The HBCU Digital Media Collaborative is proud to announce Kimberly Spencer’s appointment as Interim Advisory Board Chair, effective October 1.
In this role, Kimberly will:
- Establish strong governance frameworks for sustainability.
- Prepare the board for growth and new perspectives.
- Guide the organization’s transition to a full 501(c)(3).
“To navigate our growth and transition to a full 501(c)(3), we need an experienced leader who can establish strong governance and prepare our board for scaling,” said HBCU Collaborative Co-founder, Michael Grant. “Kimberly’s capability in this area is unmatched, and we are absolutely thrilled to have her formally guiding this essential work.”
This appointment builds on Kimberly’s relationship with the Collaborative. Over the past year, she has served as a strategic advisor in a limited capacity, offering guidance and perspective as the Collaborative expanded its reach and programming.
“As the Executive Director of the Colorado Media Project, Kimberly brings a wealth of sector experience,” said HBCU Collaborative Co-founder, Justin Rushing. “Her track record of revitalizing local news ecosystems and cultivating trust is exactly the expertise we need right now. She brings a proven model for expanding access to quality information—a model we are eager to implement across the Collaborative.”
Her leadership comes at a pivotal time as the Collaborative deepens its mission: ensuring HBCU students gain the activation, access, and exposure needed to thrive in media and journalism.
“I am honored to step into this role as Interim Advisory Board Chair,” said Kimberly. “Over the last year, I’ve had the privilege of supporting the Collaborative as an advisor, and I’ve seen firsthand the dedication of its co-founders and the energy of its student and campus partners.”
Kimberly understands that the future of media depends on expanding pathways for all talented students. Her support brings renewed attention to the essential work of creating a truly level playing field. “For me, this work matters because talent is everywhere but access is not,” Kimberly said. “HBCU student journalists and emerging media professionals deserve enhanced pathways to explore and build careers in media and journalism. When students gain exposure early, they are better able to discover where they fit in the industry and imagine where it can take them.”
She also believes deeply in the dual power of legacy and opportunity. “HBCU institutions connect history, heritage, and community, while also standing as spaces of innovation,” Kimberly said. “By building and supporting campus and student media infrastructure, we amplify voices, expand visibility, and create avenues of engagement that reach beyond campus walls to the communities they serve.”
Kimberly said her focus as Advisory Board Chair will be simple: “To help lay a foundation that allows this vision to grow and thrive. I look forward to working alongside Justin Rushing and Michael Grant, our board, and our partners to ensure HBCU students are equipped with the resources, connections, and confidence they need to succeed. This is a hopeful moment, one filled with possibility. I’m excited to get to work.”
