College of Education (COE)
COE Executive-in-Residence Germany Kent to Address Students Across Four North Panola School District Events
Thursday, 14 May 2026
The University of Memphis College of Education’s Executive-in-Residence, Germany Kent,
will speak at four student-centered events across the North Panola School District in
Panola County, Mississippi.
The events will engage students across elementary, middle, and high school levels
and reflect the district’s ongoing commitment to academic achievement, leadership
development, and student success.
Kent will serve as featured speaker for the North Panola Career & Technical Center
Honors Program on May 14, recognizing student achievement in academic and workforce-readiness
pathways for students in grades 9–12. She will also speak at the 6th and 7th Grade
Academic Awards Night on May 20, the 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony at Green Hill Intermediate
School on May 22, and deliver the keynote address for the 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony
on May 26 at the North Panola High School gymnasium.
Kent was recently invited by North Panola School District leadership to participate
in a recognition event honoring faculty, staff, and administrators across the district.
“We are pleased to welcome back Ms. Kent to speak with our students,” said CTC Director
Anterior Ballentine. “Alumni engagement is an important part of our commitment to
academic excellence and leadership development, and we value opportunities that connect
students with graduates who demonstrate service, leadership, and community impact.”
North Panola Middle School Principal Eva O’Neil, whose daughter is a student at the
University of Memphis, echoed this sentiment, noting the value of representation and
lived experience: “This provides students with a firsthand experience of what is possible.”
A nationally award-winning multimedia executive and former FOX News anchor, Kent works
at the intersection of media, education, and public service. Her work has appeared
in major outlets including Forbes and Yahoo News. She is the author of You Are What You Tweet, a book on digital citizenship and social media responsibility that was selected
for a White House digital ethics campaign.
During her tenure as Executive-in-Residence at the University of Memphis College of
Education, Kent has led initiatives highlighting and showcasing educators and researchers
across the education sector, with a focus on storytelling and alumni engagement, in
support of the University of Memphis ASCEND strategic plan. She has also collaborated
with The ROAR, the university’s student-run radio station, and has mentored emerging
journalists in media and communication.
Kent’s work in youth development includes public speaking and initiatives focused
on digital citizenship, online safety, and cyberbullying prevention.
Kent, also known by her given name Evelyn Palmer, a former Miss North Panola and inaugural
inductee into the North Panola High School Hall of Fame, expressed gratitude for the
opportunity to engage with students throughout the district:
“I’m honored to return and connect with students across every level of learning in
the North Panola community. Mentorship, education, and empowerment have always guided
my work, and I hope to inspire students to recognize their potential, pursue excellence,
and understand the positive impact they can make in their communities and beyond.”
The North Panola School District serves the communities of Como, Crenshaw, and Sardis,
Mississippi, with a mission to prepare students for success in college, careers, and
life. The district’s core pillars—Leadership, Collaboration, and Innovation—align
with Kent’s participation, reflecting a continued focus on student engagement and
educational opportunity.