Bio
Emmy-Nominated Producer | Filmmaker | Educator
Terrence Thames is an Emmy-nominated producer, filmmaker, and creative director with a passion for visual storytelling, media production, and education. With over two decades of experience, he has produced hundreds of projects, including live events, sports productions, films, documentaries, nonprofit campaigns, commercials, and educational content. His work bridges compelling narratives with impactful visuals, driving engagement across multiple platforms.
Terrence’s professional journey includes working as a producer and director for ESPN, where he helped craft high-energy live sports productions and branded content. He also served as the Director of Creative Services for the Drake University Athletic Department, overseeing multimedia production, live broadcasts, and creative branding for collegiate athletics. His expertise extends into documentary filmmaking, with his PBS documentary, Telling Our Own Story: Poverty and the Wealth Gap, earning an Emmy® nomination.
Educator & Media Literacy Advocate
Beyond production, Terrence is a dedicated educator shaping the next generation of media professionals. He is a faculty member at Iowa State University, serving as an Assistant Professor of Practice in the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication, where he teaches advertising, communications, and public relations with a strong emphasis on digital storytelling and creative production. He has also guest lectured at Iowa State University and taught at Drake University, Grand View University, and the University of Iowa, mentoring students in media production, branding, and strategic content creation.
Committed to increasing media access and literacy, Terrence is the founder of the Minority Multicultural Media Institute of America, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing media literacy and multimedia access for minority communities. Through education, resource development, and the management of inclusive media platforms, the organization helps bridge the digital divide and create opportunities for underrepresented voices in media.
Industry Leadership & Creative Impact
His leadership extends into supporting filmmaking, creative industries, and entrepreneurship. As a board member for the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, including past service as Board Vice Chair, he has played a role in fostering business growth and creative economy initiatives. He is also one of the lead organizers of the Athene Black and Brown Business Summit, one of the Midwest’s largest events dedicated to supporting minority entrepreneurship and creative enterprises.
Terrence continues to focus on creating high-quality visual content, developing innovative storytelling techniques, and educating future filmmakers and creatives. His work reflects a deep commitment to media excellence, creative education, and empowering over-challenged and under-resourced communities through storytelling and economic opportunity.
Key Accolades & Experience:
● Founder, Minority Multicultural Media Institute of America (Advancing Media Literacy & Access for Minority Communities)
● Emmy®-Nominated Producer & Filmmaker (PBS: Telling Our Own Story: Poverty and the Wealth Gap)
● Former Producer & Director for ESPN
● Former Director of Creative Services, Drake University Athletics
● Assistant Professor of Practice, Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication (Iowa State University)
● Educator & Lecturer at Drake University, Grand View University, University of Iowa
● Organizer of the Athene Black and Brown Business Summit
● Board Member & Former Vice Chair, West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce
● 2022 SBDC Entrepreneur of the Year