During Board Appreciation Week (February 16–20, 2026), we proudly recognize the outstanding service and lifelong dedication of Dr. Jeanne Middleton Hairston, whose leadership and scholarship continue to strengthen public education in our community. 🎉

Dr. Hairston has faithfully served as a member of the Board of Trustees since November 28, 2017, helping guide policies and decisions that support scholars, families, and schools across the district.

A Jackson native and graduate of Jim Hill High School, Dr. Hairston went on to make history as one of eight Black scholars to desegregate Millsaps College, earning her bachelor’s degree cum laude in Political Science & History before completing both her master’s and doctorate degrees at Harvard University through the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Her professional journey began locally with the Jackson Public School District, and she later returned to Millsaps as the institution’s first African American faculty member. There, she served as Department Chair, secured national accreditation for teacher education, and founded the Millsaps College Principals’ Institute.

Dr. Hairston is also a contributing author of the award-winning textbook Mississippi: Conflict and Change, helping shape honest and inclusive approaches to teaching history. Nationally, she led the Freedom Schools movement as National Director of the Children's Defense Fund Freedom Schools® program, impacting thousands of scholars and families across the country.

She also supported preservation and education initiatives with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, further strengthening how Mississippi’s story is told.

We thank Dr. Hairston for her leadership, service, and unwavering dedication to the scholars, families, and community we serve.