Alumi Spotlight: Susan Fringer Boss – Class of ’82

March 18, 2020 CNR Web

Susan Fringer Boss graduated from NC State in 1982 with a BS in Pulp and Paper Science Technology . We recently reached out to Susan to find out about her experiences since graduating from NC State, and what advise she would pass on to current students. Thanks for your time Susan.

Experience at NC State

Internship/co-op experience: All three of my summer internships (1979,1980,1981) were with Owens-Illinois in Big Island, VA (now Georgia-Pacific). Working at the same mill provided the continuity to deep dive into several aspects of the operations including projects related to environmental management, paper machine trials for continuous improvement and annual maintenance. With the mill being close to my hometown, I was also able to work during school breaks. The Technical Team at O-I were great mentors, helping me gain confidence in my engineering capabilities and reinforced my commitment for a degree in Pulp and Paper.
Favorite class: The Pulp and Paper curriculum was really tough for me. The elective courses helped me stay balanced and energized. I also loved the PSE labs and pilot machine work. Being able to be hands on and using classroom knowledge in action kept me focused on my studies.
Best memory at State: My best memories at NC State all involve the people. During my first week of school, I formed friendships in Lee dorm and in the PSE intro class that not only supported me during my entire college career, but also in the years well beyond graduation. The tight knit PSE group extended to wonderful professors who cared about their students and were always available to us. One stand out memory, is a snowball fight on my way to class that left me covered in snow (thanks to my PSE friends that ambushed me ) and Professor Hitching not being able to hide his laughter during the start of his lecture as I made my way to my seat with snow dropping across the carpet with each step. Sleeping outside of Reynolds Coliseum for good basketball tickets with my Lee dorm friends is another highlight of the type comradery that formed during my college years. This group of friends and professors supported me during all the trials and tribulations of college ensuring that I had study partners, time for fun and a shoulder to cry on when needed
Worst memory at State: Being out of school for so long, dulls any bad memories. However, I still remember getting a green-grey color assigned during our color match lab. My partner and I never got quite the right match even though we kept trying every combination!
Clubs/Hobbies: My main extra curricular focus was the Student TAPPI Chapter. I served as an officer and loved hosting alumni and companies that inspired us with their career experiences and company roles in the industry. My classmates voted me as the “most congenial student” which I credit with the work I did on behalf of the Student TAPPI Chapter.
Favorite part of PSE program: My favorite part of the PSE program was the small class sizes and the high level of industry focus. It gave us a chance to be part of a large university experience without feeling lost in the crowd.
Most important thing PSE taught me: My time in the PSE program taught me to persevere. The program was not easy for me, but I never gave up. In the end, the program gave me a background for a career that afforded me many wonderful experiences both professionally and personally.

Current Career Information

Company/job position: Morgan Advanced Materials – Vice President & Managaing Director, Thermal Ceramics Americas
Years at current job: April 2018
Favorite part of the job: My favorite aspect of being a managing director is unleashing the potential of the organization to do more and to support the development of employees to achieve their goals. Its especially rewarding to watch team members succeed and take on new challenges.
Biggest accomplishment in career: Successfully growing a business in Asia is one of my biggest accomplishments. Being able to apply my management skills in a new culture and within a highly complex business structure was very rewarding. It stretched me to think differently and develop trust in a whole new context. This career opportunity also gave my kids a chance to experience a global world and travel.

Advice for Current Students

My advice to current students is to not be afraid of failing. Challenge yourself, be a life long learner, reach out for support when needed and fail at new things! Always stay true to your values. As my father always said, “Do the right thing and the right thing will follow”!

Personal Information

Hometown: Lynchburg, VA
Tell us about your family: My husband, Larry, and I have been married for 28 years and we have 23 year old twins. Larry is a retired Technical Director and avid golfer while the kids are finishing up college degrees. We have homes in the Atlanta area and in Augusta, GA, which is my work base.
Current Hobbies: Given the hectic pace of work, spending time together as a family is my number one priority. Travel, college sports, walking and reading are my favorite past times. I’ve volunteered as an officer with Home Owner Associations and as an advisor with start-up businesses. I also collect Starbucks mugs from all the countries I visit, with the current total at 26! Each mug brings a smile to my face as I enjoy a morning coffee and reminisce about the adventures and people associated with each one.