Program Director

Merica Petteway currently serves as the Associate Director for Student Recruitment and Engagement within the center for Academic, Career and Student Services at NC State’s Wilson College of Textiles. She is entering her sixth year with STEP, having served two years as a program coordinator and now entering her fourth year as program director. Merica’s favorite part of STEP is seeing the participants’ final presentations on Friday, which showcase their hard work, creativity and growth. Even more rewarding for her is watching so many STEP participants go on to enroll at the Wilson College the following fall.

Program Coordinators

Lucas Wier serves as a Coordinator of Recruitment and Educational Outreach at NC State’s Wilson College of Textiles. He is entering his third year as a STEP program coordinator and continues to be energized by the experience each summer. He especially enjoys watching the many friendships that form throughout the week and seeing participants become more comfortable with themselves and with each other. For him, one of the most meaningful parts of STEP is witnessing participants’ growth, not just during the program, but beyond it. It’s always rewarding to see them again on campus after they’ve been admitted, often still connected with the friends they made during STEP and thriving as part of the Wilson College community.

Kara Price serves as a Coordinator of Recruitment and Educational Outreach at NC State’s Wilson College of Textiles. She is entering her fourth year as a STEP program coordinator and is also a proud STEP alum herself. Kara enjoys watching participants connect with textiles in unique and meaningful ways throughout the week. Having experienced the program firsthand, she understands just how impactful each activity can be, and loves seeing participants grow into themselves, both personally and academically. One of her favorite parts of the role is running into STEP participants at other campus events during their senior year and seeing them continue their journey at Wilson College.

STEP Counselors

Kate Adams is entering her second year at the Wilson College of Textiles, where she is pursuing a degree in fashion and textile design with a concentration in textile design. She is an active member of the professional textile fraternity, Phi Psi, and also designs merchandise for the organization. Outside of the studio, Kate works as a climbing wall specialist at the NC State gym. She is most excited to inspire others to explore the world of textiles through engaging, hands-on projects during STEP!

Macie Allison is a rising sophomore studying fashion and textile management with a concentration in brand management and marketing at the Wilson College of Textiles. She is a member of the Inter-Residential Council and CRU Campus Ministries on campus. Macie is so excited to share her love for the textile industry and Wilson community with each STEP camper!

Jack Anderson is a student at the Wilson College of Textiles majoring in textile engineering and minoring in materials science. He is entering his second year at the college, hoping to continue participation with the swim club and joining AATCC at Wilson. Jack participated in STEP 3 years ago after Lucas came to his class to present about the college and programs. Jack has seen several people he met at STEP at Wilson and the university as a whole. For him, the friends and connections made with students and staff defined the experience, making Wilson feel like home.

Claire Buckner is a rising sophomore in the Wilson College of Textiles majoring in textile technology with a concentration in technical textiles. She is a Goodnight Scholar and is part of the NC State Travel Club Women’s Volleyball Team as a setter. Claire is also a proud member of the Professional Fraternity, Phi Psi. She is looking forward to connecting with all the campers this summer and providing advice for their journey into college!

Brian Rojo is a rising sophomore majoring in fashion and textile management with a concentration in brand management and marketing at the Wilson College of Textiles. He stays highly involved at Wilson, serving as a Dean’s Page, treasurer for the National Retail Federation at NC State and event coordinator for Latinos Unidos en Textiles (LUT). As a former STEP participant himself, Brian is excited to return as a counselor and help campers find their home in the Wilson community.