Discover the cloth innovator, Alex Hutchens, a promising scholar from the class of '24.
Hailing from the small town of New Bern, NC, Alex Hutchens '24 found herself yearning for a robust education in fashion and textiles. NC State University stood out as the best choice, offering an unparalleled education in the field.
Alex, a member of the inaugural cohort of Textile Pioneer Scholars, is majoring in Fashion and Textile Management with a concentration in Brand Management and Marketing. The Textile Pioneer Scholarship, one of NC State's many need-based scholarships funded by generous donors, was created in 2020 to recruit first-generation students and students from North Carolina's rural counties to the Wilson College of Textiles and the textiles industry. Alongside scholarship support, Textile Pioneer Scholars receive $4,000 in enrichment funds.
What led you to attend NC State University?
"New Bern doesn't have much going on fashion- and textiles-wise," Alex explained. "To get an education in this field, I needed to travel. NC State offered me the best education in the fashion realm."
Reminiscing on the day of her scholarship acceptance:
Alex received the life-changing news while completing online classes during her final semester of high school. "I was working on my computer when they called me," Alex shared, "but I didn't know who it was. Then they told me I had received the scholarship, and the news was just so exciting!"
Being part of the inaugural group of Textile Pioneer Scholars has significantly eased the financial burden for Alex, who is one of three sisters all attending college simultaneously. "This scholarship has lifted the burden off me," she said, "allowing me to enjoy my experience more and even add a journalism minor."
Reflecting on her NC State experience:
Alex praises the university's extraordinary faculty, who are eager to help students and work hands-on with them. Additionally, NC State boasts a wide variety of clubs for students to join, which allows them to diversify their educational experience.
The impact of her scholarship:
Thanks to the Textile Pioneer Scholarship, Alex will have the opportunity to participate in an internship at Macy's in New York City this summer. The enrichment funds provided by the scholarship will cover her housing expenses.
The Textile Pioneer Scholarship, primarily targeted towards students from rural areas and those in need, is a testament to donors who recognize and respond to students' needs. "It's so great to know that people care about students like me and are willing to provide for us in that way," Alex beamed.
To those who provide support for NC State students, Alex extends her heartfelt gratitude. "Knowing that there are people out there who support students makes the college experience so much sweeter," she said. "NC State donors are helping to create success for students for years to come, and I hope one day, I can pay it forward."
This post was originally published in Giving News.
The Wilson College of Textiles offers various forms of support to students, including scholarships and programs, to students from rural counties and first-generation students, though specific details about the Textile Pioneer Scholarship's targeted groups are not explicitly mentioned.
- Alex Hutchens '24, a member of the inaugural cohort of Textile Pioneer Scholars, is majoring in Fashion and Textile Management at NC State University.
- The Textile Pioneer Scholarship, one of NC State's many need-based scholarships, was created to recruit first-generation students and students from North Carolina's rural counties.
- Being part of the inaugural group of Textile Pioneer Scholars has significantly eased the financial burden for Alex, who is one of three sisters all attending college simultaneously.
- Thanks to the Textile Pioneer Scholarship, Alex will have the opportunity to participate in an internship at Macy's in New York City this summer, with the enrichment funds covering her housing expenses.
- The Wilson College of Textiles offers various forms of support, including scholarships and programs, to students from rural counties and first-generation students.
