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College of Natural Resources
Forest Biomaterials

Alumni Spotlight: Carroll Frye – Class of ’71

May 21, 2021

Carroll Frye graduated from NC State in 1971 with a degree in Pulp & Paper Science and Technology.  We reached out to Carroll to find out about his experiences since graduating from NC State, and what advice he would pass on to current students.  Thanks for your time Carroll.

Experience at NC State

  • Internship/co-op experience: Summers of 1967-1968: extra board labor, International Paper Company, Georgetown, SC, Summers of 1969-1970: projects in Technical Lab, International Paper Company, Georgetown, SC
  • Favorite class: The hands-on pulping and papermaking classes
  • Best memory at State: #1 – Graduation, # 2 – Wolfpack football team beating #2-ranked Houston in the Astrodome the same night as Burl Ives gave a concert at Reynolds Coliseum – The great “White Shoes” Defense!
  • Worst memory at State: Organic chemistry – it threw me for a loop!
  • Clubs/Hobbies: Fourdrinier Society (later TAPPI Student Chapter) and Intramural sports
  • Favorite part of PSE program: The small class size and family atmosphere once we reached the Junior year
  • Most important thing PSE taught me: Work hard and trust in your friends and team

Current Career Information

  • Company/job position: Retired
  • Years at current job: April 2004
  • Favorite part of the job: Freedom to serve in my church and other areas of personal interest
  • Biggest accomplishment in career: Mentoring many great young people and helping to develop a very successful business segment for Weyerhaeuser Company
  • What other positions have you had:  Began my career in 1971 with Weyerhaeuser Company at the New Bern (NC) Pulp Mill – worked in various Technical and Operational positions in New Bern until 1988 when I transferred to the Weyerhaeuser Pulp Business Office in Federal Way (WA). Projects at New Bern covered all aspects of mill operations but focused primarily on product development to optimize mill performance and profit. Positions in Federal Way focused on Total Quality, Process Management and Cellulose Fiber Business Optimization
  • Advise for current students: Focus on the required courses for your degree, but do not neglect your passion for other areas of your life – be a good friend and team member – relationships will play a major role in your life – nourish them and they will sustain you.

Personal Information

  • Hometown: Georgetown, SC
  • Tell us about your family: I am the oldest child of Charlie & Virginia Cusaac Frye with 2 brothers and 2 sisters. I married my high school sweetheart, Janice Bonnette in 1971 just after graduation from NC State. We have two adult children (Julie and Darren) and two grandchildren.
  • Current Hobbies: I enjoy reading, travel and serving my local church as a small group and ministry leader.