Story by Jacqueline McCrief
With a career record of 1,022 points in 101 games, Dexter Hawkins helped lead the Aggies to several victories during his career from 1973-1977. New Mexico State University takes great pride in its athletics, but Hawkins said he feels that his accomplishments have not been acknowledged.
Although Hawkins is an all-time letterman, holds a record for highest free-throw percentage and is part of the 1,000-point club, his photograph does not grace the wall of the Pan American Center. He has since devoted his life to serving others.
The man and his life
Hawkins was part of the All-Century basketball team and is considered by Aggie Sportscaster Jack Nixon to be part of the “best backcourt tandem I’ve seen play for NMSU since 1976.”
Hawkins was born in Camden, New Jersey and attended Sterling High School from 1969 to 1973. He was recruited by Lou Henson to play basketball for NMSU in 1973.
“I understood sports and cars; I was going to be an auto mechanic before Lou Henson came along and offered me a scholarship,” Hawkins said.
“I think that should be displayed somewhere; you’re talking about the all-century team and that’s a very special place to be,” Hawkins said of his absent photo. “There have been a lot of athletes that have come through and people cannot remember them.”
Hawkins said he has even applied two separate times for a graduate assistant position for NMSU basketball and was turned away each time.
Tiffany Franklin, NMSU assistant director of athletic media relations, was not available for comment.
Helping those in need
Hawkins has worked with the Mesilla Valley Community of Hope, an organization that aids people in need, for 10 years. He also works with children suffering from mental illnesses at Peak Behavioral Health Services in Santa Theresa. Hawkins is a minister at Church of Christ and is also state certified to teach kindergarten through 12th grade.
