Thomas Espenschied

Biography

Thomas Espenschied (or Espy) joined the Knight School of Communication in August 2023. They are a documentary filmmaker who holds an MFA from Wake Forest University. Espy has also earned an MS in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Miami University of Ohio. They worked as Associate Director for Student Conduct & Deputy Title IX Coordinator for the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, and most recently as Digital Media Specialist at Davidson College.

Over the last six years, Prof. Espenschied has worked on several narrative and documentary films, including a short about body image disorders and body painting, a short about the lynching of Willie Earle in South Carolina, a feature film about four African American college students at an art conservatory in the South, and a short queer horror film. They prefer to make character centered films that include a level of advocacy and activism. To do this, Espy often partners with people who are passionate about advocacy, activism, and/or various social justice issues, whether they are behind or in front of the camera. Beyond their artistic accomplishments, Prof. Espenschied has also sought to enhance their research and academic experience by including a diverse group of creative voices in the digital storytelling projects and film production courses that they teach, entering and attending several film festivals both remotely and in person, and by staying up to date with the film industry.

Education

MFA, Documentary Filmmaking, Wake Forest University
M.S., Student Affairs in Higher Education, Miami University, Oxford, OH
B.B.A., Business Management, Magna Cum Laude, Kent State University
A.A.-General Studies, with Distinction, Kent State University
C.T.C. (College Teaching Certificate), Miami University, Oxford, OH