Young Alumni Leadership Council.
Karen Leonas stands outside in a sunlit breezeway, wearing an off-white blouse and brown sweater, with brick columns and greenery in the background.

Nov 24, 2025

NC State Professor Wins One of the Textile Industry’s Greatest Honors

The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists has named Professor Karen Leonas the winner of its highest scientific award.