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press releaseS
NC State College of Textiles Focuses on Consumerization in Today’s World
Media Contacts:
Dr. Nancy Cassill, 919/513-4180
Emily Parker, 919/515-6529
The North Carolina State University College of Textiles is pleased to announce a Guest Lecturer Series for 2006-2007, focusing on “Consumerization.” Marshal Cohen, Chief Industry Analyst, The NPD Group, Inc. will lead the series, and brings his vast experience in the market place ranging from Manufacturing, Retailing and Marketing. Marshal will be joined by Sally Kay, President of The Hosiery Association (THA). Her key responsibilities include industry spokesperson, media relations expert, legislative/regulatory issues, strategic planning, and she is responsible for the day to day operations of the Association.
The College of Textiles’ Guest Lecturer Series consists of six (6) lectures to students, faculty, and industry and government partners. The first lecture, “Today’s Consumer”, was held September 13th, 2006, as Marshal launched the series as the first Executive-in-Residence for 2006-2007. “Luxury Today” will be the topic of the second lecture on October 17th, and will focus on today and tomorrow’s market place opportunities for luxury products and services. The third lecture, “The Power of Branding,” will be November 15th, 2006. Spring 2007 topics will be announced later this Fall. Dr. Nancy Cassill, coordinator of the Series, says, “This is a premier opportunity for our students --- industry leaders mentoring the industry’s future leaders! We enjoy this collaboration with industry leaders, as this truly strengthens our programs as well as keeps us “in touch” with global industry dynamics.”
In addition to the lectures, Marshal and Sally will work closely with a cohort of College graduate students who have interest in “Consumerization” research topics, methodologies, and related market place issues. Their expertise will provide graduate students and faculty advisors with significant information – and advantages --- as the College prepares leaders for industry, government and academic positions.
Dean Blanton Godfrey says, "The College of Textiles Guest Lecturer Series is an incredible opportunity for students to actively engage with some of the outstanding business leaders in the world. These lecturers are among the absolute best in their fields and bring their experience to both the classroom and informal discussions with students. This program is a wonderful fit with NC State University's ongoing efforts to become a truly engaged university working closely with national and international organizations both learning from and sharing with business and non-profit leaders from a variety of disciplines."
Marshal Cohen brings a unique blend of management skills, hands on sales experience, data usage and development, coupled with the ability to present it in such a way that organizations seek his presentations to ignite the audience, large and small. Marshal speaks frequently to industry associations and conferences amongst the leading CEO’s and high level executives within our industries. In addition, he is regularly seen on NBC’s Today Show discussing current apparel trends, and has been extensively quoted on retail and fashion trends in Fortune Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Time Magazine, Business Week, Women’s Wear Daily and many other publications. He is the author of a book, “Why Customers Do What They Do," published by McGraw Hill.
Sally Kay’s key responsibilities include industry spokesperson, media relations expert, legislative/regulatory issues, Hosiery News magazine editor in chief, THA executive committee and board liaison, THA chairman liaison, strategic planning, industry public relations and communication program, annual convention oversight, Hosiery Insider electronic newsletter editor, conducting presentations to the hosiery industry as well as other organizations and responsible for day to day operations of the Association. Sally is author of The Hosiery Association’s Centennial: Keep in Step with the Industry for a Hundred Years. Additionally, she is regularly quoted in Women’s Wear Daily, The Wall Street Journal, Allure Magazine, Accessories Magazine, Ask Heloise, The Charlotte Observer, Southern Textile News and numerous other media outlets.
Mr. Charles Harris says, "As a NCSU College of Textiles alumnus, with a long-established career as a marketer of textiles, I am delighted to have been invited to hear Marshal Cohen's initial lecture...and I eagerly await the balance of his presentations. Marshal's insights, his wit in his presentations, his knowledge of trends and motivation, and his wisdom being imparted to College of Textile students are a lifetime education experience!”
The College of Textiles, with over 100 years of teaching, research, and extension, has proven to be the leading college in the world to obtain a textile degree. Undergraduate degrees can be obtained in textile engineering, polymer and color chemistry, textile management, and textile technology. In addition, the college offers graduate degrees such as Master of Science and Master of Textiles and two doctorate degrees in fiber and polymer science and textile technology management. A graduate certificate in nonwovens and two masters degrees are also available through distance education. The new world of textiles is diverse and it includes everything from traditional yarn manufacturing, weaving, knitting, and dyeing to medical textiles, nonwovens, nanotextiles, smart textiles, homeland security, and transportation textiles.
Emily P. Parker
Director of College Relations
NC State College of Textiles
919-515-6529
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