20 North Carolina Policymakers Bridge Rural-Urban Communities in Education Leadership Program

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jonathan Ortiz

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

May 15, 2025

The Hunt Institute congratulates the fifth cohort of its North Carolina Hunt State Policy Fellows program.

CARY, N.C. –  Twenty policymakers from across North Carolina have completed the fifth cohort of the North Carolina State Policy Fellows program, leaving with expanded perspectives on the state’s educational challenges as well as strengthened networks to address them. The program showcased successes within North Carolina while highlighting innovative approaches from across the nation. 

The cohort of school board members, mayors, county commissioners, local law enforcement officials, and other elected leaders spent five months examining North Carolina’s education system, from early childhood to higher education, while building meaningful, bipartisan connections that bridge rural and urban communities. 

Directed by The Hunt Institute, this program strengthens the capacity of emerging education leaders across the Tar Heel state. Through three sessions from May through September, Fellows explored pressing challenges, exchanged strategies with state and national experts, and identified opportunities to bring innovative solutions back to their communities. 

Through dynamic programming and peer-focused discussions,, Fellows gained comprehensive insights into North Carolina’s education landscape. 

Fellows: 

• Learned from early childhood practitioners, exploring brain science and the economic impact of early learning 

• Heard directly from school administrators and teachers in public and private schools on school funding, K–12 accountability, workforce diversity, and student mental health

• Engaged with higher education leaders to examine challenges of access, affordability, and completion

• Received bipartisan legislative updates highlighting initiatives from both parties aimed at shaping education policy

Reflections and peer-to-peer dialogue encouraged Fellows to translate insights into action within their communities, reinforcing their roles as policymakers and leaders. 

“The Hunt State Policy Fellows program strengthened my understanding of how to improve education across North Carolina and celebrate our successes, while learning from leaders across the political spectrum. As a commissioner for the Town of Waxhaw, I am inspired to continue this work and partner with others to expand opportunities for all learners.” said North Carolina Hunt State Policy Fellow Susanna Wedra, Commissioner, Town of Waxhaw 

The program also highlighted the strength of The Hunt Institute’s broader national network, offering Fellows valuable opportunities to engage with leaders and experts outside of North Carolina. This expanding community of local and state policymakers remains central to the Hunt Institute’s mission: cultivating informed, collaborative leaders who are prepared to shape more resilient and effective education systems. 

Please find photos from the program here: https://ow.ly/v7BV50WYlh6 

“The North Carolina Fellows showed remarkable dedication to advancing education policy,” said Dr. Javaid Siddiqi, President & CEO of The Hunt Institute. “This cohort and the conversations within this program reflect exactly what Governor Hunt envisioned—leaders working across party lines to gain knowledge, build connections, and strengthen education for North Carolina’s students.”  

“This program has shown me that meaningful progress requires Democrats, Republicans, and all community members working together for stronger communities, better education, and safer communities. As Robeson County’s District Attorney, I may not oversee education policy, but I now feel called to better support our schools, teachers, families, and education leaders to achieve better outcomes—just as Governor Hunt envisioned.” said North Carolina Hunt State Policy Fellow, Matthew Scott, District Attorney, Robeson County 

The Hunt Institute congratulates the fifth cohort of North Carolina Hunt State Policy Fellows and looks forward to their continued leadership and impact. They join more than 100 elected leaders who have participated in this bipartisan initiative and will be welcomed into a growing alumni network. Planning is also underway for a sixth cohort, with an announcement expected in 2026. 

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/ 

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