With over 17 years of experience, Dr. Darlene F. Atkins is a veteran educator and proven instructional leader with experience in innovative practices, strategic planning, and building leadership and instructional capacity in others. Dr. Atkins is a nationally certified mentor for the National Association of Elementary School Principals and currently serves as the Director of Student Services for Tuscaloosa County Schools. Throughout her educational tenure, she has improved the teacher retention rate in a hard-to-staff school and has led a school to earning the distinction of Alabama State School of Character and National School of Character by Character.Org. Dr. Atkins is often called upon to share her insight on building character education in what is deemed as “struggling” schools. Recently, she was recognized as the University of West Alabama Distinguished Alumni of the Year and the University of Alabama College of Education Top Alumni Under 40. She has a passion and zeal for teenagers, young adults, and aspiring educators. If, over the course of her lifetime, she can make a difference in the life of one of her students or staff members, then she will know that she has done some good for the world-at-large.

Dr. Natalie J. Bendall is the K-12 Curriculum Coordinator for Russellville City Schools in North Alabama. Her educational background includes experience as an elementary teacher and administrator,  secondary administrator, and CTE director. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, a Master's and Education Specialist degree in Instructional Leadership and a Doctor of Education in Rural Education.

Dr. Bendall is honored to be a Hope Fellow, a role that highlights her profound dedication to character development in education. A strong advocate for character and academic excellence, she has shared her expertise at the national Character.org conference in Washington, DC and the Culture of Character Conference in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Dr. Bendall emphasizes the importance of creating environments where character and academics thrive together. She is actively involved in mentoring educators and developing strategic initiatives centered on character development and the RCS Golden Tiger Core Values. Through her leadership, she encourages others to recognize their potential to impact the world.

With 22 years of successful experience as an elementary school counselor, Cortney McKinney is deeply committed to nurturing the emotional, social, and academic growth of young students.

Her expertise in individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, and developing character education programs has positively influenced the well-being of countless children.

In 2020 and 2025, Cortney's dedication to fostering a positive and inclusive school environment was recognized when her school received the prestigious National School of Character designation through Character.Org. Her leadership and innovative approach also led the school to achieve four Promising Practice awards, highlighting her commitment to implementing effective character education strategies that promote respect, responsibility, and empathy among students. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Cortney was honored as the District Teacher of the Year in 2021.

Guided by the scripture, “From the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks (Luke 6:45),” Cortney is passionate about her work with The Hope Institute and the critical role of character education in schools. She believes that there is not a more pivotal time to focus on our youth’s moral and ethical character than right now. Cortney has a deep ardor to illuminate the significance of character education in shaping the future for the next generation.

Dr. Antonio Cooper currently serves as Dean of Students at the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences. A seasoned educator and leader, he brings over two decades of experience across K–12 and higher education, having served as a teacher, principal, central office administrator, adjunct professor, and consultant. His academic journey began at Alcorn State University, where he earned a B.S. in Elementary Education and an M.S. in Guidance and Counseling, followed by specialist and doctoral degrees in administration.

Dr. Cooper’s work spans high-poverty and affluent school communities, with a consistent focus on empowering students and educators to realize their full potential. In 2024, he founded The Platform Agency LLC, a consulting firm dedicated to advancing character education, strategic planning, and equity-driven solutions in schools and organizations.

As a Hope Fellow, Dr. Cooper is recognized for his commitment to character development and his belief that education should inspire individuals to dream boldly, discover purpose, and walk in their full potential.

“My mission in life is to be a vehicle that inspires men, women, and children to dream big, helps them to realize their purpose, and provides a platform for them to stand on to see and walk in their potential. I believe that this world belongs to everyone in it, and that no one should sell themselves short thinking that they don't have a shot at achieving their dreams. The foundation of all this should be centered around strong personal core values that are both meaningful and applicable to the development of positive character traits in their lives."

“I have been an educator for almost 30 years and the principal at Huntington Place for the last 13 years. I firmly believe that students need teachers that are willing to challenge them to become men and women of character. Our job is not only to make sure students are academically strong but also people that can be trusted and are dependable. At Huntington Place we believe that Character Education is not another thing on the plate, but it is the plate. Huntington Place has been received the designation as a National School of Character twice. HPES was named as a National School of Character again in May 2025.  I have dedicated my career to investing in making the next generation one that cares more for others than themselves. I also want them to be willing to act when they see someone in need. I consider it an honor to serve with others that have this same passion.”

Alicia Hunsberger currently serves as the principal of Louis Pizitz Middle School in Vestavia Hills City Schools. As the instructional leader of the school, she finds value in watching students and teachers engage in learning by doing. She leads with an emphasis on building a culture of character- seeking to raise the next generation of kind and smart kids. Alicia began her teaching career as a teacher of individuals with special needs in 2001. Her experience as a teacher, along with continued education, equipped her for the work of the school leader- recognizing that relationships, shared leadership, collaboration, and professional learning drive the work of the best educators. She has previously served as assistant principal at Vestavia Hills Elementary West and as principal of Vestavia Hills Elementary Cahaba Heights. Alicia earned her doctorate in educational leadership at Samford University in 2018 and renewed her National Boards certification in 2019.

Dr. King’s passion for character education stems from the evident impact it has proven to have on the culture and climate of a school as well as student performance. “Students don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” This is a quote she often uses by Rita Pearson (adapted from FDR) that sums up how building relationships along with embedded character education and having a positive culture and climate makes up the fabric of a school. She believes character education is not just something you do, but who you are as a school community. She stands firm on the fact that character education should always be an intentional component in the day to day activities of a school. As adults model the traits of having good character, students should be learning and having opportunities to exemplify what it means to have core ethical values such as respect, integrity and responsibility, just to name a few. Dr. King is a champion for students and always reiterates it is the responsibility of all stakeholder to build our children up and give them the tools they need to be successful.

Dr. Quentin J. Lee is the superintendent of Talladega City Schools. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Instrumental Music Education from Alabama A&M University, a Master's Degree in Instructional Leadership from Samford University, an Educational Specialist Degree in Instructional Leadership from Jacksonville State University, and a Doctoral Degree from Samford University in Educational Leadership.

Dr. Lee became a viral sensation in 2020 for making videos to engage students during Covid-19. His video was viewed over 9 million times collectively. His “Can’t Touch This Covid Parody” video helped schools navigate safely to return back to school. Dr. Lee was featured on several national platforms such as 360- CNN, Fox and Friends, The Today Show, Good Morning America, Greatest At Home Videos, and NBC Nightly News. Dr. Lee was able to virtually speak with various media personalities including by not limited to Lester Holt, Hoda, Anderson Cooper, Cedric The Entertainer, and ultimately MC Hammer.


Dr. Lee’s passion for character education is at the forefront of all that he does. He attributes his success to his band director that mentored him while in high school. Dr. Lee is a transformational leader that shifts the culture and climate of schools to best meet the needs of students. This is all done under the lens of character education.

Dr. Lee is the president of the Administrator Division of the Alabama Education Association, Board Member for the Alabama Childhood Food Solutions Organization, and Alabama High School Sports Association Central Board of Control Member. Dr. Lee is also the author of the book “Ms. Edna’s Sweet Tomato Pie” which is a tribute to his mother.

Dr. Lowry is the Assistant Superintendent of Personnel for Homewood City Schools. He previously served eleven years as assistant principal and principal of Shades Cahaba Elementary School. During his tenure, Shades Cahaba was recognized as a National School of Character in 2012 and 2017. Dr. Lowry is passionate about building lifelong learners and creating a culture where students and staff recognize and live out the virtues that can create strong, ethically-minded communities. Dr. Lowry believes schools that cultivate a kind, caring culture allow students to develop to their fullest potential as learners and leaders.

Susan McCall is serving her second year as principal of Vestavia Hills Elementary West. Prior to that, she served for eight years as the assistant principal at West. She began her career in Gwinnett County, Georgia, teaching first grade for fifteen years. Then she taught in Hoover and Mountain Brook, where she served as a Reading Coach for six years. Susan has her Masters of Education from the University of Georgia and her Educational Specialist from Brenau University.  However, she is most proud of her Bachelor of Science from her beloved Mississippi State University. In 2019, Susan participated in the Hope Academy and began leading the West staff to evaluate the school’s approach to character education and identify areas for improvement. The staff embraced revisiting the school’s core values, facilitating parent book studies, teaching character lessons, and establishing morning meetings in each classroom. This process culminated with West being named a National School of Character in 2021. With a team from West, Susan facilitated a session at the Character.org Summit in Washington D.C. 

Gregory D. Moore Jr has over 25 years of experience in education. His first seven years in education, he served as an English teacher and basketball coach at Moody High School and E.B Erwin High School. He spent the next ten years serving as an Assistant Principal on both the high school and elementary level. Dr. Moore spent eight years at Pinson Valley High School and two years at Chalkville Elementary School. Dr. Moore’s first Principal position was at Springville Elementary School for three years. He then transferred to Springville High School and served as Principal there for five years. Dr. Moore is currently the Principal at Auburn High School.  

In 2024, Dr. Moore was named the Alabama Association of Secondary Schools High School Principal of the Year, and he recently received the Jodi Newton Excellence in Character Education Award from Samford University. He currently serves as an adjunct professor at Samford University, the Chair of the Samford Dean of Education’s Advisory Board, the Vice President of the Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals, and a Hope Fellow with the Hope Institute. Dr. Moore has a character driven focus that he has been blessed to share with educators throughout the state of Alabama and the southeast. 

Dr. Jimmy Shaw has 21 years of experience in the field of education. He has served as a classroom teacher, Assistant Principal of a high school, Director of Federal Programs, Director of Instruction and Assessment, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, and he currently serves the Florence City Schools System as superintendent. Jimmy has been in administration for 15 years. Jimmy is a graduate of Florence City Schools (Bradshaw Class of 1992). Jimmy has an Associate’s degree from Northwest-Shoals Community College. He holds a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Educational Specialist Degree all from the University of North Alabama. He holds a Doctor of Education degree from Samford University, He has been married to wife, Felicia, for 25 years, and he has three sons. He is a member of the Florence Rotary Club, Class XXIX of Leadership Alabama, and the Kappa Nu Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.

Benjamin White, a resident of Northport, Alabama, is a clinical assistant professor of education leadership at the University of Alabama and a Fellow of the Hope Institute. With over 17 years in public education, he served as an elementary teacher, assistant principal, and principal before joining The University of Alabama educational faculty. Dr. White earned his degree in marketing from Mississippi State University, followed by a master’s in education from Middle Tennessee State University, and his Ed.S. and Ed.D. from Samford University. His passion for character education was sparked during his time at the Hope Leadership Academy, leading to Walker Elementary being recognized as a State and National School of Character in 2020. At The University of Alabama, he works with the Leadership for Character initiative, serves as Director of the Alabama Superintendent’s Academy, and teaches courses in Educational Leadership.  Dr. White collaborates with schools nationwide, presents on character education, and supports its implementation across Alabama.