Dillon West is a 29-year-old entrepreneur from Natchez, Mississippi. Growing up, he always had an interest in electronics and music. West was gifted his first camera at the age of 10 by his grandmother, Deloris Beverley, and he learned how to make YouTube videos. Upon graduating high school in May of 2013, West attended Alcorn State University (ASU) to begin a four-year journey. While attending Alcorn, he was a member of the Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite Marching Band under the leadership of Dr. Renardo Murray. West graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications in May of 2017 and a Master’s degree in Workforce Education in May of 2021.
Upon getting his Bachelors in 2017, West had a variety of jobs which included being a computer lab proctor at ASU, Marketing Coordinator for Sodexo Dining Services, On Air Disk Jockey for 97.7 The Beat and currently an Administrative Assistant for the Women’s Business Center in Natchez.
At 20-years-old, West formed Dillon West Productions LLC which is a media company that specializes in Photography, Videography and DJ Services. These services have been provided to local clients in Mississippi and nationally renowned public figures such as Patti Labelle, Roland Martin and Michael Vick.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH ALCORN? I have been with Alcorn for 11 years.
WHAT DOES YOUR JOB ENTAIL? Well, that’s a question that has a variety of answers. My full-time job as an Administrative Assistant at the Women’s Business Center on the Natchez Campus consists of me managing daily office tasks such as checking and responding to emails, scheduling webinars, making connections to community partners and constantly collaborating with Jarita Frazier King, my Director, to see how we can expand our center socially and economically. My other jobs can consist of me either being a Photographer, Videographer or DJ for a special occasion, sometimes all three.
WHEN YOU’RE AT WORK, HOW DO YOU MOTIVATE YOURSELF? I motivate myself by thinking about my family who is depending on me.
IN TERMS OF SUCCESS, WHICH ACCOMPLISHMENTS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? Honestly, nothing that I mentioned about my personal accomplishments, rewards, accolades, etc. make me as proud as they once did because I have found a new joy and that joy is being a new father. I love what I do but nothing can make me prouder than the joy my one-year-old son Dillon West Jr. brings me.
WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE THAT YOU CAN GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO JUST STARTED THEIR CAREER AT ALCORN? The best advice that I can give to someone that just started their career at Alcorn is to be a sponge in every situation, good or bad. Every moment that you’re going to experience is something that you can learn from. Remain humble and carry yourself with respect because respect goes a long way. Also, constantly network and build relationships with whoever you can. Once that relationship is built, check in with them every so often and not just when you need something. Lastly, remember that every day you wake up, you have a chance and you have a choice.
