Between January 24 and February 3, 2025, a delegation from the Technical University of Moldova conducted a strategic visit to the Wilson College of Textiles at North Carolina State University (NC State). This initiative took place within the framework of the bilateral partnership between North Carolina and the Republic of Moldova, aiming to strengthen academic and research collaboration in textiles, design, and sustainability.
The UTM delegation included Sergiu TRONCIU, Dean of the Faculty of Design; Marcela IROVAN, Head of the Department of Design and Textile Technologies; Carolina TULGARA, Executive Director of ZIPHOUSE; and Valentina FRUNZE, PhD student specializing in functional clothing and international relations. They were accompanied by Viorel BOSTAN, Rector of UTM, and Daniela POJAR, UTM Vice-Rector. The primary objectives of the visit were to analyze academic programs and educational infrastructure at the Wilson College of Textiles, explore research collaboration opportunities with a focus on sustainable textiles and design innovation, and identify effective partnership models between the university and industry. Additionally, the delegation studied textile waste recycling and management processes to promote sustainability and discussed implementing joint 3+2 academic programs between UTM and the Wilson College of Textiles.
During the visit, the delegation participated in multiple meetings and working sessions with NC State officials and experts, including Dr. Jeff Joines, Associate Dean of the Wilson College of Textiles, and Dr. David Hinks, Dean of the College. Visits to research laboratories and state-of-the-art educational infrastructure provided insights into teaching methods and the potential for joint projects in sustainable textiles. The delegation also toured the Nonwovens Institute, the Zeis Extension/Flex Factory, and the Textile Protection and Comfort Center (TPACC), where discussions focused on master’s and doctoral program curricula and integrating circular economy principles into education and industry.
A key highlight of the visit was a trip to Cotton Inc., one of the largest research and innovation centers in the cotton industry. Here, the UTM delegation explored the latest technologies in cotton processing, the use of eco-friendly materials, and sustainability’s impact on the textile supply chain.
Toward the end of the visit, the delegation explored NC State University’s College of Design, where they were introduced to study programs in Architecture, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Landscape Design, and Media Arts. Together with Dr. Sharon Joines, Associate Dean, and Audrey Lankford Barnes, Head of the Department of Graphic and Industrial Design, they discussed opportunities to expand the partnership in the field of design.
The visit facilitated the establishment of long-term partnerships and opened new avenues for collaboration between UTM and the Wilson College of Textiles. This initiative marks a significant step in the internationalization of education in design and textiles, providing UTM students and faculty with access to NC State University’s expertise and top-tier infrastructure.
