Louis Carr, President of Media Sales at Black Entertainment Television (BET) Networks and one of the most influential and prominent professionals in the media and advertising industries, has been appointed to Drake University’s Board of Trustees. Carr will join the Board for a three-year term beginning July 1.
“We are honored to welcome Louis to our Board of Trustees,” said Drake University President Marty Martin. “He is a highly accomplished and influential leader, and his strategic vision, knowledge, and experience, combined with his dedication to positively impact the lives of others, will further strengthen Drake and advance our mission promise.”
“My time at Drake was one of the best four years of my life,” said Carr. “I gained life lessons on how to engage with all types of people, at multiple levels. As a board member, I hope to serve as a consultant to the University on how to be inclusive in a real, authentic way that drives change, not only at Drake but in the overall college academic ecosystem.”
A graduate of Drake’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Carr has authored two books, Dirty Little Secrets and Little Black Book: Daily Motivations for Business and Personal Growth, where he shares his personal and professional journey with the intent of inspiring others to achieve success and overcome adversity. Stimulated by the success of his book, in October 2017, Louis launched the 1st Blueprint Men’s Summit. The purpose of the gathering is to educate, empower, and equip men with the knowledge to build better families and be leaders in their communities. Most recently, Carr launched a new digital series called Face 2 Face, which brings thought leaders together to provide solutions for current problems that are affecting communities of color.
“My commitment and love for young people and the importance of education, especially for Black students, is what drives my passion for Drake,” said Carr. “Drake University is committed to diversity both for its students and for faculty. I hope to help Drake take this commitment to the next level to become a leader in equity and inclusion for institutions across the country.”
“I am thrilled to work with Louis who shares Drake’s commitment to transforming lives and strengthening communities, and models this value in all of his professional and personal endeavors,” said Drake University Board of Trustee Chair Peggy Fisher. “I’m certain Louis will inspire and drive positive change for our University.”
In addition to his career success, Carr is a dedicated philanthropist and mentor. He founded the Louis Carr Internship Foundation in 2003 to improve diversity in corporate America through paid summer internships. Since its inception, the foundation has helped secure 179 internships for students of color, 55 of whom have garnered full-time employment opportunities in the communications industry.
Carr has been the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Advertising Federation (AAF) for his work around diversity. In 2019, the International Radio and Television Society (IRTS) honored him with the Hall of Mentorship Award for his extraordinary leadership achievements.
As an alumnus, Carr is familiar with Drake’s history and traditions, including the University’s strong reputation in the track and field arena. Carr, who was part of a world record-breaking high school mile relay team, attended Drake on a four-year track scholarship. He currently serves on the board of the United States Track and Field Foundation (USATF), the Video Advertising Board (VAB), and the Chicago State University Board of Trustees (CSU).
Carr previously served on the following boards: Boys Hope Girls Hope (BHGH); Ad Council; International Radio and Television Society (IRTS); and American Advertising Federation (AAF).
For a complete list of the Drake University Board of Trustees, visit https://www.drake.edu/president/boardoftrustees/.