Photo courtesy of the City of Jackson
Mayor Scott Conger has selected Steve Beverly to honor as the City of Jackson’s June Hub City Hero.
Beverly, a native of Columbus, GA, has over 30 years of experience in journalism in Jackson. Beverly said that he was taught to focus on how news affects the people who live in any city.
“In television, if you don’t love people and the city where you serve, you will never be successful,” said Beverly. “I have tried to forge relationships with the average person on the street and neighborhood as well as the leadership of every community [I] have lived.”
Beverly is a retired professor from Union University where he operated the broadcast journalism sequence as if it were a small television news department. For 10 years, his students produced “Jackson 24/7” and later established “West Tennessee Today” as a digital news platform. Beverly says that his students had the opportunity to interview elected officials including mayors, state legislators, as well as other appointed officials.
Beverly was inducted into the Union University Sports Hall of Fame and honored as the Tennessee Communications Educator of the Year in 2021. Beverly also continues to be a mental health advocate by helping to “chip away at the stigma that has kept many people from seeking the necessary help and counseling to heal from mental illness.”
“Steve’s heart for the City of Jackson, TN and the people who live here is top notch,” said Mayor Scott Conger. “Steve has spent over 30 years in Jackson reporting the news accurately and fairly all with the love of the city in mind.”
“Hub City Heroes” selflessly and steadily give of their time and talent to improve the lives of others in the community. Recognition as a hero is one small way to thank these public servants for their efforts and it gives honorees the opportunity to raise awareness for causes that are important to them.
Criteria
- Committed to improving the quality of life of others in Jackson
- Contributes time to community activities in a volunteer capacity
- Serves as a role model and inspiration to others
- Focuses on growth and well-being of the community we serve
- Empowers and engages others to give back
- Demonstrates integrity, collaboration, innovation and respect
Recipients will be selected monthly and nominations are continuous. To nominate a hero, visit http://hero.jacksontn.gov. Candidates must be a resident of Jackson, Tennessee
After a year of heroes have been recognized, one hero will be selected and awarded $1,000 to donate to a non-profit of their choice. For more information, visit http://hero.jacksontn.gov.