Trevecca alumnus Kendell Poole was appointed to the Nashville Sports Authority on March 3 during the Metro City Council meeting following a recommendation from Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell.
The Sports Authority oversees agreements between the city and major professional sports organizations including the Tennessee Titans, Nashville Predators, Nashville Sounds and Nashville SC. Poole said the role is rooted in public service and responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources.
“This is strictly public service,” Poole said, a proud volunteer for his new role. “The Sports Authority is really the guardian of Metro taxpayer dollars. Our goal is to make sure everything is spent wisely and appropriately.”
Poole brings a long history of public service at the federal, state and local levels. Beyond his civic work, Poole has remained closely connected to Trevecca for decades. He is a graduate of the University with degrees in communications and human relations as well as business administration.
He has also been a longtime supporter of Trevecca athletics, serving as a broadcaster, a member of the T-Club and Purple & White Club, a member of the Trevecca Hall of Fame committee and most recently as a color commentator on Trevecca basketball livestream broadcasts.
“My family has four generations of Trevecca students,” Poole said with a smile. “Trevecca runs deep in the blood.”
Poole said his college experience played a significant role in shaping his approach to leadership and service.
“I felt drawn to public service because of my experience at Trevecca,” he said. “Trevecca had a huge impact on me because it helped me view public service as a calling.”
He credits relationships with faculty members, including Dr. Jim Quiggins and Dr. Corliss McGee, for helping shape both his academic path and his perspective on leadership.
“They impacted me not just academically but spiritually as well,” Poole said.
He added that the University’s community and values are what continue to make Trevecca stand out.
“It’s a very unique community that embraces everyone,” he said. “It espouses the values that you should have when you go out into the world.”
For Poole, faith has remained central to how he approaches public service and leadership.
“I think there is a need for people with strong faith-based values who are involved in our city, in our state and in our country,” he said. “I just want to be able to carry the banner for good stewardship and giving back.”
Looking back on his college years, Poole credits Trevecca for shaping how he approaches his life. Today, as he prepares to step into his role with the Nashville Sports Authority, Poole remains deeply grateful for both the University and the city that helped shape his journey.
“I love Trevecca,” Poole said. “And I love Nashville.”