College of Education (COE)
University of Memphis College of Education Names Germany Kent Executive-in-Residence
Friday, 10 April 2026 - The University of Memphis College of Education has named Germany Kent as Executive-in-Residence, where she will support strategic communications, storytelling, alumni engagement, and innovation across the College.
Kent, whose given name is Evelyn Palmer, is a globally recognized thought leader and national authority on social media ethics, with a distinguished career spanning media, communications, higher education, authorship, and community leadership. Her work on leadership, media literacy, and digital responsibility has been cited more than 1,500 times by schools, libraries, universities, and media outlets in over 100 countries.
Kent will also spearhead a forward-thinking alumni spotlight initiative designed to strengthen engagement and elevate philanthropic partnerships across the region and nation. This effort will incorporate visual identity, content strategy, and leadership branding to highlight alumni impact, preserve legacy, and expand the cultural and community narrative of the University of Memphis. The initiative aligns with the University’s flagship ASCEND agenda, supporting its goals of enrollment growth, student success, and expanded community and economic impact, and will enhance the College’s impact-driven communications strategy.
“As a pioneering institution shaping the future of learning and leadership, we are pleased to welcome Ms. Kent,” said Dr. Michael Miller, Dean of the College of Education. “She is a visionary leader with a proven record of innovation across disciplines and communities. Her global perspective brings a world-class lens to the work of today’s educators, and her leadership will strengthen internal and external communications while enhancing initiatives like ASCEND, providing purposeful and distinctive recruitment and marketing.”
Dean Miller added, “This collaboration will empower students and emerging educators to share their research and stories broadly, amplifying voices that are shaping the future of education, leadership, and organizational change. Her experience collaborating with organizations ranging from startups to Fortune 100 companies reflects the strategic guidance we seek from an Executive-in-Residence.”
“I’m honored to join the Dean and the College of Education in advancing its mission,” Kent said. “I look forward to collaborating with students, staff, and community partners to foster innovative storytelling, meaningful learning, and leadership development that creates lasting impact for the enrichment of our ever-changing society.”
Kent’s residency represents a strategic investment in media-driven academic innovation. Her work will integrate with faculty collaborations, community outreach, student mentoring, and leadership forums across the University, including the forthcoming Conversations in Education series.
Recently, Kent was recognized by El Camino College in Torrance, California, as one of eight Distinguished Women during Women’s History Month. The honor celebrates individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to education, mentorship, and leadership, and reflects the national theme, “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.”
Though widely known for her national journalism influence and cross-industry work in media and communications, Kent brings extensive experience in higher education, having served in leadership roles at multiple institutions including the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; the University of Alabama; and the University of Houston.
Together, these initiatives reinforce the University of Memphis’s leadership in education and elevate the College of Education’s visibility and influence, positioning the University to rise to a higher level of national prominence.
