Dr. Jennifer T. Roberts-Edwards To Speak at Graduation

Dr. Jennifer T. Roberts-Edwards will be the commencement speaker at this year’s Panola College graduation ceremony. The event is scheduled for Friday, May 9, at 7:00 p.m. in the Arthur M. Johnson Gymnasium. 

Jennifer 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 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 was born in Carthage and is the daughter of Glendell Chadwick and Baker Roberts.   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."

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. 

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 received her doctoral degree in Executive Leadership in December 2007.  Once again she broke the average record for earning a degree at a young age. 

Jennifer is currently teaching at Tarleton State University as an Assistant Professor of Communication Studies. She is married to Mr. Anthony C. Edwards.