Dr. Jennifer Kent was a first-generation college student who currently serves as the vice president of administration at Ranger College in Texas and is in her 23rd year in education. She also serves as a doctoral cohort coordinator for the John E. Roueche Center for Community College Leadership with Kansas State University. Dr. Kent was selected to participate in the American Association of Community College’s Future Presidents Institute in 2018 and was recognized in 2019 with the NISOD Excellence Award.

Prior to her transition to higher education, Dr. Kent worked in public education for 19 years, including 11 years as a secondary school principal. In her last five years as a high school principal, Dr. Kent’s campus was named as one of the top high schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Dr. Kent received her doctoral degree in educational leadership from Texas A&M University-Kingsville, her master’s degree in educational administration from the University of North Texas, and her bachelor of arts degree in English from Tarleton State University. Dr. Kent is committed to community service and is an active member of the Ranger Lions Club and Stephenville Optimist Club.

Dr. Kent is a proud member of the Ranger College Guided Pathways Team, which is dedicated to increasing equity and student success through its partnership with the Texas Success Center. Dr. Kent believes that through education, we can stop the cycle of generational poverty and change lives for multiple generations.