After 12 and a half years with BET Networks, North Carolina A&T State University alumnus Matthew C. Barnhill Jr. has joined the ranks of some of the most powerful people in television.

In September, Barnhill was named one of the most influential minorities in cable television by CableFAX: The Magazine.

“I was shocked that I made the list but very thankful and appreciative, he said.”

Barnhill graduated in 1992 with a B.S. in economics. He is the executive vice president of market research for the Viacom Inc. network that continues to be a leading provider of entertainment for the African-American audience and global consumers of Black culture.

Some of his responsibilities include analyzing viewer patterns and trends – including demographics and ratings – developing consumer insights and designing and analyzing custom audience research.

During his tenure at BET, Barnhill has served as director of market research, interim head of the marketing department, vice president of creative services, research and on-air planning and senior vice president of market research.

As a student at N.C. A&T, Barnhill served as president of multiple honor societies, the captain of the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge quiz bowl team and vice president of external affairs.

“My experiences at A&T taught me the role of teamwork and the need to question and analyze,” Barnhill said.

He also credits the economics curriculum for helping to develop and strengthen his analytical skills.

Last year, Barnhill was selected as Research Executive of the Year by Target Market News. He also serves on the board of NAMIC and has previously served as an esteemed member of the International Board of Trustees and Maryland program director for the Hugh O’ Brian Youth Foundation in which he was awarded  the 2006 International Alumni Achievement Award.