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College of Natural Resources
Forest Biomaterials

Couch Pit University Alumni Present at NC State

January 28, 2020
PIT University

It is not uncommon to have guest speakers come and share their experiences and technical knowledge with graduating seniors or the TAPPI student body; however, the Paper Science and Engineering (PSE) program received its first-ever visit from members of the Couch Pit University Fraternity. Couch Pit University (CPU) is an exclusive organization of individuals who have achieved the level of Paper Machine Superintendent, have at least 25 years of experience in the paper industry, are at least 50 years of age or, are the recipient of the PIMA Superintendent of the year. Prospective members must be nominated by existing members, while the PIMA Superintendent of the year is automatically inducted. Members of the organization have pooled their knowledge in order to give back to the industry in a variety of ways such as their University Outreach Program, Superintendents roundtable at TAPPI PaperCon, and Young Professionals Mixer at TAPPI PaperCon, among others.

 Toolbox of Tips

CPU members Todd Coltrain and Charlie Wall came to share their vast knowledge and experience with graduating seniors in the Paper Science and Engineering program, as well as members of the TAPPI student body. The pair covered a variety of topics including “toolbox” tips, teamwork within a mill, how to be a successful team member and the consequences of poor product quality. Coltrain and Wall also shared their top 5 attributes of a good team member, which many of the attending students believed was the most important information presented. These attributes, according to Coltrain and Wall, are as follows:

  1. Having humility and the ability to listen
  2. Treat people with respect
  3. Be forthright and dependable
  4. Get good results
  5. Personal goodwill (results, reputation, and relationships)

Todd Coltrain is a graduate of the NC State’s Pulp and Paper program and is currently the Machine Operations Superintendent at Domtar’s Plymouth, NC facility. He has 29 years of experience in the paper industry and was the recipient of the 2018 Brookshire Moore Superintendent of the Year Award. Charlie Wall is now retired from the paper industry after nearly 40 years of service. Wall is a former U.S. Navy pilot who graduated from NC State’s Pulp and Paper program in 1969. He has served in many different roles over his career, including general manager, and has worked for companies such as Caraustar Industries, The Newark Group, and Gaylord Container.

Thank you for your time and wisdom.  It brought great insight to eager seniors as they eagerly await to leave their mark on the industry.

By guest blogger Matt Burleson