The Hunt Institute Establishes the Governor James B. Hunt, Jr. Leadership Award to Honor Educational Excellence
January 12, 2026
New award honors Governor Jim Hunt’s enduring legacy of transformational education leadership and The Hunt Institute’s 25th anniversary.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 12, 2026
Contact: Jonathan Ortiz, Communications Deputy Director, The Hunt Institute
jortiz@hunt-institute.org | (914) 275-2509
Cary, N.C. (January 12, 2026) —
The Hunt Institute announced the establishment of the Governor James B. Hunt, Jr. Leadership Award, a prestigious honor recognizing senior-level state leaders and agencies who demonstrate exceptional commitment to improving outcomes for all learners. The award will be presented annually beginning at The Hunt Institute’s Early Childhood Leadership Summit in September 2026.
The award announcement comes as The Hunt Institute honors the legacy of its founder, Governor James B. Hunt Jr., who passed away in December 2025. Widely regarded as one of the nation’s most influential education leaders and known as the “Education Governor,” Governor Hunt dedicated his life to strengthening education, elevating the teaching profession, and expanding opportunities for children and families across North Carolina and the nation.
“Governor Hunt believed deeply that education is the cornerstone of democracy and economic mobility.” said Dr. Javaid Siddiqi, President & CEO of The Hunt Institute. “This award ensures his vision and values will continue to inspire education leaders for generations to come. As we celebrate 25 years of advancing his mission at The Hunt Institute, we are honored to recognize those who embody his commitment to transformational, bipartisan leadership that puts children first.”
Governor Hunt served as North Carolina’s lieutenant governor from 1973 to 1977 and as governor for a historic four terms—from 1977 to 1985 and again from 1993 to 2001. His leadership shaped education policy at both the state and national levels, including establishing North Carolina’s public kindergarten system, founding the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, and championing early childhood education and teacher quality initiatives that became models for the nation.
About the Award and Eligibility
Through this award, The Hunt Institute seeks to honor leaders who embody Governor Hunt’s unwavering belief that every child deserves a strong start and a high-quality public education, and who lead through innovation, bipartisanship, and service.
The Governor James B. Hunt, Jr. Leadership Award will recognize senior-level state leaders—including governors, lieutenant governors, state agency heads, and legislators—or state agencies whose work exemplifies transformational leadership, a deep commitment to education excellence, enduring impact, and a legacy aligned with Governor Hunt’s lifelong dedication to education and children’s well-being.
Nominees must demonstrate impact in at least one area across the education continuum, from early childhood through postsecondary education, including: early learning systems; elevation of the education profession; equity and opportunity for all learners; K-12 education improvement; or postsecondary education and workforce alignment.
Award Timeline
Nominations will open in January 2026 and remain open through March 31, 2026. The inaugural recipient to be announced at The Hunt Institute’s Early Childhood Leadership Summit in September 2026. The Governor James B. Hunt, Jr. Leadership award is administered by The Hunt Institute Board of Directors. This esteemed bipartisan collective group will review all nominations and will select the recipient(s) of the award.
For more information about the Governor James B. Hunt, Jr. Leadership Award, including nomination criteria and timeline, visit The Hunt Institute website for more information.
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/
