Honors and Awards

Karen Leonas points to a specimen in the hands of another researcher, a man with a dark beard wearing a lab coat and blue latex gloves. Karen also wear a lab coat and gloves with a white button up and a short blonde bob. They stand parallel to a lab counter, with a cabinet of beakers and sink.

Jul 17, 2026

Karen Leonas Named Cornelson Family Distinguished Professor

Read about textiles industry leader Karen Leonas and her continuing work at the Wilson College in the Department of Textile and Apparel, Technology and Management.

Ahmed El-Shafei poses for a portrait in a room with many windows, flooded with sunlight. He has a short dark hair cut and dark-framed glasses. He wears a read and white striped shirt and a red tie.

Jul 16, 2026

Ahmed El-Shafei Named INVISTA Distinguished Professor of Fiber and Polymer Chemistry

Ahmed El-Shafei has been named the INVISTA Distinguished Professor of Fiber and Polymer Chemistry at NC State University for his expertise in fiber and polymer chemistry and his commitment to advancing sustainability and technology in the field. El-Shafei attended Mansoura University in Mansoura, Egypt to earn his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemistry and organic…

Emiel DenHartog smiles for a portrait in a courtyard, with a brick building and stairs in the distance behind him. He wears grey glass and a black NC State polo shirt.

Jul 15, 2026

Emiel DenHartog Named Abel C. Lineberger Distinguished Professor

Read about the accomplishments and ongoing work being done by textile technology researcher Emiel DenHartog.

Roger Barker stands in a TPACC lab in front of someone wearing a firefighter turnout suit.

Jul 6, 2026

Roger L. Barker Appointed to the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Governor Stein

Read about the outstanding achievements of Burlington Distinguished Professor of Textile Technology Roger L. Barker and his contributions to protective textiles over the past four decades.

$Andy Click smiles at the camera and poses with two "Go Pack" hand gestures. He wears a purple, floral, short sleeve button up and a black watch. He is bald and has a red beard and thin glasses. He stands in front of a large light that takes up most of the background.$

Jun 22, 2026

Andy Click Wins Awards for Excellence for Long-Term Contributions

Our learning technology specialist, Andy Click, was awarded the highest honor for non-faculty members of the Wilson College family.

$Wilson College of Textiles sign$

Apr 23, 2026

Two Wilson College Faculty Receive Outstanding Engagement Award

Amanda Mills and Xiaomeng Fang are honored for their contributions both inside and outside the classroom.

$Wilson College of Textiles building$

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.

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.