Jennifer Teichman Kerr was part of the sixth generation in her family to grow up on their farm in rural Lafayette County. Kerr earned a PhD in European history from the University of Missouri and taught European history courses at Columbia College for 18 years. She also developed several online courses throughout her teaching career. Kerr holds a law degree from the University of Missouri–Kansas City and currently practices law in Lexington, Missouri. She is very active in her community. Kerr has served as a past president of the Lafayette County Bar Association, and is presently serving as secretary of the board of trustees for both the Lexington Historical Association and the Wentworth Military Academy Museum.