By Cameron Walker<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A group of recent graduates is helping to shape the <\/span>NC State<\/span><\/a> Wilson College of Textiles<\/span><\/a> as they give back to their alma mater. The <\/span>Dean\u2019s Young Alumni Leadership Council<\/span><\/a> was established with 12 members in 2017; over the past year, members have worked to support the College in myriad ways, from volunteering their time at events to creating internship opportunities for current students. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cShortly after being appointed the interim dean for our College in the summer of 2014, I attended some alumni events in North Carolina and New York,\u201d said <\/span>Dr. David Hinks<\/span><\/a>, dean of the Wilson College of Textiles. \u201cI was inspired by the positive energy and especially our recent alumni\u2019s interest in staying engaged with our College.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
When <\/span>Michael Ward<\/span><\/a> joined the <\/span>North Carolina Textile Foundation<\/span><\/a> (NCTF) as senior director of development in 2016, the two began contemplating how best to engage recent graduates in maintaining and strengthening their connection to the school. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the fall of 2016, they met with alumni Chad Seastrunk (B.S. Textile Engineering<\/a> \u201804; M.S. TE \u201805) and Mike Ferguson (Textile Chemistry \u201804), members of the first class of Centennial Scholars<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs we discussed the options, we became excited about a broader approach to engage a diverse group of young alumni to support the College\u2019s strategic priorities by giving back in various ways: volunteering their time organizing alumni events, providing new opportunities to our students such as offering internships with the companies in which they worked, and through personal philanthropy,\u201d said Hinks. \u201cIn addition, they would be a group that would be able to give advice to the dean. During that meeting, we developed a rough framework that soon became the Dean\u2019s Young Alumni Leadership Council<\/a>, or DYALC.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read on to learn more about the members that make up the DYALC. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you are an alumnus or alumna of the Wilson College of Textiles and are interested in serving on the DYALC, please contact <\/span><\/i>Carly Dressen<\/a>.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Members of the Dean\u2019s Young Alumni Leadership Council<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n
Chad Seastrunk<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Degrees:<\/b> B.S. Textile Engineering \u201804 (concentration in Information Systems) and M.S. Textile Engineering<\/a> \u201805<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hometown<\/b>: Raleigh, North Carolina<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Current City: <\/b>Durham, North Carolina<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Profession: <\/b>Vice President, Emergency Services and Patient Flow at Duke University Hospital<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
How did the Wilson College of Textiles prepare you for your career<\/b>?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
What do you see in the future for the Wilson College of Textiles<\/b>?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mike Ferguson<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Degree<\/b>: Textile Chemistry \u201804 (now Polymer and Color Chemistry<\/a>)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hometown<\/b>: Hickory, North Carolina<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Current City: <\/b>Raleigh, North Carolina<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Profession: <\/b>Director of Business Development, Barnhill Contracting Company<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
How did the Wilson College of Textiles prepare you for your career<\/b>?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
What do you see in the future for the Wilson College of Textiles<\/b>?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jeremy Wall<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Degree<\/b>: Fashion and Textile Management<\/a> \u201814 (Fashion Development and Product Management concentration)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hometown<\/b>: Raleigh, North Carolina<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Current City:<\/b> Los Angeles, California<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Profession: <\/b>Founder, wearable technology company <\/span>Lumenus<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Council Position: <\/b>Events Committee <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
How did the Wilson College of Textiles prepare you for your career<\/b>?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
What do you see in the future for the Wilson College of Textiles<\/b>?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wesley Horne<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Degree<\/b>: Textile Apparel Management \u201804<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hometown<\/b>: Wadesboro, North Carolina<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Current City: <\/b>Charlotte, North Carolina<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Profession: <\/b>President, Hornwood, Inc.<\/a> (a manufacturer of knitted fabrics for many markets including athletic\/activewear, outdoor, automotive, medical, footwear, aerospace, reverse osmosis filtration and more)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Council Position: <\/b>Recruitment Committee <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
How did the Wilson College of Textiles prepare you for your career<\/b>?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
What do you see in the future for the Wilson College of Textiles<\/b>?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Monica Warsaw<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Degree<\/b>: FTM \u201812 (Product Development and Design concentration) <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hometown<\/b>: Cary, North Carolina <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Current City:<\/b> Ventura, California<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Profession: <\/b>Product Developer — Technical, Patagonia<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Council Position:<\/b> Recruitment Committee Co-Chair<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
How did the Wilson College of Textiles prepare you for your career<\/b>?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
What do you see in the future for the Wilson College of Textiles<\/b>?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sarah Jane Simpson<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Degree: <\/b>Polymer and Color Chemistry<\/span> \u201811<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hometown: <\/b>Raleigh, North Carolina<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Current City: <\/b>Raleigh, North Carolina<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Profession: <\/b>Sales Manager,<\/span> DK Head<\/a><\/span>wear<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Council Position: <\/b>Secretary,<\/span> Main Council; Events Committee Chair<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
How did the Wilson College of Textiles prepare you for your career?<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
What do you see in the future for the Wilson College of Textiles?<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jasmine Flood<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Degree<\/b>: Textile Technology \u201812 (Design concentration) <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hometown<\/b>: Greenville, North Carolina<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Current City: <\/b>Raleigh, North Carolina <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Profession:<\/b> Owner of RIADA ADAIR<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Council Position:<\/b> Events Committee<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
How did the Wilson College of Textiles prepare you for your career<\/b>?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
What do you see in the future for the Wilson College of Textiles<\/b>?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Caitlyn Holt<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Degrees<\/b>: B.S. Fashion and Textile Management \u201812; Master of Textiles \u201813 <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hometown<\/b>: Greensboro, North Carolina<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Current City: <\/b>Greensboro, North Carolina<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Profession: <\/b>Merchandise Planning Manager, Cone Denim<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Council Position: <\/b>Communications Committee Chair<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
How did the Wilson College of Textiles prepare you for your career<\/b>? <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
What do you see in the future for the Wilson College of Textiles<\/b>? <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I see the Wilson College of Textiles continuing on the path that it is on. Since graduating five years ago, I have been back to campus recruiting at career fairs, speaking on Real World panels and leading career development workshops through the Textile and Apparel, Technology and Management<\/a> (TATM) Student Advisory Board. The Wilson College of Textiles never fails to impress me with its high caliber of students and engagement level. I think that comes from having the best professors, the most cutting-edge equipment and a super passionate dean leading the way.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n
Emily Rose Walch<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Degree<\/b>: Fashion Textile Management \u201813 (Brand Management and Marketing concentration)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hometown<\/b>: Villa Grove, Illinois<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Current City<\/b>: Seattle, Washington<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Profession<\/b>: Product Creation Process Manager \u2013 REI<\/a> Corporate Headquarters<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Council Position<\/b>: Communications Committee <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
How did the Wilson College of Textiles prepare you for your career<\/b>?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Wilson College of Textiles was also able to provide me with an amazing student exchange opportunity at Hong Kong Polytechnic University<\/a>. This experience has been applicable to every moment of my career as I\u2019m regularly working with Asia-based manufacturing facilities. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
What do you see in the future for the Wilson College of Textiles<\/b>?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Michael McDonald<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Degree<\/b>:Textile Management \u201810 (also scheduled to graduate with a Ph.D. in Textile Technology Management<\/a> in 2019)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hometown<\/b>: Greensboro North Carolina<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Current City: <\/b>Raleigh, North Carolina<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Profession: <\/b>Executive Director of the Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas<\/a> (SPESA)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Council Position: <\/b>Co-chair, Recruitment Committee<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
How did the Wilson College of Textiles prepare you for your career<\/b>?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
While the educational and academic aspect of the Wilson College of Textiles gave me the baseline knowledge and skill sets to succeed, I would argue that everything that the Wilson College of Textiles provided me outside of the classroom eclipsed anything that could be learned in the classroom. From being able to visit factories in El Salvador and Honduras with Doing Business International to connecting directly with companies like Cotton Inc.<\/a> and VF Corporation<\/a><\/span> on competitions. The network I was able to build as an undergraduate student is unlike anything you can get anywhere else.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I have my entire career thanks to the connections I made through the Wilson College of Textiles — first, meeting Matt Priest of the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America<\/a> (FDRA) on the TATM Industry Advisory board. He introduced me to the association side of the industry which lead to my career at the American Apparel & Footwear Association<\/a> (AAFA). During my time at AAFA, Bill Harazin asked me to guest lecture on labeling; over the course of three years, I returned to the College every semester, giving up to seven different lectures. I realized then that it was probably time for me to return full time in pursuit of my Ph.D. After returning to the Wilson College of Textiles, I was introduced to SPESA by <\/span>Dr. Trevor Little<\/span><\/a> — which eventually lead to me becoming the executive director of this amazing association.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
What do you see in the future for the Wilson College of Textiles<\/b>?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jenna DeCandio<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Degree<\/b>: Fashion and Textile Design<\/a> \u201817 (Textile Design<\/a> concentration; Business Administration minor)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hometown<\/b>: Cary, North Carolina<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Current City: <\/b>Monroe Township, New Jersey<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Profession: <\/b>Knit Programmer, R&D\/production department,<\/span> Shima Seiki USA<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Council Position: <\/b>Events Planning Committee<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
How did the Wilson College of Textiles prepare you for your career<\/b>?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Without the Wilson College of Textiles, I would have not even known about Shima Seiki and <\/span>their unique knitting technique known as WholeGarment<\/a>. The Wilson College of <\/span>Textiles offered many classes focused around utilizing Shima Seiki machines. It is here that I <\/span>learned how much I enjoyed knitting \u2013 specifically WholeGarment \u2013 and that I wanted to pursue <\/span>it when starting my career.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
What do you see in the future for the Wilson College of Textiles<\/b>?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rede Wilson<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Degree<\/b>: Polymer and Color Chemistry \u201816<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hometown<\/b>: High Point, North Carolina<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Current City: <\/b>High Point, North Carolina<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Profession: <\/b>Technical Sales Representative at Piedmont Chemical Industries<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Council Position: <\/b>Development Committee<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How did the Wilson College of Textiles prepare you for your career<\/b>?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
What do you see in the future for the Wilson College of Textiles<\/b>?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sarah Hoit<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Degree<\/b>: <\/span>M.S. Textiles<\/span><\/a> \u201811<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hometown<\/b>: Gainesville, Florida<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Current City<\/b>: Plantation, Florida<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Profession: <\/b>Material Researcher at Magic Leap<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Council Position: <\/b>Events Committee<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How did the Wilson College of Textiles prepare you for your career<\/b>?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
What do you see in the future for the Wilson College of Textiles<\/b>?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Courtney Musciano<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Degree<\/b>: B.S. Textile Engineering \u201813 (Graphic Communications minor) <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hometown<\/b>: Cary, NC <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Current City: <\/b>Atlanta, Georgia<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Profession: <\/b>Product Development Engineer for the military markets, TenCate Protective Fabrics<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Council Position:<\/b> Communications Committee <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
How did the Wilson College of Textiles prepare you for your career<\/b>?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
What do you see in the future for the Wilson College of Textiles<\/b>?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Guan Wang<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Degrees:<\/b> M.S. Textile Chemistry<\/a> \u201812; Ph.D. Fiber and Polymer Science<\/a> \u201815<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hometown:<\/b> Huzhou, China<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Current city:<\/b> Newark, DE<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Profession: <\/b>Textile End-Use Researcher, INVISTA<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Council Position:<\/strong> Recruitment Committee<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How did the Wilson College of Textiles prepare you for your career?<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
What does it mean to be a member of the Dean’s Young Alumni Leadership Council?<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
What do you see in the future for the Wilson College of Textiles?<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kyle Blakely<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Degrees: B.S. <\/b>Textile and Apparel Management \u201807 (Entrepreneurship minor)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hometown:<\/b> Raleigh, NC<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Current City:<\/b> Clarksville, MD<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Profession:<\/b> Vice President, Materials Innovation at Under Armour, Inc.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Council Position<\/strong>: Recruitment Committee<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How did the Wilson College of Textiles prepare you for your career?<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Wilson College of Textiles prepared me for my career in many ways, but the primary impact was their willingness to let me craft and mold my classes and minor to fit my interests. This enabled me to focus on areas I was passionate about that have subsequently helped me the most in my career. This support of entrepreneurial spirit is extremely important to college students and has certainly helped propel me in my profession. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
What does it mean to be a member of the Dean’s Young Alumni Leadership Council?<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I’m extremely honored to be a member of this distinguished group and see it as a significant opportunity to help re-brand the textile industry and how existing and potential students can participate. We should be attracting the smartest, most creative, most entrepreneurial students high schools have to offer and to do that we need to do a better job of articulating the type of opportunities in the industry as well as the depth and reach textiles have globally. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
What do you see in the future for the Wilson College of Textiles?<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I expect the Wilson College of Textiles to be on the forefront of many industry initiatives such as virtualization, sustainability, and human performance. The industry is at a crossroads on many fronts and the College is in a unique position to drive many of the conversations — perhaps we can through this Council. We, as a College, should be driving. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n
Zain Khan<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Degrees: <\/b>B.S. Textile Technology<\/a> \u201810; Master of Textiles<\/a> \u201816 (also MBA from Wake Forest University \u201817)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hometown:<\/b> Cary, NC<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Current City:<\/b> Charlotte, NC<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Profession: <\/b>Technical Sales and Marketing, Stein Fibers<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Council Position<\/strong>: Fundraising Committee<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How did the Wilson College of Textiles prepare you for your career?<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
What does it mean to be a member of the Dean’s Young Alumni Leadership Council?<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
What do you see in the future for the Wilson College of Textiles?<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Andrew Hicks<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Degrees:<\/b> B.S. Textile and Apparel Management \u201810; Master of Textiles \u201811<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hometown:<\/b> Raeford, North Carolina<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Current City:<\/b> Dallas, Texas<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Profession: <\/b>Account Manager, International Textile Group<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Council Position:<\/strong> Fundraising Committee<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How did the Wilson College of Textiles prepare you for your career?<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Wilson College of Textiles is a special place for me, and allowed me to find that unique blend of business and science. I sought this same balance when seeking out a career. The textbook material provided a foundation I still rely on today, from fiber science to material sourcing; above all, the interaction with industry and international travel afforded by the College tremendously prepared me for my journey — both professionally and personally.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
What does it mean to be a member of the Dean’s Young Alumni Leadership Council?<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I spent countless hours on campus, in the common areas and classrooms, with peers and professors alike. I always felt invested in the College and, likewise, felt the College strongly supported me. Being a member of this Council, I have the special chance to pay it forward, to contribute ideas and actions to aid the young people roaming the same halls I did. Also, it allows me to influence other young alumni to remember their time at the College and what it did for them.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
What do you see in the future for the Wilson College of Textiles?<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I see a College continuing to thrive on the forefront of an industry. The programs offered by the College will continue to evolve to meet the needs of a rapidly changing global supply chain and marketplace. I foresee a growing imperative for all young people at the College to gain international exposure, and for the College to grow its partnerships with peer institutions everywhere. The textile and apparel complex isn’t going anywhere, and the Wilson College of Textiles will continue to lead the way in preparing its future leaders.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n
Joe DiCesare<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Degree:<\/b> Textile Engineering \u201814 (Product Engineering concentration)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hometown:<\/b> Goldsboro, North Carolina<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Current City:<\/b> Portland, Oregon<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Profession:<\/b> Footwear Material Developer, Nike<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Council Position:<\/strong> Communications Committee<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How did the Wilson College of Textiles prepare you for your career?<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
What does it mean to be a member of the Dean’s Young Alumni Leadership Council?<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
What do you see in the future for the Wilson College of Textiles?<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ashley Ferguson<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Degree(s):<\/b> B.S., Polymer and Color Chemistry \u201809; M.S., Textile Chemistry \u201811; PhD, Fiber and Polymer Science \u201814 (Toxicology minor)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hometown<\/b>: Dunn, NC<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Current City:<\/b> Kernersville, NC<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Profession:<\/b> Senior Chemist, Highland Industries<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Council Position:<\/strong> Events Committee<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How did the Wilson College of Textiles prepare you for your career?<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Wilson College of Textiles classmate introduced me to the company and career that I have today. The network that I obtained at the Wilson College of Textiles played an essential key in my career, but my education is what prepared me to meet the challenges of working in research and development. While at work, I draw on what I learned from the Wilson College of Textiles every day. I am confident that the network and education I obtained will continue in helping me reach my future career goals.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
What does it mean to be a member of the Dean’s Young Alumni Leadership Council? <\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I am very grateful to the Wilson College of Textiles for providing me with the skills and connections necessary to have a successful career. Now that I have graduated, I am looking forward to working with the DYALC to give back to the Wilson College of Textiles and continue to build relationships. I believe keeping alumni engaged with each other and the Wilson College of Textiles is a great way to make the industry stronger, support innovation and provide opportunities to mentor the next generation of textile graduates. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
What do you see in the future for the Wilson College of Textiles?<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I believe the future of the Wilson College of Textiles will involve innovation in sustainable and smart textiles. The extensive knowledge base at the Wilson College of Textiles in fabric formation, engineering, chemistry and management will continue to help bring textile jobs back into the US and boost the economy. The College has the advantage of having all these areas of study (under one umbrella) and collaborations between the departments will bring a bright future for the Wilson College of Textiles.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n
Name<\/b>: Molly Hanes<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Degree<\/b>: B.S. Textile Technology \u201811<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hometown<\/b>: Glendale Springs, North Carolina<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Current City:<\/b> Raleigh, North Carolina<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Profession: <\/b>Public Defender with the <\/span>Wake County Justice Center<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Council Position: <\/b>Communications Committee <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
How did the Wilson College of Textiles prepare you for your career<\/b>?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
What do you see in the future for the Wilson College of Textiles<\/b>?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ashish Kapoor<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Degree: <\/b>Ph.D. Fiber & Polymer Science \u201819 (minor in Electrical Engineering) <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hometown: <\/b>Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh (India)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Current City:<\/b> Raleigh, NC<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Profession: <\/b>Research Assistant, Wilson College of Textiles<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Council Position:<\/strong> Graduate Student Representative on Communications Committee<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How is the Wilson College of Textiles preparing you for your career?<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Career success is directly dependent on one\u2019s ability to work in an interdisciplinary team; interest, flexibility and passion to continuously learn new things to stay up to date and competitive; offering new ideas and perspective to one\u2019s team; and leadership quality. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Wilson College of Textiles has given me interdisciplinary research opportunities in my Ph.D. (as well as) multiple leadership roles and platforms for giving ideas towards a objective. I believe that my Ph.D. journey in the Wilson College of Textiles has strengthened my academic career profile along with extracurricular profile while developing my overall personality. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
What does it mean to you to be a member (and graduate student representative) of the Dean’s Young Alumni Leadership Council?<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a graduate student representative of the Dean’s Young Alumni Leadership Council, I feel really honored to be a part of a great alumni network and serving in this role is an opportunity to direct my current efforts in representation, participation and outreach within the College to serve the council\u2019s primary goals which is to support the Wilson College of Textiles and the North Carolina Textile Foundation by fostering relationships between students, alumni and industry partners.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
What do you see in the future for the Wilson College of Textiles?<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I think the future of the Wilson College of Textiles is bright, exciting and full of surprises. In the coming years, with the induction of new faculty and leaders in various fields, more interdisciplinary research collaboration will flourish, the number of investors will increase and more students will take up leadership roles.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n
Ellen Shook<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Degree:<\/b> Fashion and Textile Management \u201819<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hometown:<\/b> Raleigh, NC<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Current City:<\/b> Raleigh, NC<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Profession:<\/b> Student<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Council Position:<\/strong> Undergraduate Student Representative on Events Committee<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What does it mean to be a member and student representative of the Dean’s Young Alumni Leadership Council?<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I’m so honored to be a member of the DYALC. To me, this means I can serve the Wilson College of Textiles and all that it has done for me, while helping to foster relationships between the school and the industry. In addition, I hope to continue to strengthen the College and its resources through the remainder of my school career and professional career.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
What do you see in the future for the Wilson College of Textiles?<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Wilson College of Textiles future looks so bright! With the fast-changing industry, our faculty and students are committed to keeping the curriculum and relevancy of the program up to date and futuristic. I think that the Wilson College of Textiles will continue to be notable as one of the top textile schools in the country, with its diversity in majors and students!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n