Program Faculty

 Dr. Anthony Wilson is an apparel designer possessing more than 20 years of experience designing and constructing apparel. He has a Bachelor of Science in Clothing and Textiles, a Master of Arts in Industrial Technology (Graphic Arts and Imaging Technology) both from Appalachian State University and a Doctor of Philosophy in Textile Technology Management from NC State University. He has held various positions (production pattern assistant, creative design assistant/ purchaser, sample coordinator, technical designer, and freelance designer) within the apparel industry in New York, Florida, and North Carolina.  Anthony’s designs have been featured in magazine and book publications, on exhibit at international conferences and museums, and worn by celebrities such as Billy Joel, Pink, Britney Spears, and Shirley Manson. Anthony is currently the Program Coordinator of the Apparel Design and Merchandising program at Appalachian State University in addition to being the president/owner of Anthony Wilson Designs (custom apparel), co-founder of Uppity (apparel brand), and co-founder of Our Pride Life (apparel brand).

Dr. Nicole Villarreal is passionate about textiles and apparel, especially their history and construction. She did her dissertation on the use of 3D apparel simulation software for digitizing historic costumes. Her areas of expertise are apparel design & construction, pattern engineering, 3D apparel simulation, and costume history. 

Dr. Nimet Degirmencioglu is passionate about the textile and apparel industry, possessing more than 15 years of experience in textile fabrics production, supply chain management, and merchandising, including successfully launching a fair-trade women’s apparel line. She has a Bachelor of Science in Textile Engineering from a Turkish University, a Master of Professional in Global Fashion Management from Fashion Institute of Technology, NY, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Textile Technology Management from NC State University. She has held various positions in Istanbul, Turkey, and New York within the home textile industry. Her research interests are fair trade, sustainable fashion consumption, social entrepreneurship, and social innovation. She is certified in Six Sigma Green Belt quality improvement. Nimet is currently the Visiting Assistant Professor of the Apparel Design and Merchandising program at Appalachian State University.