Jeffrey Heggs, Ed.D., BU ‘25, was named a 2025-26 Milken Educator by the Milken Family Foundation. This prestigious award recognizes top K-12 educators nationwide and awards them with an unrestricted $25,000 cash prize.
Heggs is a media specialist at Burke County High School in Waynesboro, Georgia, and earned his Ed.D. from Brenau this past December. He transitioned into his new role after teaching math and working as a data analyst at Burke County High.
Heggs credits the way he now leads students as the school’s media specialist to his time in Brenau’s Ed.D. program. His dissertation focused on “culturally responsive teaching,” which he integrates into his day-to-day role.
“Oftentimes, as adults, we tell students what to do, instead of listening to them,” he said. “I want to speak the language of my students and have a mutual respect for them.”
An alumnus of Burke County High, Heggs earned his Bachelor of Science in computer science and a minor in business administration from Troy State University in 2011, and his Master of Business Administration from Salem University in 2013.
In addition to his innovative real-life example instruction that has been used as a statewide model, Heggs also serves as a role model and mentor for male students in the school’s Bowtie Club and as a tutor.
“Jeffery Heggs reflects the heart of what it means to be a Georgia educator. He creates a classroom where students are challenged, supported, and encouraged to take ownership of their learning and their future,” Georgia State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “His commitment to compelling instruction, innovative practices, and meaningful relationships is making a real, lasting difference for the students at Burke County High School. We are grateful for his service, his leadership, and the example he sets each day.”
Heggs also attended the Milken Educator Awards Forum in June in Washington, D.C., to accept his award alongside other Milken Educators. He was surprised at his school in November with an assembly. Heggs was the only winner from Georgia for 2025-26.
Hailed as the “Oscars of Teaching,” the Milken Educator Awards initiative has no formal application or nomination process; instead, outstanding K-12 educators are sought out while early to mid-career for what they have achieved and rewarded for their potential and continued commitment to students.
Brenau University Assistant Director of Marketing Content Kelsey Podo contributed to this story.
