Dexter Mullins, a 2010 graduate of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, traded in his West Coast upbringing to work in the concrete confines of the world's top media hub—New York City—alongside long-time correspondents Andrea Stone (USA Today) and Brian Williams (NBC Nightly News).

But before Mullins was a multi-media pro, he was a residence hall assistant, orientation student leader, editor of The A&T Register and a student with big goals and an even greater work ethic.

With a journalism degree from A&T in hand, Mullins moved quickly to earning a master’s degree in digital media from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism.

At the tender age of 25, Mullins has snagged desirable positions at some of the most respected news outlets in the world, including USA Today, theGrio.com, NBC Nightly News, the Wall Street Journal, and Al Jazeera America, where he currently works as a digital news producer.

“I am very blessed that I was able to start my career in New York City,” he said. “You don’t start in New York City—this is the number one market for media. You finish here.”

In respect to his many major accomplishments the young professional finds balance by sharing his experience and expertise with others. Mullins works with a local National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) student chapter and returns to A&T on occasion to speak with undergraduate students in the journalism and mass communications programs. Mullins will visit the department in a few weeks to speak on the alumni panel during homecoming.

“Giving is critical,” he said. “Someone gave to A&T so that I could go to school, so that I could have scholarships, so that I could enjoy my experience.”

Whether he’s donating $20 or talking to current students about their career goals, Mullins is tightly tethered to his alma mater. He accepted the position as president of the NYC Alumni Chapter and has already begun making plans to rally the New York Aggies for the greater good of the institution.

Mullins intends on having a stronger presence at college and career fairs, building the chapter’s online presence through social media engagement and a new website and holding a cookout at the Dr. Ronald McNair Park in Brooklyn. One of his goals is to unite all black college alumni through the revival of the NYC HBCU Alumni Council.

Mullins plans to continue giving his time and talents to A&T and to field of journalism. As for his future, he hopes to one day be the executive producer of a television news program.

“I just want to keep telling the stories of people who don’t have a voice,” Mullins stressed. “As long as I have a platform to do that, whether it’s online, in print, in video or even on twitter…that’s what I’m going to do.”

If you are an Aggie in the NYC area and interested in joining the alumni chapter visit http://nyc-ncatalumni.org for more information.

By: Courtney J. Jackson