LAS VEGAS — Middle Tennessee State University Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment Dean Beverly Keel was recently recognized during the third annual “I’m Just Me: A Charley Pride Celebration of Inclusion” held May 16 during Academy of Country Music Awards week in Las Vegas.

Hosted by Amazon MGM Studios in partnership with Amazon Music and the Academy of Country Music, the event honors artists, executives, allies and culture shapers whose work helps create a more inclusive future for country music while celebrating the legacy of groundbreaking country artist Charley Pride.

Keel was honored in the ally category for her work elevating underrepresented voices in country music through journalism, education and leadership in the music industry.

“I was so honored to be recognized with the others for our work in elevating underrepresented voices in country music,” said Keel. “It was an unforgettable event. Being around the others and celebrating the work, life, and legacy of Charley Pride was tremendously inspiring. It is a reminder that there is still much work to be done to ensure that all voices are given a fair chance of being heard.”

Other 2026 honorees included the Compton Cowboys, MŌRIAH, Joseph Hudak, James Marsh and Stephanie Davenport.

The celebration took place at Luchini Italian Restaurant inside the MGM Grand Las Vegas as part of ACM Awards Week festivities leading up to the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards.

About the Academy of Country Music

Founded in Southern California in 1964 as a regional trade organization, the Academy of Country Music (ACM) has grown over the past 60 years into a leading association for the Country Music industry.

Headquartered in Nashville and boasting a record-high membership of more than 5,000 worldwide, the academy serves as a powerhouse advocate for country fans, artists, and all facets of the business, as well as a supporter of philanthropic work through charitable partner ACM Lifting Lives, dedicated to improving lives through the power of music and providing aid in times of need, with a focus on health initiatives.

This year has continued to be a landmark year for the academy, building on last year’s success of the 60th ACM Awards, hosted by entertainment icon Reba McEntire, which returned to the Dallas Cowboys’ world headquarters in Texas for a third consecutive year and streamed live to a global audience on Prime Video.

The Academy also remains relentlessly committed to creating a more inclusive environment for underrepresented groups in Country Music, from the boardroom to the stage, and proudly presents ACM Level Up, a two-year professional development and enrichment curriculum for rising leaders, among other initiatives.

— Stacey Tadlock (Stacey.Tadlock@mtsu.edu)