Former Gov. Jim Hunt, at 84, stepping back as chairman of eponymous institute

Former North Carolina Gov. Jim Hunt is stepping down as chair of the non-profit Hunt Institute.

Hunt, 84, will continue to serve as chair emeritus of the board, according to a news release from the Hunt Institute.

“Though I am stepping away as board chair, I am still as enthusiastic as I ever was to see positive collaboration and change occur in public education,” Hunt said in a news release. “We can and must do better for our nation’s children.”

Monday’s announcement comes after the Hunt Institute’s Board of Directors met on Jan. 25, 2022, at their biannual meeting at the Washington Duke Inn.

Hunt was the founding board chair of the organization, which aims to bring people and resources together to achieve greater educational outcomes and student success.

Dr. Sam Houston was elected to serve as interim board chair until a permanent board chair is named. Houston is the president and CEO of the North Carolina Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education Center.

The Hunt Institute is an affiliate of the Duke University Sanford School of Public Policy since its establishment in 2001.

“What [Hunt] has built and the leaders – throughout the nation – that he has inspired have changed the way communities and policymakers approach public education,” Houston said in the release.

Hunt Institute President and CEO Dr. Javaid Siddiqi also offered his praise of Hunt.

“What Gov. Hunt has done not only for North Carolina, but the nation as well cannot be overstated,” Siddiqi said. “Through the institute his work will continue for generations, inspiring bold leadership in leaders in every state to ensure all children receive high-quality education.”