Lee University’s Department of History, Political Science, and Humanities recently awarded Mayor Kevin Brooks (’90) the Department Alumnus of the Year Award.

After graduating from Lee with a Bachelor of Science in history, Brooks worked in the President’s Office and later became the director of alumni relations at Lee.

Brooks has a long history of serving the city of Cleveland. He was elected to the 105th Tennessee General Assembly from the 24th district, which includes Cleveland and other parts of Bradley County, and served in the assembly for six consecutive terms. Brooks then announced his candidacy for mayor of Cleveland and was elected in 2018.

“Mayor Brooks is an outstanding leader and public servant,” said Dr. Randy Wood, department chair. “We are honored to have him as an alumnus, and we are pleased that our students have an excellent role model of committed Christian service in the political arena.”

Brooks has received numerous awards honoring his service during his career as a public servant, including the Tennessee School Health Coalition Legislator of the Year, the Tennessee Chapter American Academy of Pediatrics Legislator of the Year, the Bradley County GOP Lifetime Achievement Award, and the County Officials Outstanding Legislator of the Year, among many others.

He is an active member of Westmore Church of God and serves as the coordinator of public relations and agent of record for the Church of God International Offices in Cleveland. He and his wife Kim have two children and two granddaughters.

“It is humbling and amazing to be recognized by the department with this award,” said Brooks. “I am truly grateful.”

Brooks spoke at a departmental reception during the university’s Homecoming earlier this month, and the award was presented to him after his address. He was also honored during the Homecoming basketball games the following day, along with other alumnus award winners.

PHOTO: Mayor Kevin Brooks, right, pictured with Dr. Randy Wood, receives the History, Political Science, and Humanities Department Alum of the Year Award at a departmental reception during Lee’s Homecoming.