The 2026 Karen Cummins Community Service Award was presented today to Governor Tate Reeves in recognition of his 23 years of public service to the state. Reeves was first elected to office in 2003 as the youngest state treasurer in the nation, and has gone on to serve two consecutive terms each as lieutenant governor and governor.
In presenting the award, IHL Board President Gee Ogletree cited Reeves’ dedication to “improving education, prioritizing economic growth, and strengthening communities across the state of Mississippi and beyond.”
“Our state has seen record investments and strong growth in our ability to stand out in an increasingly competitive economy,” Ogletree said. “Governor Reeves’ record in these areas, combined with the state’s nationally recognized improvements in public education dubbed as the Mississippi Miracle, deserves recognition and appreciation.”
The Karen Cummins Community Service Award is presented annually in memory of former Trustee Karen Cummins, who passed away in 2017.
