North Carolina’s beloved “Education Governor” passed away on Dec. 19, 2025.
The longest serving governor in the state, Gov. James B. Hunt, Jr. “devoted more than five decades to public service, guided by an unwavering belief that education is the cornerstone of opportunity, democracy, and economic strength,” says a press release.
In 2001, Gov. 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.”
On Jan. 11, 2026, the team, board, supporters, and stakeholders gathered to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the institute in Cary. Hunt’s daughter, Lt. Gov. Rachel Hunt, was welcomed with a standing ovation before she delivered a keynote address with the conviction she learned from her dad.
The Hunt legacy, her dad’s legacy, she said, is about courage, believing education can be better, and choosing to work towards that belief.
Hunt issued a challenge: “Be curious enough to seek the facts. Be honest enough to see what needs strengthening. And be bold enough to lead, especially when it’s hard.”
“That’s what my dad believed in. That’s what this moment calls for. That’s how this institute continues to honor that legacy,” she said.
This video was first screened at the celebration.
Honoring Hunt on the 25th anniversary of the institute
Javaid Siddiqi, the president and CEO of The Hunt Institute, said he knew Gov. Hunt would be far less interested in the institute looking back over the accomplishments of the past 25 years. “He’d be focused on the next 25 years,” he said.
“He saw patterns that no one else did,” said MC Belk Pilon, president and chair of the board of the John M. Belk Endowment. “He connected dots that others didn’t even realize existed. His superpower was connection of people, systems, and ideas.”
Belk Pilon noted that the first time she met with Hunt, he gently grabbed her elbow as he was known for, and said, “as long as you keep public education, the economy, and the workforce at the forefront, you will always have plenty of good work to do.”
“Gov. Hunt didn’t just leave us a legacy. He left us a responsibility,” said Belk Pilon.
Arne Duncan, chair of the board of The Hunt Institute, shared stories of the role Hunt played as his mentor when he served as U.S. Secretary of Education.
“He wanted excellence,” said Duncan. “He was uncompromising in expecting the best because he knew that’s what every kid needed and deserved. It was education leadership, but it was really moral leadership.”
“The only way to have a thriving democracy is to have a civically engaged citizenry and the only way that’s going to happen is if folks have a chance to have a high-quality education,” said Duncan. “Hunt knew what was possible. He understood the stakes. And he was an unrelenting force in taking opportunity to talent.”
“That’s our obligation and opportunity here at The Hunt Institute,” said Duncan.
New awards announced to honor Hunt
“Somedays I think Gov. Hunt would be proud and pleased,” said Siddiqi. “More days I think he would say, ‘Do more.’ So tomorrow we will do more.”
The Hunt Institute announced the next day 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. Nominations are open through March 31, 2026.
At the celebration, Siddiqi presented the Jim Hunt Legacy Award, honoring visionary leaders who see education as the cornerstone of opportunity, economic growth, and strong democracy.
Dr. Judith Rizzo, the first president and CEO of The Hunt Institute, was the inaugural recipient, selected for her service, integrity, and lasting impact on students. The award was a compass.
Rizzo praised the leadership of Siddiqi and the team for broadening and deepening the work of the institute in a politically divisive environment. This work, she said, “is absolutely the light in the forest, and it is the only hope we have to bring people together across the aisle to do what’s right for children.”
The Hunt Institute sent everyone home with a mug and a recipe for a root beer float, Hunt’s favorite.
You can share your memories of Gov. Hunt here.
Editor’s Note: The John M. Belk Endowment supports the work of EdNC.
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