{"id":12700,"date":"2018-11-12T11:23:03","date_gmt":"2018-11-12T16:23:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/textiles.ncsu.edu\/news\/?p=12700"},"modified":"2024-06-05T10:28:48","modified_gmt":"2024-06-05T14:28:48","slug":"meet-the-members-of-the-deans-young-alumni-leadership-council","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/textiles.ncsu.edu\/news\/2018\/11\/meet-the-members-of-the-deans-young-alumni-leadership-council\/","title":{"rendered":"Meet the Members of the Dean\u2019s Young Alumni Leadership Council"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n
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 \u201cWe realized that alumni that have been in the workplace a relatively short time would have a very important perspective on how their College could be improved to support future young alumni like them,\u201d said Hinks. \u201cThey have a clear memory of the College and some experience with the workplace and can share feedback as to how the College has prepared them for the challenges and opportunities they now face as young professionals.\u201d<\/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 On November 8, 2017, 12 young professionals came together to officially form the DYALC. One year later, a new cohort has joined the inaugural class, expanding the council from 12 to 23 members, including two student representatives.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI like to say that our College punches above its weight as we are one of the smallest colleges at NC State, but we are one of the most impactful,\u201d said Hinks. \u201cThe impact that the DYALC is already having shows that, when it comes to service and giving back, our young alumni punch above their weight, too.\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 Council Position<\/b>: Co-chair and DYALC co-creator (along with Mike Ferguson, Dean Hinks and NCTF staff)<\/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 NC State gave me the foundation, drive and skills needed to go out and work in any industry. I cannot thank my professors and the College enough for everything they gave me in the years I spent at NC State. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n What does it mean to be a member of the Dean\u2019s Young Alumni Leadership Council?<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n It has always been a dream of mine to be a part of a council like this. For many years, I have wanted to find a way to give back — not just monetarily, but with my time to the College that gave me so much. I view the council as the least I can do to help support such a great place. I also feel it is in part my duty to make sure that the experiences I had and were able to do are available to future students so the Wilson College of Textiles can continue to produce the amazing talent it does.<\/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 Nothing but continued growth and success under such great leadership like Dean Hinks and the NCTF leadership team in place. Getting to work closely with them over this past year in getting this council formed, it\u2019s clear that the direction the College is headed in is not only the right one, but a bright one.<\/span><\/p>\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 Council Position: <\/b>Co-chair and DYALC co-creator (along with Chad Seastrunk, Dean Hinks and NCTF staff)<\/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 College is a family within a huge university — you get the benefits of both. The College best prepared me for my career by validating that relationships matter. A technical background is a great foundation to have for any career, but the lessons on soft skills are what put me on the right path. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n What does it mean to be a member of the Dean\u2019s Young Alumni Leadership Council?<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n The dean was my professor during my time at NC State. Like everyone who took his classes, I loved the way he taught and cared for each of his students. I have been involved with the NCTF since graduating. Chad and I were in the same class and had been brainstorming what we could do to help the College and the Foundation endure. I think that I can speak for both of us when I say that it is difficult to calculate all of the benefits that College provided for us. When the dean was given the nod as interim and then the full position, Chad and I were ecstatic and we had a couple of conversations with him about his vision. His vision aligned with what Chad and I had been discussing for months — and here we are with the DYALC. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n The College and the Foundation gave so much to me that I have this desire to give back. Time and treasure are the most difficult things to give and my family and I want to make sure that we give both. The Council is vital to the continual improvement of the College, the Foundation and the University. Engagement is more important than fundraising; when you have engagement, the funds follow. Having an audience with the dean and then having an avenue to help him achieve his vision gives me pride and a sense that I am helping the College endure. <\/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 it sustaining its prestige and boosting its reputation as the very best in the world. We need the engagement of both our young alumni and our older alumni to balance the responsibility of growing the Wilson College of Textiles. We need that engagement so the College can continue to be on the cutting edge of innovation and collaboration with other industries and within the university, other colleges.<\/span><\/p>\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 I actually did my senior thesis, undergraduate research grant and senior studio collection on integrated lighting in clothing. This was the foundation of my company, Lumenus, which has advanced the concept significantly since its humble beginnings at the Wilson College of Textiles, but gave me the foundation that created the opportunity to start my own business. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n What does it mean to be a member of the Dean\u2019s Young Alumni Leadership Council?<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n For me it\u2019s really important to foster the community of the Wilson College of Textiles; we have such an AMAZING alumni base, which I didn\u2019t fully understand until after graduating. Being able to tap into this is a seriously invaluable resource — so by starting the alumni community as young as possible, it set a strong foundation (for me to make) future connections. I\u2019m proud to be a founding member, alongside some other great alumni, and look forward to seeing the council flourish in coming years!<\/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\u2019m a bit biased, but as someone in the wearable tech\/e-textiles space, I know that nowhere else in the world is poised to have as big of an impact as the Wilson College of Textiles in the near-future of this burgeoning industry. The industry partnerships are amazing and a key aspect of future growth for both our research and commercial development of these technologies. The future is bright for the Wilson College of Textiles\u2014but I know that we need to focus on helping empower students to create and follow their dreams as early in the process as possible.<\/span><\/p>\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 NC State, having the world\u2019s best college of textiles, surrounded me with the most accomplished professors, most talented students and most impressive facilities. This gave me the confidence to excel. I know the resources at the Wilson College of Textiles have prepared me to succeed in any aspect of the textile field. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n What does it mean to be a member of the Dean\u2019s Young Alumni Leadership Council?<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n NC State, specifically the Wilson College of Textiles, has given so much to me, so I always strive to give back any way I can. The DYALC allows me to connect with other young alumni while advising the Dean on any issues facing the Wilson College of Textiles. Through many avenues, we engage other alumni and try to highlight the many wonderful things going on at the Wilson College of Textiles. <\/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 The Wilson College of Textiles has been on the forefront of the industry because of the college\u2019s ability to adapt. Change has been the only constant in the industry over the last 100+ years, and the College has done an exceptional job evolving the curriculum to meet the needs of the students to ensure they will be the most prepared people entering the workforce. I don\u2019t know exactly where the Wilson College of Textiles will go next, but I am certain it will continue to adapt. If I had to guess, I see more and more manufacturing coming back to this hemisphere, so I would anticipate a stronger focus around manufacturing technology.<\/span><\/p>\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 NC State was the perfect launch pad for a career in Product Development. My degree program touched on all facets of the manufacturing process from pattern making and textile design to assembly and order of operations. I had a strong understanding of product creation before taking on my position at Patagonia.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n What does it mean to be a member of the Dean\u2019s Young Alumni Leadership Council?<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Dean\u2019s Young Alumni Leadership Council is a mutually beneficial cause that promotes welfare within the College, but also networking between members working in textile industry. The committee fosters connections between students and the industry while encouraging continuous improvement of the Wilson College of Textiles.<\/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 would like to see the Wilson College of Textiles deepen its connection with industry. The college is a great resource for innovation and research. Brands and industry partners could greatly benefit from partnering with the College to push boundaries. Particularly in areas of 3D printing, whole garment knitting, and alternative bio-based fiber sources.<\/span><\/p>\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 NC State provided a wealth of knowledge in the textile field. It allowed me to communicate <\/span>articulately with the overseas factory on a regular basis. I also made meaningful relationships and connections while at the Wilson College of Textiles which has proven to be valuable.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n What does it mean to be a member of the Dean\u2019s Young Alumni Leadership Council?<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n It is such an honor to serve on the Dean\u2019s Young Alumni Leadership Council. I am passionate about creating and maintaining an alumni network that will support the Wilson College of Textiles for many years to come. It\u2019s extremely important to continue to foster meaningful relationships with our former classmates and I\u2019m excited that we will be able to do that in a fun way. I am also looking forward to meeting alumni from other classes and sharing our Textiles memories.<\/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\u2019m excited to see how the Wilson College of Textiles continues to lead the way for further innovation in the textile field! I know that we will continue to recruit top students who will blow us away with their research projects, creativity and other contributions to the textile field. The Wilson College of Textiles will continue to grow and thrive.<\/span><\/p>\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