Dalton, GA – Dalton Public Schools proudly announces that Kendra Pannell, Executive Director of Communications, has been named to Kennesaw State University’s prestigious 40 Owls Under 40 Class of 2026. Pannell was officially recognized during a ceremony on April 24, 2026, honoring her professional achievements and impact in both education and the community.
The 40 Owls Under 40 program celebrates Kennesaw State University (KSU) and Southern Polytechnic State University (SPSU) alumni under the age of 40 who are making significant contributions in their careers and communities.
“This year’s class of 40 Owls Under 40 is an impressive group of alumni making impacts across the spectrum of business, government, education, public service and more,” said KSU President Kathy S. Schwaig. “Their accomplishments embody the proud spirit of Kennesaw State and serve as an inspiring example for our current students.”
Selected through a highly competitive process, honorees were evaluated based on their professional success, community involvement, and commitment to their alma mater. More than 75,000 alumni were eligible for the 2026 class, with over 450 nominations submitted during Fall 2025.
Pannell joined Dalton Public Schools in January 2024 and serves as Executive Director of Communications, where she oversees the district’s communications strategy, public relations, marketing efforts, media relations, crisis communication, branding, and community engagement. In this role, she leads initiatives that elevate the district’s voice and strengthen connections with students, staff, families, and the broader community. After discovering her passion for communications while working in collegiate events and athletics, she has built a career centered on serving as the bridge between school success stories and community stakeholders through compelling storytelling and strategic engagement.
“We are incredibly proud of Kendra and the work she continues to do for Dalton Public Schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Steven Craft. “She brings vision, creativity, and purpose to everything she does, and has transformed the way we share our story and engage with our community. This recognition is well deserved, and we’re proud to have her representing our district.”
Pannell is a recognized leader in school communications at both the state and national levels. She currently serves as President-Elect of the Georgia School Public Relations Association (GSPRA) and has previously served in multiple advisory positions. She is also an active member of the National School Public (NSPRA) and has presented at multiple conferences on topics including the importance of branding, district rebranding strategies, and building effective strategic communications.
Her work has earned extensive recognition at both the state and national levels. She was named the 2024–25 GSPRA Communicator of the Year and recipient of the prestigious Marie Wofford Professional Award, advancing as Georgia’s nominee for the NSPRA National Communicator of the Year award. Pannell has also received multiple GSPRA Best in Category honors and Gold Awards of Excellence across categories such as branding, publications, photography, and digital media, along with two NSPRA Golden Achievement Awards. She was an inaugural recipient of the GSPRA Peach Medallion Award and has has been featured in multiple publications, including the Calhoun Times Women’s World Edition and a national Apptegy case study titled “Dalton Public Schools: Making Their Mark Through Communications Excellence.”
Committed to continuous growth, Pannell is currently pursuing an Accreditation in Public Relations (APR). She has completed extensive professional training in communications, leadership, and public safety, including Incident Command Systems, C.R.A.S.E., Continuity of Operations Planning, Mental Health First Aid, and Crowd Management. She has also completed specialized coursework in weather hazards, behavioral threat indicators, and suspicious activity reporting practices.
A 2025 graduate of Leadership Dalton-Whitfield, Pannell remains actively engaged in her profession and broader community. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Sport Management from Kennesaw State University. Outside of her professional role, she values time with her three children, Charleigh, Keaton, and Benjamin.
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