Jennifer T. Roberts-Edwards went to Carthage ISD from elementary school through high school and graduated with the class of 2000.  What makes her story so unusual is that at age 25 she has achieved a Doctoral Degree from Sam Houston State University in the field of Educational Leadership - Higher Educational Executive Leadership.  Here's the route she took towards her educational success.

Jennifer is the daughter of Glendell Chadwick and Baker Roberts.   She was born in Carthage.  Her mother, as a single parent, worked full-time as Jennifer grew up.  Glendell owns a daycare and said that every day after school, for as long as she can remember, Jennifer would get off the bus at the daycare and help her with the duties there until closing time.  Even as a youth, Jennifer was involved in the educational process of the children at the daycare. Her passion for education developed early and has only increased through the years.  She said, "The transition from junior high to high school was cushioned by being on the debate team. Lucky Watkins led me from a shy and introverted youth into a confident and successful graduate of Carthage High School.  Being under his leadership in debate for three years gave me the skills to grow both personally and as a debater.  His influence led me into a career in communication and education."

During her senior year, Jennifer's team won district in Cross-Examination Debate competition and went to the state contest. Her coach was Velda Molitor, and Jennifer said, "Mrs. Molitor was one of those people who practiced 'tough love' and really influenced my development in public speaking and interpersonal communication. I am a better person for being under her leadership."

Jennifer finished high school at the age of 17 and went to Panola College with a scholarship in debate.  At Panola College, she found another person who left lasting footprints on her heart.  The coach and teacher at Panola was Freddy Mason.  "He made a true impact on my life by continually pushing me forward and keeping me accountable on the path towards my ultimate goal in the educational field," she said.

Jennifer achieved an associate degree from Panola College in one year and went to Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) in 2001.  At SFA, she finished her Bachelor of Arts in speech communication and journalism in 2002, and a Master of Arts degree in communication in 2003.  During her last semester, Jennifer took 36 hours.  Her course load was difficult, but Jennifer set some goals for her life and was focused on finishing her coursework in record time.  At age 20, she was one of the youngest to graduate from SFA with a master’s degree.

While at SFA, Jennifer was active in over 15 student and professional organizations on campus.  She functioned as a graduate assistant in the student affairs office, served on the multicultural center committee, and was selected as one of the top three finalists for the Miss SFA award.  She was a busy young lady.  Condoleezza Rice, a member of Alpha Chi Omega, was one of her role models, however she chose to become a Chi Omega.  Through this organization, Jennifer found great support while she continued on her path towards a doctorate degree. 

"God gave me a goal…and I set forth with every possible effort to achieve it.  I could not have completed the task without His help and guidance.  God has been at the center of my personal and professional goals since childhood.  I have made a concerted effort to keep Him at the center of my life as I make decisions and follow the course before me."

With her master's degree in hand, Jennifer set out for a job at Sam Houston State University as Coordinator of Multicultural and International Student Services.  In 2004, one year after she started working at SHSU, Jennifer gained admission into the Educational Leadership doctoral program. While working full-time, Jennifer took a significant course load each semester.  She receives her doctoral degree in Executive Leadership in December 2007.  Once again she breaks the average record for earning a degree at a young age.  Her dedication to achievement has been a great personal accomplishment.

When asked of her current and future plans, Jennifer replied, "One day I hope to become the president of a community college or university."

She is currently teaching at Tarleton State University as an Assistant Professor of Communication Studies.  She enjoys what she does because it enables her to have a positive influence on college students.  Last December, 2006, she married Anthony C. Edwards.  They are currently living in Granbury, TX. Anthony is a high school science teacher at Huckabay ISD, where he teaches Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology, and Biology.

In reply to the question of what pushed her to achieve her goals in a short amount of time, she replied, "I have always told others that my drive to get a doctoral degree is not for self-achievement, but to help me gain a position in which I can make a larger positive impact on undergraduate students.   I want to influence others as I have been so impacted by my mentors, advisors, and dissertation chairs. To be a personal and professional leader for youth coming to adulthood is both a challenge and a responsibility of a dedicated educator.  It is a calling from God.  I feel that I am making a difference in the lives of the students that I serve."

Dr. Jennifer T. Roberts-Edwards will continue to serve students as she matures professionally.  She is always seeking to make the world a better place, one person at a time.  That is the goal of a truly dedicated educator.