Colgate University has announced that Bobby Carter, acclaimed music producer and host of NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts, will serve as the Spring 2026 Clifford Family Innovator in Residence from March 3 to March 7.
Carter is best known for his work shaping Tiny Desk Concerts into a globally recognized music platform that centers on intimate performance and innovative storytelling. Under his leadership, the series has amplified the work of emerging and established artists while highlighting a wide range of cultural traditions and musical genres. Carter’s work frequently bridges digital media, community engagement and the evolving music industry.
During his residency, Carter will participate in classroom visits and host a campus meet-and-greet with students, faculty and staff. He will also appear on WRCU FM 90.1 and take part in a public discussion and reception on Thursday, March 5. The week will conclude with a live DJ event on Friday, March 6, featuring Carter’s DJ persona, DJ Cuzzin B. He will perform alongside DJ Phade Ali, also known as Aaron Dial, assistant professor of film and media studies and Africana and Latin American studies.
The Clifford Family Innovator in Residence program brings leaders in arts, media and entrepreneurship to campus to share their expertise with the Colgate community. The initiative hopes Carter’s visit will advance its mission to connect students with innovators whose work reshapes creative industries and expands opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration.
