Who We Are

Children are the seeds of hope for our tomorrow. We believe in the power that they hold, and know that they will mold future generations to come. At Inside Out Academy, we are here to give them the support they need in order to shape them into leaders of the future. We are committed to engaging them in activities that build communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity skills. We seek to develop partnerships with community agencies, organizations, and schools to provide resources for prevention of social issues such as bullying, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, sexual promiscuity, discrimination, economic deprivation, financial illiteracy, and obesity. Donate today, and see how you can make an impact!

Dr. LaKenya Evans

Dr. LaKenya Evans is a former educator who has lived in the Mississippi Delta her entire life. She currently serves as the Director of Tobacco for Bolivar and Sunflower Counties. Her career as an educator was spent in the classroom teaching grades spanning from first to twelfth. Having taught several courses, reading and career discovery are two she deems most rewarding for her career because of the immediate joy and benefits to her students. In 2014, Evans transitioned from the classroom to the high school library where she served the dual role of librarian and lead teacher at her alma mater, John F. Kennedy Memorial High School in Mound Bayou, MS. This role allowed her to work hand in hand with students, teachers, administrators, and parents in her community, something she had dreamed of since before graduating from high school in 1998. Evans remained in this position until the closing of the school in May of 2018. Additionally, she served as literacy coach in a neighboring school district until she returned to her home district in August 2019 as lead teacher of I.T. Montgomery in Mound Bayou, MS.

LaKenya has earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, a Masters of Education in Elementary Education, and an Educational Specialist in Educational Administration and Supervision all from Delta State University. She attained a Doctor of Education from Belhaven University in July of 2023. LaKenya is the proud wife of Dr. Samuel Evans, Jr. and together they have six beautiful children. Her greatest joy comes from working in her community to help those in need. Prior to graduating from high school, LaKenya has wanted to provide a place for youth to access resources and experiences that were not available at school or home. This desire has led her to work with student organizations, like Girl Talk Inc., and has inspired her to take students from the Mississippi Delta to places like the World of Coca-Cola, MLB games, NBA games, National Civil Rights Museum, Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, Six Flags, Universal Studios, and several other locations.

LaKenya served has youth director at her home church, Mt. Olive Missionary Church, from 2006-2019. In 2019, her husband was elected as pastor of Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church, where she currently serves where ever she is needed. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, Mississippi Professional Educators, National Education Association, and Mississippi Literacy Association.

LaKenya describes Inside Out Academy as a manifestation of dreams that God has given her over the years. LaKenya believes that Inside Out Academy will cultivate minds of children everywhere to harvest bright futures and change our world.

Dr. Samuel C. Evans, Jr.

Dr. Samuel C. Evans, Jr. was born and reared in the Mississippi Delta and is a product of Greenville Public School District. After high school, he attended Delta State University in Cleveland, MS where he received a Bachelor's of Science in Education degree. He is a twenty-seven year veteran in K-12 public education and has given all his years of service to the Mississippi Delta.

He began his career in education as a classroom teacher, serving in that capacity for five years. He then served five years as an assistant principal and fifteen years as a building principal. He currently serves as the Director of Professional Development and Data Analysis for the Leland School District.

Dr. Evans, has served as a youth leader and minister at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Mound Bayou, MS where he now serves as pastor of Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church. He has devoted his life to doing all possible to ensure that children he encounters have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Dr. Evans also served eight years in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1989 to 1997. His military occupational specialty was 12 Bravo, combat engineer. As an Army engineer, he learned how to build bridges, design and detect mine fields, and survive in severe combat situations. The United States Army instilled in him a discipline and sense of hometown pride that has added definition and humility to his character.

Dr. Evans is the proud husband of cofounder, LaKenya Evans. Together they have five sons and one daughter. He believes the greatest gift he has ever received is the gift of being a father and husband. He is an active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, Mississippi Profession of Educators, and National Educators Association. Dr. Evans believes that our main mission in life is to be a servant to those in need.

Inside Out Academy Board

Below, meet the members of the Inside Out Academy Board of Directors.

DeVoyce C. Morris

President

Founder
Art-cetera Summer Arts Enrichment Program

Life Member and Silver Star
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc

Member
Coahoma Community College
Board of Directors