Statement from Theresa Stacker: Remembering Gov. Jim Hunt

We join North Carolina in mourning the passing of Jim Hunt, whose vision and leadership transformed education in our state and whose legacy continues to shape our future.

Governor Hunt understood a simple but powerful truth: education is the foundation of everything else. Known nationwide as the “education governor”, he believed that North Carolina’s strength began in the classroom — and that investing in children was both a moral responsibility and an economic imperative. From elevating teacher pay and academic standards to championing early childhood initiatives like Smart Start, his leadership helped move education beyond politics and into shared purpose.

At the North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation, we are deeply grateful for Governor Hunt’s enduring commitment to opportunity, access, and success for every child. We extend our condolences to Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt and the entire Hunt family, and recommit ourselves to carrying forward the work he cared about so deeply — ensuring that every child in North Carolina has a strong start and a brighter future.

— Theresa Stacker
Executive Director
North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation