Wilson College Students Pioneer Ahead in Student Activism
Three Leading Student leaders from North Carolina State University's Wilson College of Textiles (COT) have been recognized for their commitment to academia and the university community. Their approach to leadership aligns with the college's "Think and Do" motto, reaching out to students and encouraging involvement. Jamie Plummer, Jacob Capps, and Julia Kempf discuss their dedication to leadership in various aspects of their student lives.
Jamie Plummer, President of Student Senate
A senior studying Polymer and Color Chemistry with an American Chemical Society Certification, Jamie Plummer was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Her desire for leadership began early, as she held positions like drum major in her high school band and captain on the swim team. For the past two summers, she has interned for a pharmaceutical company in Boston. Plummer is appreciative of the Wilson College of Textiles for equipping her with the skills necessary for a successful post-collegiate career.
During her sophomore year, Plummer got involved with Tompkins Textile Student Council meetings, where she noticed the absence of textile representation in the Student Senate. Recognizing this gap, she was appointed a seat in the Senate and has since been advocating for student needs and voting with their interests in mind. Her goal is to bridge the gap between students and decision-makers within the university.
On the Importance of Student Leadership
"Ensuring that student voices are heard in crucial decision-making processes is of utmost importance. It is imperative that we continue emphasizing the need for student input at our institution. The well-being of students must be the priority of the university, and student leaders are key in advancing that mission."
Favorite Leadership Quote
"Fight for the things you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you." – Ruth Bader Ginsburg
The Role of the Wilson College of Textiles in Leadership Development
"The WPCOT's curriculum encompasses a wide range of disciplines, fostering a comprehensive education that prepares students for technical roles in their respective careers. This technical expertise empowers students to seize leadership positions within the industry."
Jacob (Alan) Capps, President of the Alumni Association Student Ambassador Program
Hailing from Graham, North Carolina, Jacob Capps is a senior studying Textile Technology with a minor in Agribusiness Marketing. His high school tenure included serving as the Future Farmers of America chapter president, which instilled in him a solid foundation of leadership skills. Three years ago, he joined the Alumni Association Student Ambassador Program (AASAP) and found a vibrant community where he could grow and lead campus activities and traditions. Having started as a membership director, Capps now serves as the program's president, overseeing its representation and impact.
Objectives and Goals
"My primary objective for AASAP is to enrich the student experience by promoting traditions and engaging with the student body. I aspire to solidify our relationship with the university and build a strong and influential presence on campus."
The Importance of Student Leadership
"Student leadership is integral to me because it equips me with the necessary skills and confidence to excel in my professional life. As a student at NC State, I have the opportunity to develop in a leadership role, which will undoubtedly benefit me in my future endeavors."
Favorite Leadership Quote
"Choose what truly matters most: to be successful not in what you do, but in who you are." – Tony Dungy
Julia Kempf, President of Alpha Omega Epsilon
Julia Kempf, a senior in Textile Engineering from Charlotte, North Carolina, has exhibited leadership skills in her academic and extracurricular pursuits. As an assistant swim coach in her summer job during high school, she enjoyed fostering teamwork and growth among students. Joining Alpha Omega Epsilon (AOE), a women's engineering sorority, in her freshman year at NC State, she held positions like professional development chair and corresponding secretary before becoming president.
Set to transition to a new executive board in December, Kempf has spent her term strengthening relationships between sisters and increasing their involvement on campus. Additionally, she had a summer internship at HanesBrands Inc. and plans to pursue a Master's of Textile Engineering after completing her undergraduate studies.
Accomplishments and Objectives
"Throughout my term as president, I aim to foster a stronger sisterhood within AOE and elevate our campus presence, demonstrating the value and importance of women in engineering."
The Importance of Student Leadership
"Student leadership provides invaluable learning opportunities, helping students develop crucial skills such as teamwork, communication, and initiative. My experiences as a student leader have significantly boosted my self-confidence and challenged me in ways that an ordinary student simply would not encounter."
The Role of the Wilson College of Textiles in Leadership Development
"The unique, close-knit community of the WPCOT, coupled with its emphasis on real-world impact, provides an ideal environment for nurturing future leaders in the textiles industry."
Two additional students from the Wilson College of Textiles, Rysa Ruth and Jack Smolarek, hold key leadership roles as COT senators. These students, amongst many others, serve as outstanding examples of the leadership culture at the college. Throughout the academic year, NC State News will profile more student leaders from the Wilson College of Textiles.
[1] As the only college in North America devoted exclusively to textiles, the Wilson College cultivates specialized leadership skills relevant to a $1 trillion global industry.[2] Graduate programs at the college offer interdisciplinary research opportunities, focusing on sustainability, safety, and inclusivity—essential qualities for modern leadership. The active graduate student association also encourages collaboration, mentorship, and leadership among peers and faculty.[3] The Wilson family's legacy at the college, characterized by compassionate leadership, contributes to the college's overall culture.[4] The college acknowledges student achievements by bestowing awards like the AATCC Student Chapter Award, which honors leadership in academics and extracurricular involvement.[5] Highly accomplished alumni who have demonstrated strong leadership and community involvement serve as role models and mentors, reinforcing the college's commitment to leadership development.
- Jamie Plummer, a senior studying Polymer and Color Chemistry, emphasizes the importance of ensuring student voices are heard in crucial decision-making processes, highlighting the vital role that student leaders play in advancing the university's mission prioritizing student well-being.
- Julia Kempf, president of Alpha Omega Epsilon, expresses the importance of student leadership in fostering skills like teamwork, communication, and initiative, noting that her experiences as a student leader have significantly boosted her self-confidence and provided valuable learning opportunities.
- Jacob Capps, president of the Alumni Association Student Ambassador Program, believes that student leadership equips individuals with the necessary skills and confidence to excel in professional life, underscoring his aspirations to enrich the student experience by promoting traditions and engaging with the student body.
- The Wilson College of Textiles proudly boasts a unique, close-knit community that emphasizes real-world impact, preparing students with specialized leadership skills relevant to the $1 trillion global textiles industry.
- In addition to undergraduate leadership, the college offers graduate programs with an emphasis on interdisciplinary research, focusing on sustainability, safety, and inclusivity—essential qualities for modern leadership.
- Student leadership development at the Wilson College of Textiles is reinforced by highly accomplished alumni who demonstrate strong leadership and community involvement, serving as role models and mentors.
- Engaging in sports, as Jamie Plummer did as a drum major in high school band and captain on the swim team, can also foster leadership skills and encourage personal growth, contributing to overall career development and personal success.
