Lola Kendrick

Lola Kendrick of Shreveport served Caddo Parish for 30 years, where she was recognized as an outstanding teacher, researcher, public relations head and Assistant to the Superintendent. She has been a community education activist, serving on numerous boards and clubs, constantly researching and writing education- and youth-related grants.

Kendrick earned her undergraduate degree in 1961 and a master’s from Northwestern in 1967. In addition to her work as a teacher and administrator, she served for eight years as an education specialist for Workforce Commission in the governor’s office, where she was responsible for researching education issues, such as preparing a work-ready workforce and career planning. She was the principal author of a report that has been widely used and quoted in Louisiana workforce, education and economic development arenas. The report has continued to be updated and is featured in a Council for a Better Louisiana report.

Kendrick was one of two principal authors to develop and write Louisiana’s School to Work Grant that resulted in more than $25 million in funding distributed to education systems and partners. She is currently heading a team that is made of agency and business partners writing a Youth Build grant application for north Louisiana. Since her retirement, Kendrick has continued to be a tireless community volunteer in education, using her research, writing and presentation skills for the good of the students of Louisiana, including the disadvantaged and drop-outs.