Posted March 11, 2020

 

By Devin Steele (DSteele@eTextileCommunications.com)

 

N.C. State University’s Wilson College of Textiles, the sole interdisciplinary college in the U.S. dedicated to textile research and education and the largest in the Western hemisphere, is again participating in the university’s second annual Day of Giving on Wednesday, March 25, as it begins to roll out a new, comprehensive 2020-2023 Strategic Plan.

 

Your support of the Wilson College during the 24-hour fundraising event will help advance the textile industry’s impact on North Carolina, the state and the world and will invest in its bold mission to be the worldwide leader in textile education, research and service, according to Dr. David Hinks, dean of the Wilson College of Textiles.

 

“A gift to the Wilson College is a gift to the industry,” Hinks told eTC. “For example, our Zeis Textiles Extension units not only support the educational mission of the college, but also the industry through professional training, product development, prototyping and testing,” Hinks explained. “And as we help the industry thrive and prosper, that generates demand for our students and at the same time enhances our ability to recruit the very best students into the Wilson College. These are the future leaders who will create prosperity in the textile industry. So we help the industry generate demand for talent and we provide the talent at the same time.”

 

As the Wilson College supports the entire textile industry, Hinks encouraged anyone passionate about supporting the industry to consider giving even if they are not alumni of the Wilson College of Textiles or the university.

 

“We have a remarkable North Carolina Textile Foundation (NCTF) Board of Directors, some of whom are not alumni. All directors are donating strongly to the Wilson College and, in effect, to the entire industry,” he said.

 

As such, supporting the Wilson College will help it realize its 2020-2023 Strategic Plan, which includes a bold new vision and mission:
 

• Vision – A compassionate world in which textiles enhance sustainability and quality of life for all; and

• Mission – We exist to advance the success of our students in the textile industry in North Carolina, the U.S. and around the world through teaching innovation, research excellence, strong partnerships and service.

 

“This plan is focused on three renewed strategic priorities that are going to command our full attention and resources going forward over the next 36 months,” Hinks said. “The first one is a hyper-collaborative culture rooted in equality of opportunity. The second is sustainability in all of our work to promote ecological and economic prosperity and reduce environmental impact. And the third one is to enhance the quality of life for all.”

 

The Wilson College of Textiles arrived at these priorities in large part due to the fact that textiles touch the day-to-day life of every person in the world, Hinks added. “We demonstrate through our interdisciplinary work that textiles have the power to positively transform the quality of life for everyone. The college is making a major impact on the field through many initiatives involving our students, faculty, alumni, industry partners and campus colleagues. This is an exciting time for the resurgent US textiles industry.” 

 

Regardless of the amount given by each supporter, it all cumulatively benefits those goals, according to Latasia Priest, associate director of Development at the NCTF.

 

Last year during the inaugural Day of Giving, total gifts to the Wilson College of Textiles were nearly $900,000– second among its division of seven like-sized schools and units. 

 

“We were successful in our inaugural Day of Giving last year and we certainly want to exceed that this year,” Hinks said. “The generosity and philanthropy of donors, alumni and friends to the Wilson College will help advance our strategic plan.”

 

Be on the lookout for some exciting posts and information on the Wilson College of Textiles’ social media channels as the Day of Giving draws closer. Follow the College on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

 

“Our Chancellor (Dr. Randy Woodson) says it best:  N.C. State has strong support at the State level, and with State support we can be a good university – but with private support we can be an extraordinary university,” Hinks said. “I think the same applies to the Wilson College.”

 

For more information or to plan your contribution to the Day of Giving, please click here.