Milken Educators: Where Are They Now? (Part 1)

Dr. Deborah Hunley-Stukes (VA ’99)

Then:

Dr. Hunley-Stukes was the principal of Hugo A. Owens Middle School in Chesapeake, Virginia, when she received the Milken Educator Award in 1999. She also served as the host of a local cable TV show called "Growing Up in Chesapeake" for more than 10 years and was an officer of the Chesapeake branch of the NAACP.

Now:

Since receiving the Milken Award, Dr. Hunley-Stukes received two promotions and now serves as Director of Middle Schools/Curriculum & Instruction for Chesapeake Public Schools. In this role, she’s impacting the lives of students and influencing public education policy locally.  Additionally, Dr. Hunley-Stukes received a doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies, and serves as an adjunct professor for Old Dominion University.

In her own words:

“Being raised on public assistance (welfare) and reared in public housing, there was always the stigma of having ‘no way out’ and remaining a product of the ‘the system.’ Through the support of a strong single mother, who always believed in me and my ability to succeed, I was able to make my dream a reality by becoming a classroom teacher. Through hard work and dedication to the profession, I was rewarded and able to continue to impact the lives of even more children (outside of the classroom), by serving in the capacity of assistant principal and then principal. In my opinion I had reached the pinnacle of my career.

“In October 1999, my career began to climb to even higher heights, greater than I could have ever imagined. As principal of a relatively new middle school in Chesapeake, I was surprised beyond belief when I was awarded the Milken Educator Award.  I was the first educator in the Chesapeake Public School system—and one of the first in the state of Virginia—to receive this prestigious honor. Being the recipient of this award gave me a stronger voice in public education, whereby people listened when I spoke.  After receiving the Milken Award, I was recognized by state legislators (and local officials) and was often afforded the opportunity to weigh-in on matters that would positively impact public education.  I was also often called upon by the Virginia Department of Education to serve on countless committees and assist with the identification of ‘the best and brightest’ educators across the state of Virginia. As the host of a local cable television show, “Growing Up in Chesapeake,” receiving this award strengthened my voice by allowing me to share pertinent information about the strengths and weaknesses in public education, while keeping parents and the community informed.

“Who would have thought that a little girl from public housing projects (who, according to statistics, should not have been successful), would have been afforded the opportunity to have such a strong voice and impact in public education? A voice that was undoubtedly strengthened by receiving this prestigious honor from the Milken Family Foundation. A voice that has had an impact on the lives of others, and yes, even on the lives of those in public housing projects. I will forever be indebted and eternally grateful to Lowell Milken and the Milken Family Foundation.”