David C. Spencer

David C. Spencer is a Professor of Cinema Studies at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA), where he also serves as the Senior Curator for the School of Filmmaking's Moving Image Archives. He has been with the Moving Image Archives since 1995, holding roles including Film Archivist, Associate Curator, and Interim Senior Curator before becoming Senior Curator in 2007. His work focuses on maintaining the archives and ACE Exhibition Complex during cinema's technological transition.

His educational background includes a degree in Filmmaking from UNCSA and a BA in Communications from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Professor Spencer's research emphasizes film aesthetics, themes, emotions, and technological advances in production and exhibition. He advocates using 35mm film to create transformative classroom experiences, treating cinema as a living force in contemporary society through the Moving Image Archives collection.

He has received UNCSA service awards for 5, 10, and 15 years of service, along with the Mental Health Hero Award from UNCSA Counseling Services in 2012 (nominated again in 2013).

Spencer is actively involved in professional organizations including the Association of Moving Image Archivists (2003–present), University Film and Video Association (2008–present), and International Council on Archives (2015–present), and has been a charter member of Sigma Nu Fraternity at UNC Greensboro since 1985.