Bernard Bell

Bernard Bell is a dedicated educator and leader in entrepreneurship, currently serving as the Executive Director of the UNC Shuford Program in Entrepreneurship. In this role, he is responsible for teaching, mentoring, and coaching students, aligning curriculum, expanding strategic partnerships, and broadening student experiences. He also holds a Professor of the Practice position, teaching the Shuford Capstone Class. unc+2

With over two decades of experience in the media industry, Bernard Bell has a strong background as a corporate sales and marketing executive. He held senior leadership positions at companies like Urban One, Tribune Media Services, ICTV, HGTV, and Discovery Channel, notably leading Urban One's growth and subscriber base expansion. unc+1

As the CEO of Urban Media Solutions, a consulting firm he founded in 2009, Bell advises founders and startups on various aspects of business development, including capital raising, product launch, digital transformation, and e-commerce strategies, with a particular focus on the urban consumer and Gen Z audiences. bernardbell+2

Bernard Bell is a proud alumnus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned both his Bachelor's in Economics and an MBA in Marketing. He also completed Executive MBA coursework at Dartmouth College's Tuck School of Business. unc+2

Beyond his professional and academic roles, Bell is deeply committed to community engagement and mentorship, especially for young men. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated and actively involved with Next, Generation Men, a nonprofit supporting teenage African-American males. unc+1

Bernard Bell courageously shared his personal experience with severe COVID-19 and its long-term effects, including debilitating brain fog and migraines. His public account aims to raise awareness and contribute to public health solutions, particularly within the Black community. unc