Mathematics Instructor Jeff Hughes, of Pearl, and Robert Harrison Hunter, of Hermanville, a sophomore computer engineering student on the Raymond Campus, have been named Hinds CC’s honorees for the Legislature’s Feb. 2, HEADWAE (Higher Education Appreciation Day – Working for Academic Excellence) program.

Hunter, who was home-schooled in his hometown, near Port Gibson, until he enrolled at Hinds, is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and serves as the honor society’s vice president of scholarship. He is also a member of Honors Institute and, in 2014, studied in England as part of Hinds’ international studies partnership with Bridgewater College.

Hunter is the son of Bobby and Lindy Hunter of Hermanville and the grandson of Landy and Peggy Teller of Vicksburg and David and Vicki Vantrease, also of Vicksburg.

Seeing the world has enhanced his Hinds experience in ways unimagined when he entered college.

“Studying abroad was a great experience,” Hunter said. “It really helps expand your boundaries and your mind to give a greater perspective on the world. Hinds has been a good bridge from being home-schooled to a four-year university. Professors like Mr. Hughes has been great in preparing me for courses I’ll have to take next year.”

Hunter is also the recipient of the ACT Scholarship, which has supplemented the financing of his education alongside the Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant and the Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant.

After finishing his classes in Raymond in 2016, Hunter plans to move on to Mississippi State University to continue his studies in computer engineering.

Hunter said he pleasantly surprised to learn he was selected for the honor.

“I had hoped I might win the award when I first heard about it last year, but I didn’t think I had much of a chance, and I had quite forgotten about it by the fall semester,” he said. “I definitely did not see it coming.”

Hughes, a 27-year math teacher at Hinds, was educated at Mississippi College and the University of Mississippi, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics. He is the curriculum coordinator of mathematics across Hinds’ six campuses.

“I’m honored to be named to represent Hinds at the HEADWAE program,” Hughes said. “It’s really all about the students for me, and I enjoy what I do.”

HEADWAE was established in 1988 to honor academically talented students and faculty who have made outstanding contributions in promoting academic excellence.

The 29th annual program is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 2.