{"id":57303,"date":"2024-02-08T10:59:04","date_gmt":"2024-02-08T15:59:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/textiles.ncsu.edu\/?p=57303"},"modified":"2024-02-09T14:47:39","modified_gmt":"2024-02-09T19:47:39","slug":"nancy-webster-75-honored-with-the-case-district-iii-bill-franklin-volunteer-of-the-year-award","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/textiles.ncsu.edu\/news\/2024\/02\/nancy-webster-75-honored-with-the-case-district-iii-bill-franklin-volunteer-of-the-year-award\/","title":{"rendered":"Nancy Webster \u201975 Honored with the CASE District III Bill Franklin Volunteer of the Year Award"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n
Built upon a strong connection to the Wilson College of Textiles that began when she stepped foot onto NC State’s campus in 1971, Nancy Webster\u2019s lifelong commitment and contributions to her alma mater are nothing short of exemplary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In honor of the remarkable legacy she has created as a seasoned service leader, Webster was named the recipient of the 2024 Bill Franklin Volunteer of the Year Award, presented by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE)<\/a> District III. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI am honored to be recognized in this way,\u201d Webster says, animatedly. \u201cMy involvement with the Wilson College of Textiles was predicated upon strong personal relationships, trust, integrity and honesty. I believe life\u2019s journey is all about relationships, empathy and enriching the lives of others. At this time in my life, I enjoy being able to do that by giving my time, talents and treasure to the institution that has given me so much.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The prestigious award Webster received was established in 2015 in memory of Bill Franklin, an engaged CASE volunteer who was committed to educating others about the power of volunteerism and philanthropy. Webster\u2019s passion for giving back mirrors Franklin\u2019s dedication. <\/p>\n\n\n\n “Her lifelong dedication to our college, passion for mentoring the next generation of textile leaders, vital service on the North Carolina Textile Foundation Board of Directors and outstanding professional achievements make Nancy the epitome of an enthusiastic volunteer.” \u201cThe Bill Franklin Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes those who selflessly dedicate their time and resources to advance an institution,\u201d says David Hinks, dean of the Wilson College of Textiles<\/a>. \u201cThis award to Nancy is so well-earned. Her decades of voluntary service to our college and its students and alumni have helped us achieve excellence. Her dedication to Wilson College will enable us to continue a trajectory of excellence into the future.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since graduating with a bachelor\u2019s degree in textile technology<\/a> from the Wilson College and an associate\u2019s degree in fashion design from the Fashion Institute of Technology, Webster has led an illustrious career in textiles spanning more than 40 years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Her influence has benefited prominent corporations, including Target, Springs Global, Thomasville Furniture and Fieldcrest Cannon, where she held key leadership positions. Today, as the CEO of Nancy Webster, LLC, she continues to make a significant impact, having been ranked the third most influential person in home fashion and design in 2004 \u2014 part of an esteemed group that included Philippe Starck and Martha Stewart \u2014 by Home Furnishing News.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou may wonder how I personally became so passionate as a volunteer and donor for the initiatives at NC State\u2019s Wilson College of Textiles,\u201d Webster asked the audience when accepting her award on Feb. 5, 2024, during the CASE District III Conference in Orlando, Florida. \u201cWhy did I continue to interface with the college during my career? And why do I still feel compelled to be involved?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Two central themes made her decision to stay connected to her alma mater a simple one:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For these reasons and many more, Webster has remained deeply involved with the Wilson College for nearly 50 years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite her demanding schedule, she worked tirelessly as a professor of practice and advisory board member for the college\u2019s Department of Textile and Apparel, Technology and Management<\/a>, helping to launch the popular fashion and textile design degree program. <\/strong>Webster\u2019s devotion to the Wilson College also pushed her to serve for eight years on the board of directors for the North Carolina Textile Foundation (NCTF)<\/a>, which is the college\u2019s philanthropic arm and administers more than 140 life-changing scholarships each year. Today, she serves as president of the NCTF Board of Directors<\/a> \u2014 an independent board of 17 directors that works closely with Dean Hinks to seek individual, corporate and foundation gifts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As the executive director of the NCTF, Michael Ward has had a firsthand look at Webster\u2019s incredible work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTime and time again, I’ve seen Nancy back up her words with actions. Her philanthropic contributions and pledges continue to underscore her unwavering commitment to the next generation of textile leaders,\u201d Ward says. \u201cNancy\u2019s impact aligns seamlessly with the mission of the North Carolina Textile Foundation: philanthropy, partnership and engagement. For over 40 years, she has exemplified integrity, trust, inclusivity, collaboration and authenticity through her exceptional service to our Wilson College of Textiles community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the heart of Webster’s personal mission lies a steadfast commitment to investing in the next generation of textile leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers and professionals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Her philanthropic contributions have been substantial and include spearheading a campaign to increase donations to the Centennial Scholarship Program<\/a>, which provides students access to transformative educational experiences. Her significant financial support extends to the Webster-Kametches Endowed Centennial Scholarship and the Webster-Kametches Centennial Student Enrichment Endowment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBeing a Centennial Scholar has impacted my college experience because now, I have access to a tight-knit, like-minded group of individuals who all want to be pioneers in the textile industry,\u201d says Andrew Sarnowski, recipient of the Webster-Kametches Endowed Centennial Scholarship. \u201cI am thankful that Ms. Webster\u2019s generous scholarship will also allow me to learn about the impact of the textile industry on other cultures and in other places around the world.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Beyond financial contributions, Webster actively mentors the next generation of textile leaders through the Blend Mentorship Program<\/a>. Recognized as the Distinguished Alumna of the Year in 2014<\/a> by the NC State Alumni Association, she truly embodies selfless dedication to education and service. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNancy\u2019s service and support will enable the Wilson College to transform lives for generations to come, and that\u2019s inspiring,\u201d says Dean Hinks. \u201cHer enduring legacy is her remarkable leadership, commitment to fostering excellence in education and passion for selfless volunteerism.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 David Hinks, Ph.D.
Dean, Wilson College of Textiles<\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nLeading in the boardroom while prioritizing her passion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/li>\n\n\n\nEmpowering future leaders through a legacy of giving and mentorship<\/h3>\n\n\n\n