Rising Political Leaders Meet in San Diego to Tackle Bold Education Solutions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 4, 2025

Contact: Jonathan Ortiz

jortiz@hunt-institute.org | (984) 256-8548

Rising Political Leaders Meet in San Diego to Tackle Bold Education Solutions 

 The Hunt Institute to host Cohort 11 of The Hunt-Kean Leadership Fellows in August 

San Diego, CA – The Hunt Institute will host the second and final session of the Hunt-Kean Leadership Fellows’ eleventh cohort from Wednesday, August 6 to Friday, August 8, 2025. These 25 senior elected officials will hear from resource experts and panelists on topics of educator workforce and higher education. The Hunt-Kean Leadership Fellows program – unlike any other Fellowship in the nation – provides political leaders from across the country with the knowledge they need to cultivate smart and effective education agendas.  

It’s been a privilege to watch this group of leaders grow over the course of the Fellows program,” said Governor Susana Martinez (R-NM). “I’m looking forward to seeing what these Fellows do next—and the leadership they’ll bring back to their states to better serve their communities and the lives of students and families.”  

By investing in America’s senior-level elected officials, we are building informed and motivated educational change agents with the necessary influence to reform state education systems and improve outcomes. The bipartisan Fellows program: 

• Exposes Fellows to the most up-to-date research and analysis on innovative and successful education policies and practices 

• Provides an environment that welcomes distinct views in order to foster debate on multifaceted education issues 

• Introduces Fellows to other leaders directing successful reform efforts across the nation 

“As Cohort 11 of our Hunt-Kean Leadership Fellows wraps up, I’m excited to see how this group of leaders builds on what they’ve learned and carries forward the legacy of Governors Hunt and Kean,” said Dr. Javaid Siddiqi, President & CEO of The Hunt Institute. “By prioritizing education as a unifying issue, these leaders are paving the way for smarter policies and stronger outcomes in every community they serve.” 

HK Fellows will discuss diversifying the teacher workforce, aligning postsecondary education with economic needs, and ensuring affordable access to postsecondary education.  

“Over the past nine months, it’s been an incredible experience to learn from and collaborate with a distinguished group of leaders through The Hunt Institute’s Hunt-Kean Leadership Fellows program,” said Lt. Governor Aruna Miller (D-MD). “As we prepare for the next convening, I’m eager to deepen our focus on K-12 and higher education and explore innovative strategies to advance student success in Maryland and across the nation.” 

From their initial convening in December 2024 through this closing session in August, HK Fellows have participated in a rigorous curriculum facilitated by The Institute, including policy discussions, study groups, strategy breakouts, site visits, classroom perspective sessions, monthly virtual sessions, and two in-person convenings to share experiences and gain insights from fellow cohort members and national resource experts. 

“During the Hunt-Kean Fellowship, I’ve valued the chance to engage with leaders from across the country,” said Attorney General Dave Yost (R-OH).“As we come together again, I’m looking forward to productive discussions on how we can strengthen our education system—and better align them with the workforce needs of tomorrow, all while ensuring accountability, protecting local control, and expanding opportunities for every student.”  

Named for renowned education governors Jim Hunt (D-NC | 1977-1985; 1993- 2001) and Tom Kean (R-NJ | 1982-1990), the national, nonpartisan Fellowship launched in the fall of 2014. The cohort includes 32 policymakers from across the nation, all state-level policymakers committed to uplifting education issues in their states. 

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About The Hunt Institute 

The Hunt Institute, an affiliate of the Duke University Sanford School of Public Policy, is a recognized leader in the movement to transform public education. Marshaling expertise from a nationwide partner network since its establishment in 2001, The Institute brings together people and resources that help build and nurture visionary leadership and mobilize strategic action for greater educational outcomes and student success. For more information, please visit: http://www.hunt-institute.org/ 

About the Hunt-Kean Leadership Fellows 

The Hunt-Kean Leadership Fellows program seeks to partner with senior-level political leaders who have the knowledge, skill, and will to be effective, reform-minded education policymakers at the state level. Named for renowned education governors Jim Hunt (D-NC | 1977-1985; 1993-2001) and Tom Kean (R-NJ | 1982-1990), the national, nonpartisan Fellowship launched in the fall of 2014. Through the Fellowship, the Institute’s vision is to help political leaders develop a deeply rooted vision for educational improvement. For more information about Hunt-Kean Leadership Fellows, please visit http://www.hunt-institute.org/hunt-kean-leadership-fellows/.