Textile Technology at Gaston College: Weaving a New Future
This past May, Gaston College celebrated its first Textile Technology graduate since the program’s launch in 2021.
Meet Kelly Moore: Trailblazer in Textile Education
Kelly Moore, who returned to pursue her education after 30 years, has become Gaston College’s pioneer Textile Technology graduate. Her journey showcases the evolving face of textile manufacturing and the power of perseverance.
“My family was very proud of me and that made it all worth it,” Kelly shared, highlighting the personal growth this program offers.
Changing Perceptions, Opening Doors
Jasmine Cox-Wade, executive director of the Kimbrell Campus and Textile Technology program, is working hard to update outdated views of the textile industry.
“It was like pulling teeth at first because the history of textile manufacturing in this area is kind of scarred. People have negative images of their relatives losing jobs, the industry experiencing strikes, and unsafe work environments. But that’s just not representative of our industry today.”
Cox-Wade’s mission has been to reframe the narrative, presenting textile technology as a cutting-edge field filled with career opportunities. The program’s growth from seven initial students to 20 in the current semester serves as a clear indicator of this shifting perception.
A Fresh Start in Education
Kelly’s story resonates with many adult learners seeking to enhance their careers. Her initial experience at Gaston College in the 1990s lacked direction, but her return as a mature student brought focus and determination.
Her experience in the program reveals the surprising breadth of the textile industry. In her words: “I always thought textiles was just T-shirts. There’s a whole lot of science involved in virtually every single part of our lives – from your vehicles to your kitchen to medical equipment.”
This realization underscores the program’s relevance in our tech-driven world. Modern textile technology encompasses advanced materials science, innovative manufacturing processes, and sustainable practices that touch nearly every facet of contemporary life.
From Classroom to Career
Kelly’s success extends beyond her graduation this past spring. Through Gaston’s work-based learning program, she landed an internship with American & Efird, leading to a full-time position. “Currently my job title is Special Projects II,” Kelly said. “I was hired fullt-ime in May.”
This seamless transition from student to professional underscores the program’s alignment with industry needs and its commitment to student success.
The Future of Textile Technology
As Gaston College expands its Textile Technology program, it’s helping to reshape the perceptions of the industry. Kelly’s advice to potential students? “If you have high school students or young adults that are gifted in the sciences, textiles can be for you. If you’re gifted in problem-solving, textiles can be for you. It’s not just needle and thread any more.”
Ready to weave your own success story? You can explore the textile technology program and discover the innovative world of modern textiles at Gaston’s Kimbrell Campus, which includes the Textile Technology Center and brand new state-of-the-art Fiber Innovation Center.
