Last Word

An Even Keel

Alumna Beverly Keel takes the reins of MTSU’s College of Media and Entertainment as its new dean

Beverly Keel earned her bachelor’s degree from MTSU in 1988, joined the Recording Industry faculty in 1995, and was named chair of that nationally recognized department in 2013. “Attending MTSU was one of the best decisions of my life because it prepared me for a multifaceted career in media and entertainment and profoundly shaped my life,” she said.

In October, Keel became the first female dean of MTSU’s College of Media and Entertainment, succeeding former USA Today editor-in-chief Ken Paulson.

“Being named dean of the College of Media and Entertainment is the greatest honor of my career,” Keel said. “I take this responsibility not only seriously but also personally, because I was once one of the students walking these very halls.”

A Nashville native, Keel received a master’s degree in Journalism from Columbia University, spent a decade as People magazine’s Nashville correspondent, and wrote The Tennessean’s celebrity column for two years. She also was an editor of American Profile magazine, writing cover stories on former President Jimmy Carter, the late Rev. Billy Graham, and NFL Hall of Famer Joe Namath, among others.

In addition, Keel previously served as senior vice president of media and artist relations for Universal Music Group Nashville, where she developed extensive media campaigns for artists such as Lionel Richie, Vince Gill, Sugarland, and George Strait.

In 2014, she joined forces with Tracy Gershon and Leslie Fram to create Change the Conversation, a coalition designed to combat gender inequality in country music. Keel currently serves as a board member of The Recording Academy, which stages the Grammys. MTSU

2020

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