Ernie Alexander/Beverly Alexander

Ernie and Beverly Alexander established this scholarship in 2013. Dr. Alexander ê67, ê72, combined an undergraduate degree in pulp and paper technology with a PhD in chemical engineering to build a successful career in the forest products industry. After completing his doctorate, Dr. Alexander joined Westvaco, a leading paper, packaging and specialty chemicals corporation, as a research engineer. After seven years, he was transferred to Covington Mill as supervisor of the newly formed paper process group. Dr. Alexander spent 23 years at Covington Mill, taking on positions of increasing responsibility, including technical director, pulp mill superintendent and pulping expansion manager. After the merger of Westvaco and Mead Corporation in 2002, Dr. Alexander joined the companyês corporate engineering department, which was relocated to NC Stateês Centennial Campus in 2006. There, he led a team of production superintendents from all MeadWestvaco Mills to handle property conservation and operational improvements. Specifically, Dr. Alexander supervised major capital improvement projects at plants in Texas and South Carolina. Dr. Alexander retired in 2009 and launched his own consulting firm to provide valuable advice to forest products companies, including his former employer, MeadWestvaco. Throughout his career, Dr. Alexander has been a strong supporter of the College. He was awarded the Distinguished Alumnus Award in January, 2011.