Beverly Keel: Advancing Women and Their Causes in Music and Media
Chair, Department of Recording Industry, Middle Tennessee State University
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/beverly-keel-3546265/
Bio:
Keel is the Chair, Department of Recording Industry, Middle Tennessee State University.
Disruption:
Keel has pivoted from being a journalist (covered the world for PEOPLE magazine), local newspaper columnist and broadcast commentator to teacher, leading administrator and nationally prominent educator. A public crusader for better financing and gender parity for women in the music industry, Keel is also an impact player in mass media who personally brought an early screening of the assault documentary The Hunting Ground and an all-star discussion panel to MTSU to address the university’s approach to gender and assault issues.
Mentorship:
Keel has mentored countless individuals who credit her for their success in journalism or the music industry. She has lifted the department she chairs to national prominence and co-founded and helps lead a coalition of women (mostly) working to advance women’s equality in music careers.
What’s Next:
She is committed to escalating the battle against gender discrimination in the music industry and the fallout that occurs when girls don’t hear women’s voices in the music that receives airtime in their communities. She wants girls and young women to dream that they can succeed in the music industry and break down the barriers that impede their ability to do so.
If radio doesn’t play females, labels won’t sign as many artists and then publishers won’t sign as many females….This affects all women because music is an important force in shaping popular culture, which should reflect who we are as a society.
Education:
B.S. Communication-Journalism, Middle Tennessee State University; M.S. Graduate School of Journalism, Columbia University
Residence:
Nashville, Tennessee
Board:
The Recording Academy, The Women’s Fund