Inside DELTA: 5 Questions with Lakendrell “LA” Albritton

In seven years as a classroom support technician at DELTA, Lakendrell “LA” Albritton has combined the old and the new. 

Originally from Snow Hill, North Carolina, Albritton attended Shaw University and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications. He launched his career in local news television and spent nine years working at WNCT in Greenville, North Carolina, as a photojournalist. In 2009, Albritton was laid off from his job as a result of the national economic downturn. Shortly after, he packed up for Raleigh in search of opportunities. 

Albritton eventually found a new home at NC State DELTA, Video Communication Services (VCS), where he continues to support the Wolfpack by capturing and sharing the classroom experience with students, no matter where they take a course. 

Along the way, he’s had opportunities to lean on past experiences and learn new skills. 

What are your day to day responsibilities? 

Day to day, Albritton is setting up classroom recordings, ensuring that cameras and microphones are functioning properly and coordinating with colleagues in DELTA’s Central Control Room to keep equipment running smoothly. 

The Central Control Room underwent a technology overhaul in 2019 to implement internet protocol technology and provide VCS staff with enhanced flexibility and scalability for future distance education instructional support efforts on campus. Albritton recognizes the project’s potential. 

“There have been a lot of updates with it. Pretty much as it stands now, the sky’s the limit and we’re just scratching the surface of what we can do with it,” he says. 

Since COVID-19 moved the majority of DELTA operations off campus, Albritton has enjoyed working from his home office, which is getting more use than ever. 

What is your area of expertise?

“I’m more of a jack-of-all-trades,” Albritton says. “I try to learn all I can and apply it to whatever my duties are.” 

Like the rest of VCS, Albritton also focuses on customer service. He enjoys building positive working relationships with NC State faculty. 

“That’s what makes us stand out. I try to create a good rapport with my professors and let them know, ‘I’m not here to hold your hand, but I’m here to guide you. If there’s anything I can do to help you make this class go as it should, that’s what I’m here for.'”

Albritton also enjoys the rapport between staff members in VCS, describing the department as a tight-knit team.

What has been your favorite project you’ve worked on?

Albritton recalls a number of projects that have stood out over the years, making it hard to choose a favorite. However, he has especially enjoyed past summers when he and other classroom support technicians would assist the Instructional Media Production team on various projects. He says the work brings him back to his roots in media making. 

“You know, that was my thing. So it brings me back a little bit of the past and lifts me up to help those guys get things done.”

What do you enjoy most about your job?

“I think what makes my job special is the fact that even though I’m technically working in distance education, I can use some of my TV skills and some of my skills connecting with people and bring all that into making things work. I’m taking a little bit of the old and a little bit of the new and bringing that all together.” 

Albritton also enjoys the professional development opportunities that DELTA offers. He is currently studying to become a certified technology specialist and, in previous years, has attended InfoComm with VCS, the largest professional audiovisual tradeshow in the country.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

“One of my biggest hobbies is photography. I really enjoy taking pictures — a little bit of landscape, but mostly pictures of people, candid shots and things like that. That’s what I enjoy in my free time, but I also do a little video work on the side. I’ve done weddings and other events for people.” 

You can also catch him spending time with his family. His sons, Korben, 2, and Kylen, 11 months, both have birthdays in late July. Albritton and his wife, Klarissa, look forward to their joint celebration later this month. 

Albritton is grateful to find joy both at home and at work. 

“DELTA came along at a great time for me … I’m just thankful for the opportunity, and hopefully, I can learn more and grow in DELTA.”