Governor Reeves Wins Hunt Institute’s Inaugural Governor James B. Hunt, Jr. Leadership Award

JACKSON, Miss . - Governor Tate Reeves has been awarded the Hunt Institute's inaugural Governor James B. Hunt, Jr. Leadership Award. The award honors "exemplary senior-level state leaders or state agencies that have made exceptional contributions to improving outcomes for all learners in their states." Governor Reeves is receiving the award as a result of Mississippi's nation-leading education gains.

"It's truly humbling to receive the inaugural Governor James B. Hunt, Jr. Leadership Award," said Governor Tate Reeves. "The Mississippi Miracle is the envy of America, and our nation-leading results have rightly received a lot of attention across the country. But I want to be very clear about something - the real winners of this award are Mississippi's parents, teachers, and students. This award belongs to them. I want to thank the Hunt Institute for this incredible honor. And, of course, I want to thank Mississippians. So many people have worked incredibly hard to improve educational outcomes for the children of our state, and I am grateful for what we've been able to accomplish together."

The Hunt Institute was established in 2001. According to the Hunt Institute, the organization "brings together people and resources to inspire and inform elected officials and policymakers about key issues in education, resulting in visionary leaders who are prepared to take strategic action for greater educational outcomes and student success. In 2016, The Hunt Institute became an independent, nonprofit entity and joined forces with Duke University's Sanford School of Public Policy to pursue research, educational partnerships, and events related to improving education policy."

Governor Reeves was presented with the award by former New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez at the Hunt Institute's 2026 Early Childhood Leadership Summit in Denver, Colorado.