Taronda Spencer

Taronda Elise Spencer (September 25, 1958 – May 17, 2013) was an American archivist. She worked in archives for over 20 years, most notably as the College Archivist and Historian at Spelman College until her death in 2013. She "was dedicated to, preserving the history of African American education in the United States and mentoring a new generation of archivists." She was born on September 25, 1958, to Albert Spencer Jr. and Emmanuella Julien Spencer, who was herself an archivist. She had three brothers, Rodney (Sandra) Spencer, Royzell (Ivelynn) Spencer, and Russell J. Spencer. She attended and graduated from John McDonogh #35 Senior High School in 1976.

Career In 1989, Spencer became a charter member of the Academy of Certified Archivists and a certified archivist herself. She served on the Board of SGA and contributed to many of the Society's scholarship funds.

Throughout her career, she gave many lectures and presentations on Spelman's history and traditions, helped researchers and students in the archives, and was "known for her lively, passionate" nature in her work.

Awards

Storyteller of the Year Awardee, 2013

Death On May 17, 2013, two days before Spelman's graduation ceremony, Taronda Spencer fell ill while at a Spelman function. Later that night, she suffered a massive heart attack and died at 54. In 2014, after her death, the Society of Georgia Archivists established the Taronda Spencer Award, "to honor her work in encouraging students at HBCUs and students of color to consider careers in the archival profession."