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Good Jeans

Alumni Success

Blake Layfield leans on a bourbon barrel.

Oct 29, 2025

A Spirited Approach

As master distiller and head of innovations and blending for Maker’s Mark, Blake Layfield ’07, ’09 MS, ’16 PHD begins most workdays with a sip of world-famous bourbon. But his role extends far beyond quality control.

Connor Balfany outdoor portrait

Oct 29, 2025

From Food Science to Forbes: NC State Alum Connor Balfany’s Entrepreneurial Path

Not many Ph.D. students are also entrepreneurs. That’s a big reason NC State alum Connor Balfany made a prestigious list in Forbes Magazine.
A woman stands between two mannequins dressed in sporty outfits inside the Rhoback office. A plush dog sits on the floor nearby, and a Rhoback logo is visible on the wall behind them.

Oct 10, 2025

Cecilia Monge M.S. Textiles ’23: Finding The Right Fit With Technical Design

While completing her degree at the Wilson College of Textiles, this alumna fell in love with technical design’s combination of math and artistry. Now, she’s made it her full-time career.
Man on a stage presenting a talk about plant protection.

Oct 9, 2025

Seed2Grow Spotlight: Verdia Diagnostics’ Zach Hetzler

A recent NC State Ph.D. graduate, Zach Hetzler leads a university startup company out to improve the way farmers detect and diagnose plant diseases.
Brandon Frederick

Sep 29, 2025

Brandon Frederick ‘23, Engineering Manager, Core Technology Molding Corporation

For Brandon Frederick, pursuing an MBA wasn’t just about advancing his own career – it was about equipping himself to solve problems with sustainable, strategic solutions. Along the way, he’s grown into a leader not only within his organization but also in his community, where he’s helping inspire the next generation of S.T.E.A.M. professionals.
A person standing in a desert area with a tornado behind her

Aug 29, 2025

A Summer of Storm Chasing

Sciences associate dean Jamila Simpson spent more than two weeks pursuing tornadoes on the Great Plains.
Kayla Layden

Jun 11, 2025

Kayla Layden ‘24, Marketing Coordinator, D.R. Horton

When her original grad program was discontinued, Kayla Layden pivoted into NC State’s Master of Marketing Analytics—and found a new path she’s passionate about. From faculty support to real-world connections, the MMA program helped her build the skills and network to thrive in a new industry.
Luke Hale and two of his children in pink shirts

Apr 11, 2025

Dean’s Dialogues: Get to Know Jenkins MBA Graduate Luke Hale

Luke Hale, who got his MBA at NC State, discusses his transition from the military to civilian life and gives advice to new students and ones in internships.
Two people wearing food-service gloves fill a zip-top bag of rice from a large bag or rice. In the background are boxes and shelves.

Feb 19, 2025

Paying for the Pantry

Graduate School alumnus bolsters Feed the Pack food pantry with first endowment.
Caitlyn Holt, wearing a denim jacket and blue jeans, rests her folded arms on a stack of folded blue jeans.

Feb 19, 2025

Good Jeans

At Cone Denim, Caitlyn Holt ’12, ’13 MR has helped solve the denim dilemma — from comfort to sustainability.