Karesse Clemons

Karesse Clemons is an American educator, journalist, broadcaster, producer, author, and advocate whose work is rooted in storytelling, student development, leadership, media literacy, and social impact. A native of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, Karesse discovered an early love for performance, communication, and community-building — passions that continue to shape his work as a teacher, mentor, and creative leader.

Karesse earned his Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications from Tennessee State University and later studied at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C., where he deepened his commitment to purpose-driven leadership, ethical communication, and community-centered service. His academic and professional journey has prepared him to work at the intersection of education, culture, media, and belonging, with a particular focus on helping students find their voice, develop confidence, and connect their lived experiences to meaningful personal and professional growth.

With more than a decade of experience in live entertainment, journalism, broadcasting, public affairs, and organizational leadership, Karesse brings a unique perspective to student affairs and teaching. He has led large-scale teams, managed complex projects, developed communication strategies, supported diverse communities, and created learning environments where people are challenged, supported, and seen. His work has included production leadership for Live Nation tours with artists such as Chris Brown, Common, Ledisi, Maxwell, and Dave Matthews, as well as road management for Jewel’s Freewheelin’ Woman Tour. These experiences strengthened his skills in leadership development, crisis management, collaboration, event planning, student engagement-style programming, and mentorship.

Karesse’s background in journalism and broadcasting also shapes his approach to education. At Region 8 News in Jonesboro, Arkansas, he gained newsroom and on-air experience that sharpened his ability to teach communication, storytelling, media ethics, public speaking, digital literacy, and critical thinking. He also formerly served as a Public Affairs Mass Communications Specialist with the U.S. Army, where he developed expertise in strategic communication, media production, broadcast operations, and high-pressure decision-making.

As the founding president of the Intercultural Media Alliance and creator of MetroWave Media Group and Black National Honors, Karesse has consistently built platforms that elevate diverse voices, expand representation, and create space for dialogue across culture, identity, and community. His work reflects a strong commitment to inclusive excellence, intercultural learning, leadership development, and helping students understand the power of their stories.

Karesse is especially passionate about supporting students from historically underrepresented communities, first-generation students, creative students, student leaders, and those navigating questions of identity, purpose, wellness, and belonging. As an advocate for mental health awareness and LGBTQIA+ visibility, he believes education must address the whole person — not just academic achievement, but emotional wellness, cultural identity, leadership capacity, and life purpose.

Whether in the classroom, a student leadership program, a campus event, a media lab, or a mentoring conversation, Karesse brings a blend of professional experience, pastoral sensitivity, creative energy, and educational purpose. His teaching and student affairs philosophy is grounded in the belief that students thrive when they are heard, challenged, affirmed, and equipped with the tools to tell their own stories.

He lives by a simple guiding principle: things may not always happen when you want, but if you keep moving forward, all things are possible.