Tell us who you are, what you do, and where you work. How did your path lead into higher education AV?
My name is Brittany Mullins, and I’m an AV technician at the University of Pikeville in Pikeville, Kentucky. I work with our AV team, supporting classroom technology, events, and the AV systems used across campus. My path into higher ed AV actually started while I was still a college student. I worked as a work-study student for the AV team, where I gained hands-on experience with classroom technology, events, troubleshooting, and AV systems.
After I graduated, I was fortunate enough to take a full-time position with the team. I’ve loved every second of being able to grow in this field and continue learning something new every day.
What does a typical day in your role look like?
There really isn’t a completely typical day, which is one of the things I enjoy most about AV. A day might include troubleshooting classroom technology, supporting an event, helping faculty with Zoom or lecture capture, maintaining AV equipment, or working with Q-SYS control systems.
Outside of work, what are some of the things you enjoy doing?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, relaxing, and finding time for the things that let me step away from technology for a little while.
How did you first learn about the Prism Scholarship?
I first learned about the Prism Scholarship through the higher ed AV community and HETMA. As I became more involved in higher ed AV and started looking for opportunities to continue developing professionally, Prism stood out to me as a program specifically designed to support and develop AV professionals.
What motivated you to apply?
I wanted to challenge myself and take the next step in my professional development. I have gained a lot of hands-on experience through my work, but I also know there is always more to learn in this industry.
Was there a specific person, experience, or goal that encouraged you to take this step?
A big part of what encouraged me to take this step was my supervisor, Teddy Murphy. Since I started with the AV team as a work-study student, Teddy has been someone who has encouraged me to learn, take on new challenges, and continue growing in AV. He has given me opportunities to develop my skills and has always pushed me to see what I’m capable of.
What made this feel like the right time in your career?
I feel like I’m at a point where I have built a strong foundation of hands-on experience, but I’m ready to take that next step. I want to build on what I already know, strengthen my technical knowledge, and gain credentials that demonstrate my skills.
What are your current professional goals?
My biggest goal is to continue growing as an AV professional and become more knowledgeable and confident in the technology I work with every day. I want to continue developing my technical skills, take on more complex projects, and eventually take on greater leadership responsibilities within AV.
What skills or knowledge are you hoping to gain through the Prism experience?
I’m hoping to deepen my understanding of AV technology and industry best practices, particularly in areas that will help me become a stronger and more well-rounded technician.
What excites you most about this opportunity?
The combination of education, mentorship, and community is what excites me most. I’m looking forward to meeting other people in the industry, learning from professionals who have more experience than I do, and being able to share my own experiences as well.
Why do programs like Prism matter to the AV industry?
Prism helps people develop their skills while also showing them that there is a place for them in this industry. Building a stronger and more diverse AV community ultimately makes the entire industry better.
Have there been moments in your career when representation, mentorship, or community made a difference for you?
Absolutely. Starting as a student worker and having the opportunity to learn from the people around me made a huge difference in my career. I was able to learn by doing, asking questions, making mistakes, and gradually becoming more confident in my abilities.
What does being selected as a Prism Scholar mean to you personally?
Being selected as a Prism Scholar is a huge honor. It means a lot to have my work and potential recognized by people within the higher ed AV community.
What part of the program are you most looking forward to?
I’m most looking forward to the mentorship and the opportunity to connect with other AV professionals. I’m excited to learn from people who have different experiences and perspectives than I do.
If you could fast-forward to the end of the experience, what would you hope to have accomplished?
I would love to have earned my CTS, expanded my technical knowledge, and built relationships with other professionals that last beyond the Prism program. I also hope to come out of the experience with more confidence in my abilities and a clearer idea of where I want to take my career next. Most importantly, I want to take what I learn and use it to continue improving the AV experience for the faculty, staff, and students I support.
What message would you share with others who may be considering applying in the future?
Apply. Even if you aren’t sure whether you’re ready, don’t count yourself out. I think of my career as proof that you don’t have to have everything figured out when you start. I began as a work-study student, learned as much as I could, and eventually turned that opportunity into a career that I genuinely love.
If you’re passionate about AV and want to grow, programs like Prism can give you opportunities, connections, and support that can help take your career to the next level. Don’t be afraid to take that first step.
Connect with Brittany on LinkedIn.
