N.C. A&T Alumnus Craig Stokes Takes Center Stage as Host of Chick-fil-A’s ‘Kind and Seek’

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University alumnus Craig Stokes is stepping into the national spotlight as host of Chick-fil-A’s unscripted competition series, “Kind and Seek,” blending his experience in entrepreneurship, television and community engagement with a message centered on kindness.

The series, which premiered Sept. 1, follows three teams of relatives as they compete in challenges throughout Atlanta designed to encourage acts of kindness. Each completed challenge contributes money toward Feeding America, combining competition with service and community impact.

For Stokes, the opportunity represents more than a new professional milestone. It marks a return to an interest in entertainment that began while he was a student at N.C. A&T.

“I never wanted to put myself in a box,” he said. “For me, this was a reconnection to a side of myself that I had let sit for several years.”

Stokes learned about the opportunity while speaking with one of his Chick-fil-A business contacts. After mentioning that he had missed the opportunity to audition for an earlier production, he learned that casting was underway for the company’s next show.

That conversation ultimately led to meetings with the executive producer and production team, an audition video and an in-person visit to his restaurant. Although Stokes initially learned Chick-fil-A might pursue a host who was not a franchise operator, he remained hopeful.

Weeks later, he joined a virtual meeting with members of the production team and learned they had selected him to host the series.

“They told me they had looked at professional hosts and auditioned people in different places, but they kept coming back to me,” said Stokes. “It was hard not to get emotional because this opportunity meant so much more to me than simply being on television.”

Stokes brought years of experience to the role. Before becoming a Chick-fil-A operator, he had already explored television, public speaking, entrepreneurship and entertainment.

While attending A&T, Stokes studied architectural engineering and minored in aerospace sciences through the university’s ROTC program.

Stokes also launched a clothing line while in college and appeared in an independent film shortly before graduating in 2004, an experience that strengthened his interest in entertainment.

Years later, he created a YouTube series focused on men’s fashion and style to demonstrate his abilities as an on-camera host. That project helped lead to live television opportunities with WGHP-TV, public speaking engagements and other media experiences.

Stokes said those experiences became valuable preparation for “Kind and Seek.”

“I pulled from everything in my life that I had ever done in order to do this show,” he said.

That included his experience reading teleprompters during live television appearances, writing scripts for his digital content, speaking before large audiences and conducting difficult conversations while serving in the Air Force.

Production also required extensive preparation.

Although the competition itself is unscripted, Stokes was responsible for guiding contestants through the program, explaining rules, announcing results and maintaining continuity throughout each episode. Filming an episode could require about 25 hours across three days, with scenes filmed throughout Atlanta.

Stokes also recorded some of the program’s voiceovers from his home office during post-production.

“It was a really big challenge,” he said. “But it was also an opportunity to use so many of the things I had learned throughout my career.”

Stokes credits A&T with helping establish the confidence and ambition that have guided his professional journey.

“Being at A&T made me feel like anything was possible,” he said. “A&T allowed me to dream as big as I wanted to dream.”

As a student, Stokes continuously looked for ways to expand his experiences. He served as Mr. A&T, then known as Mr. Aggie, during his sophomore year. He later hosted a radio program on WNAA 90.1 FM after learning about an opportunity at the station.

Stokes also founded Fayetteville Aggies on the Move, a service and social organization created following the death of his best friend. Through the organization, students participated in community service initiatives, including a scholarship effort, campus cleanup and youth outreach.

Stokes said his time at A&T reinforced the importance of pursuing new opportunities rather than allowing a particular profession or title to define what he could accomplish.

“Everything I wanted to do, I was able to do it,” he said.

That same philosophy continues to influence his career.

As a Chick-fil-A operator, entrepreneur, father and media professional, Stokes said each aspect of his life helped him connect with contestants and viewers throughout the production.

The purpose of “Kind and Seek” also resonated with him. Contestants work with family members as they encourage strangers to participate in acts of kindness, creating moments that can become emotional and unpredictable.

Stokes hopes the program encourages viewers to recognize the impact of a single good deed.

“The smallest act of kindness can make a big difference, especially when you’re doing it without looking for something in return,” he said.

Vewers have already shared stories about watching the program with their families and responding emotionally to its message.

For Stokes, however, “Kind and Seek” may be only the beginning of the next chapter of his entertainment career. He hopes to pursue additional television hosting opportunities, including game shows and live programming, while eventually returning to acting and film production. His long-term vision includes helping other filmmakers bring their own ideas to life.

“I want to continue to find a way to entertain but also give back,” said Stokes. “Ultimately, I would love to be in a position where I can help fund someone else’s dream and give people opportunities they might not otherwise receive.”

Wherever those opportunities lead, Stokes said his connection to A&T will remain a defining part of his journey.

“Aggie Pride is really worldwide,” he said. “I’m standing on the shoulders of giants, and I have no choice but to go out and represent.”

By: Deja Huggins, Advancement Communications Coordinator