Brett Chambers, a 1979 graduate of Duke University's public policy program, has carved out a multifaceted career that spans broadcasting, education and the arts. His story is one of perseverance, adaptability and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Chambers describes his childhood as "very enjoyable" and "rich." His parents, Lynette, a high school guidance counselor, and Randolph, who worked at the U.S. Department of Defense, instilled in him a strong work ethic and a passion for education.
Chambers' connection to Duke ran deep through his mother's roots in Durham's Walltown, a historically African American neighborhood just blocks from the university. Duke did not accept Black undergraduates when his mother graduated from high school, but Chambers never really considered going anywhere else.
"There were two places I wanted to go to school: Air Force Academy and Duke," Chambers recalls. In a bold move, he applied only to Duke and was accepted. This achievement was especially sweet given that his high school guidance counselor had doubted his chances.
As one of the early graduates of Duke's public policy program in the late 1970s, Chambers found himself at the forefront of a new academic discipline. "Back then, public policy was just a program, still new," he remembers. The rigorous and evolving nature of the program honed his critical thinking skills and prepared him for a career marked by versatility and innovation.
Chambers' time at Duke wasn't without challenges. He experienced racial tensions on campus, and he recalls being "pulled off the bus" on his first day of freshman orientation. However, he found strength in community, particularly through the Black Student Movement and his involvement with the Kappa Omicron Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.
After graduation, Chambers' career took an unexpected turn toward media. He leveraged the skills he acquired studying public policy to land a job at CBS Records (now Sony Music). This role introduced him to the world of radio and TV stations, setting the stage for a successful career in broadcasting.
For more than 30 years, Chambers has worked as a producer and director of award-winning news programming for ABC's WTVD in Durham and other networks nationwide. His achievements in journalism led to his induction into the National Black Journalists Association Hall of Fame in 2004.
Today, Chambers is a professor at North Carolina Central University (NCCU), one of the top historically black universities in the country. He teaches mass communication, drawing upon his extensive experience in the field. His teaching philosophy emphasizes preparing students for the rapidly changing world they'll face after graduation.
"I'm preparing them so that they can develop skill sets that will help them function once they graduate and they can develop on their own," Chambers explains. "It builds you to think. It builds you to be a life-long learner."
Beyond his roles in media and education, Chambers is also an accomplished musician. He runs "Brett's Open Mic," a popular weekly event at Durham's Beyu Café, reflecting his belief in the healing power of music. His journey from a public policy pioneer at Duke to a respected figure in media and education exemplifies the value of adaptability, continuous learning, and giving back to the community. His story serves as an inspiration to students and professionals alike, demonstrating how a strong educational foundation can lead to a diverse and impactful career.