David C. Spencer

David C. Spencer teaches Cinema Studies in the School of Filmmaking and is Senior Curator for the school's Moving Image Archives. "My job as a Cinema Studies professor is to use specific films from the history of American cinema to capture the attention of students to create a transformative learning experience in the classroom," he says. "I’ve found that one of the best ways to capture and hold their attention is to screen a title on 35mm film, instead of the digital surrogates they were raised on. I can utilize the tremendous Moving Image Archives collection to create that magical experience of watching flickering shadows tell a story in the communal setting of a darkened theater."

I focus not only on the aesthetics, themes and emotions of a film, but also the technological advances of both production and exhibition. I approach cinema in the classroom as a living, vital force in our lives today, no matter what.

Credentials

• Cinema Studies Professor/Senior Curator, Moving Image Archives, Sept. 2007-present
• Interim Senior Curator, Moving Image Archives, June 2006-Aug. 2007
• Associate Curator, Moving Image Archives, 1997-2006
• Film Archivist, Moving Image Archives, 1995-1997

Career Highlights

• Being able to maintain the viability and operations of the Moving Image Archives and the ACE Exhibition Complex in the face of a momentous technological shift in moving image exhibition.  

Awards, Recognitions and Honors

• UNCSA 5-, 10-, & 15-year Service Awards
• Mental Health Hero Award Winner (UNCSA Counseling Services, 2012)
• Mental Health Hero Award Nominee (UNCSA Counseling Services, 2013)

Organizations

• The Kappa Upsilon Chapter of Sigma Nu Fraternity at UNC Greensboro (Charter Member, 1985-present)
• Association of Moving Image Archivists (Member, 2003-present)
• University Film and Video Association (Member, 2008-present)
• International Council on Archives (Member, 2015)