Troy University alum Dr. Jeffery Heggs was officially recognized as the 2025-2026 Georgia Milken Educator Award recipient at the Milken Educator Awards Forum held in Washington, D.C. in June.
The Milken Educator Award targets early-to-mid career education professionals for their achievements and for the promise of what they will accomplish in the future. Award recipients are given a $25,000 unrestricted cash prize, a lifetime membership to the national Milken Educator Network and an all-expenses-paid trip to D.C. for their formal recognition.
“Each 2025 Milken Educator embodies the steadfast leader, mentor and guide every student deserves,” said Lowell Milken, award founder and chairman and co-founder of the Milken Family Foundation. “From the inaugural class of twelve outstanding California educators, the Milken Educator Network is now over 3,000-strong, representing diverse communities across the country. We celebrate the induction of 27 professionals who are building a brighter future for thousands of young Americans and our nation itself.”
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Heggs was notified of his award at a surprise pep rally at his school, Burke County High School, in November. Milken Educator Awards Vice President Stephanie Bishop presented the award with help from students, Georgia Department of Education Director of Literacy Amy Denty and former award recipients.
“The moment I heard my name I just froze,” Heggs said in an interview with the Milken Family Foundation. “I’m surprised. I’m elated. It was a good opportunity for me, because I graduated from BCHS, to show the students that good things do come from rural areas. I give it back to the students—it’s because of them I do what I do.”
Heggs has spent the last five years at BCHS and 12 total years in education. A former math teacher at BCHS, he is currently serving as the school’s media specialist with other roles as data analyst, Visible Learning Ambassador, curriculum advisor, teacher mentor and district superintendent advisory board member.
He has also completed various leadership, coaching and support specialist certifications and has presented at the national Visible Learning conference. He co-founded the Bow Tie Club and extended his mentorship to leading BCHS’ first-ever Student Council and increasing literacy.
“When I see kids’ smiles, that’s what brings me back,” Heggs said. “I think that everybody should have the ‘High School Musical’ experience, so that’s what I try to do for the students to make them feel like school is the place they should be.”
Heggs earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science from TROY in 2011 and a Master of Business Administration from Salem University in 2013. He earned his Doctorate in Education from Brenau University in December.
About the Milken Educator Awards: “The Future Belongs to the Educated”
The first Milken Educator Awards were presented by the Milken Family Foundation in 1987. Created by philanthropist and education visionary Lowell Milken, the Awards provide public recognition and individual financial rewards of $25,000 to K-12 teachers, principals, and specialists from around the country who are furthering excellence in education. Recipients are heralded in early- to mid-career for what they have achieved and for the promise of what they will accomplish. The Milken Family Foundation celebrates more than 40 years of elevating education in America and around the world. Learn more at MFF.org.
