James Baxter Hunt
This week’s NC Notable puts the “gov” in government. From his early days in the Future Farmers of America, to his service as an economic advisor to Nepal, to his election as the State Young Democrats President Hunt had his sights set on a career in politics, especially being Governor.
Elected for a historic four terms, James Baxter Hunt served as North Carolina’s governor longer than any other person, from 1977 to 1985 and from 1993 to 2001.
Hunt was a symbol of “big government” to some North Carolinians. But he deftly used government to fill the space between private enterprise and public charity, especially in education.
As governor, Hunt focused on supporting early childhood development, raising standards in public schools and improving the quality of teaching. He also made strides in developing a primary reading program, reducing class size, creating drop-out prevention programs and increasing teacher pay.
Hunt’s “Smart Start” was a national model for its holistic approach to child care. He capitalized on emerging technologies by establishing the NC School of Science and Math, the Microelectronics Center of North Carolina and the NC Biotechnology Center.
He has led or served on a number of national and international groups committed to advancing public education and won numerous awards.
Former President Bill Clinton tells the story of Hunt’s constant pestering for federal aid in 1999 after Hurricane Floyd devastated poor, rural communities in North Carolina. Hunt’s tireless belief in the power of government to serve its people makes him an NC Notable.
Previous NC Notables
11.03.2005 Maya Angelou
10.27.2005 Mike Krzyzewski
10.20.2005 Jim Broyhill
10.13.2005 Reynolds Price
10.06.2005 Kay Yow
09.29.2005 Van Eure
09.22.2005 Mary Semans
09.15.2005 John Dornan
09.08.2005 Eva Clayton
09.01.2005 Lois Britt
08.25.2005 Fred Barber
08.18.2005 Julius Chambers
08.11.2005 Martha Guy
08.04.2005 Nido Qubein
07.28.2005 Jeanette Hyde
07.21.2005 Billy Graham
07.14.2005 Lee Smith
07.07.2005 Ralph Ketner
06.30.2005 Thomas Hearn
06.23.2005 John Allison
06.16.2005 Jim Martin
06.02.2005 Darleen Johns
05.26.2005 Hugh Morton
05.19.2005 Bernie Mann
05.12.2005 Orrin H. Pilkey
05.05.2005 William Friday
04.28.2005 Annie Louise Wilkerson
04.21.2005 Martin Lancaster
04.14.2005 Shirley Caesar
04.07.2005 Carl Fox
03.31.2005 Bob Jordan
03.24.2005 Ann T. Denlinger
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