Resume
Cathryn Stout, Ph.D., M.Div.
Strategist · Scholar · Storyteller
I bring historical depth and moral clarity to the moments that test institutions. For more than two decades, in newsrooms, classrooms, school districts, and public health, I have helped leaders find the right story and tell it with substance and soul. Today I direct strategic communications for the ACLU of Tennessee and guide faith-based and social-impact leaders through Stout Consulting. I believe a more perfect union begins with a more honest story.
Career Highlights
ACLU of Tennessee: Directs rapid-response and media strategy that has earned national coverage in The Guardian, AP, and CBS Evening News.
Memphis-Shelby County Schools: As Chief of Communications for Tennessee’s largest district, led a 26-person creative team that won three national Communicator Awards, and ran a campaign that helped secure $175 million for two new high schools.
Tennessee Department of Health: Built faith-based partnerships, then led communications for the Division of Health Disparities Elimination.
Chalkbeat Tennessee: As Bureau Chief, produced a map of CRT legislation cited by The New York Times, The 1619 Project, and EdWeek.
Miss Porter’s School: Became the first person of color to chair a department in the school’s 178-year history.
The Commercial Appeal: Wrote more than 800 articles, with select pieces syndicated nationally by the Associated Press.
Recent Engagements
Wellesley College Racial Justice Initiative, 2026 Kickoff · Keynote Speaker
Girls Leading Our World (GLOW), Global Cohort Gathering · Panelist
Religion, Ethics & Public Intellectuals with Dr. Robert Franklin, Candler School of Theology · Guest Lecturer
History of African American Preaching II, 1918 to Present with Dr. Courtney V. Buggs, Christian Theological Seminary · Guest Lecturer
Memphis Academy of Civic Engagement · Moderator
“Messaging and the Moment,” Memphis Power Training · Panelist
Education
Ph.D., American Studies, Saint Louis University
M.Div., Candler School of Theology, Emory University
M.A., Southern Studies, University of Mississippi, summa cum laude
B.A., American Studies and Theatre Studies, Wellesley College, Mellon Mays Fellow
Recognitions
2025, Appointed to the Board of Directors for the Memphis Urban League
2024, Named an Obama USA Leader by the Obama Foundation
2024, Spearheaded initiatives that earned three national Communicator Awards, recognizing excellence in strategic communications, public relations, and video production.
2023, Invited to join White House Press Briefing Vice President Kamala Harris
2022, Next Era Transition Team Member for Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris
2019, 40 Under 40, Memphis Urban Elite Award
2014, Morgan Endowed Book Fund Award
2005, Horizon Award for Outstanding Journalism, E.W. Scripps Company
Selected Press & Public Scholarship
2023, “The New Rules Of Engagement: Building Community And Bonds In The Hybrid Church,” Article, Writer, Link
2022, “Black ministers respond to the pandemic reset,” Press Release, Writer, Link
2022, “As gun violence strikes, this Memphis teacher makes space to grieve,” Chalkbeat, Writer, Link
2022, “How the age-appropriate debate is altering curriculum in Tennessee and nationwide,” Chalkbeat, Lead Editor, Link
2021, “Memphis students challenge the politics of mourning as cultures clash,” Chalkbeat, Writer, Link
2021, CRT Map: Efforts to restrict teaching racism and bias have multiplied across the U.S., Chalkbeat, Researcher, Link
2020, “Remembering Exeter Student and Police Shooting Victim Edmund Perry,” Medium, column, Link
2020, “Why Mound Bayou, MS and Historic Black Towns Matter,” Medium, column, Link
2019, “Political Sport of Bashing Black Women Harms Us All,” The Commercial Appeal, editorial, Memphis, Link
2010, “Opening the Gates of Graceland,” The Commercial Appeal, newspaper editorial, 2010, Link