The Hunt Institute Celebrates the Life and Legacy of Founder Governor James B. Hunt, Jr.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 19, 2025

Contact: Jonathan Ortiz

jortiz@hunt-institute.org | (914) 275-2509

Cary, N.C. — The Hunt Institute honors and celebrates the extraordinary life and legacy of its founder, Governor James B. Hunt, Jr., who passed away today at age 88. 

Governor Hunt devoted more than five decades to public service, guided by an unwavering belief that education is the cornerstone of opportunity, democracy, and economic strength. As North Carolina’s longest-serving governor, he reshaped the state’s education landscape, championing early childhood education through the creation of Smart Start, elevating teaching as a profession, and insisting that education policy be grounded in research, evidence, and long-term vision rather than politics, and advancing the state’s research-driven economy by supporting the growth of Research Triangle Park and its university–industry partnerships. 

In 2001, Governor Hunt founded The Hunt Institute out of a simple but powerful conviction: state leaders deserve access to trusted research, leading experts, and bipartisan dialogue to make informed decisions on behalf of students. That vision continues today, as The Hunt Institute works with policymakers across the country to strengthen education systems and improve outcomes for learners at every stage. 

“I can think of no one who shaped North Carolina’s recent successes as much as Governor Jim Hunt,” said North Carolina Governor Josh Stein, a Hunt-Kean Leadership Fellow. “His vision for educational excellence and expanding opportunity for every child crossed party lines, and his legacy will be honored through the work of The Hunt Institute.” 

“Governor Hunt was our founder, our North Star, and our inspiration,” said Dr. Javaid Siddiqi, President and CEO of The Hunt Institute. “He believed that research, evidence, and bipartisan collaboration could change lives—and he built The Hunt Institute to carry that vision forward. 

North Carolina and our nation have lost a giant,” he continued. “But his legacy lives on in every policy shaped by research, every teacher supported, and every student whose future is strengthened by education.” 

“On behalf of the Board of Directors of The Hunt Institute, we mourn the passing of Governor Jim Hunt, a visionary leader whose lifelong commitment to improving education for all learners transformed opportunities across North Carolina and the nation,” said Secretary Arne Duncan, former United States Secretary of Education and Hunt Institute Board Chair. “His dedication to education as the foundation of economic growth and civic strength will continue to guide and inspire our work.” 

“Governor Jim Hunt set the standard for what it means to lead with education at the center of public service,” said Governor Susana Martinez, former Governor of New Mexico and Hunt Institute Board Vice Chair. “His vision, integrity, and unwavering belief in the power of education to strengthen communities and expand opportunity will continue to inspire governors and leaders for generations to come.”

About Governor James B. Hunt, Jr.

Governor Hunt served an unprecedented four terms as Governor of North Carolina (1977–1985 and 1993–2001). During his tenure, he: 

• Created Smart Start, North Carolina’s nationally recognized early childhood education initiative 

• Elevated the teaching profession and helped establish the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards 

• Led North Carolina students to some of the nation’s largest gains in academic achievement 

• Prioritized education funding and expanded access to technology 

• Chaired the National Commission on Teaching and America’s Future 

After leaving office, Governor Hunt founded The Hunt Institute in 2001 to extend his lifelong commitment to education by equipping state policymakers with nonpartisan research, expert guidance, and bipartisan dialogue. 

Memorial Services

Information regarding memorial services will be announced by the Hunt family.

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/