ATLANTA – The Southern Regional Education Board presented the 2026 Jack Hill Champion of Education Award to Terri Collins, member of the Alabama House of Representatives from the 8th District, at this year’s SREB Legislative Advisory Council meeting.

The award recognizes current or former legislators who work to strengthen education so that students in every part of their state have opportunities to succeed. Recipients also understand the importance of a long-term state fiscal commitment to education, promoting civility and bipartisan cooperation, and actively support SREB’s mission across the region.

Representative Collins was elected to the Alabama Legislature in 2010. She chairs the Alabama House Education Policy Committee and the Alabama School Safety Advisory Commission, and she serves on the House Education Ways & Means Committee. She has also led education efforts nationally and regionally, chairing the Education Committee of the Southern Legislative Conference and the Education Policy Committee of the National Conference of State Legislatures.

In nominating Collins, Representative for Alabama’s 66^th District, and SREB Executive Committee Member, Alan Baker said, “She is a most deserving and fitting recipient for the SREB Jack Hill Champion of Education Award as she epitomizes the powerful education legacy of Senator Jack Hill and his pursuit of quality education and his living example of strong service and engagement with SREB.”

During her tenure, Collins sponsored and passed several major education measures, including the Alabama Literacy Act, authorization of public charter schools, the A-F Report Card for Public Schools, the Alabama STEM Council, and the Alabama College & Career Readiness Act.

Collins has been an SREB LAC member since 2012 and has served as both its co-chair and chair. She has been a member of the SREB Board since 2019. She has also contributed to SREB’s Teacher Preparation Commission, Commission on Artificial Intelligence in Education, and Commission on Career Pathways and Credentials.

“Rep. Collins’ dedication to education and serving alongside leaders across the region reflects the spirit of the Jack Hill Champion of Education Award. We are proud to honor her leadership and the lasting impact of her service to expand opportunities for Alabama students,” said SREB president Valerie Greenhill.

About the Jack Hill Champion of Education Award

The award honors the legacy of Georgia Senator Jack Hill by recognizing legislators whose years of work reflect the cooperative spirit of SREB and a deep commitment to improving education.

About SREB

The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with its 16 member states to improve public education at every level, from early childhood through postsecondary and the workforce.

Contact: Surayyah Harris, Director of Marketing & Strategic Communications, Surayyah.Harris@sreb.org