Long-standing principal of more than 15 years of Whitehaven High, Dr. Vincent J. Hunter, grew up in Whitehaven in the 1970s, riding his bicycle to Manor Lake Elementary School and Lanier Junior High School. He graduated from Whitehaven in 1982, then went on to Memphis State University in 1990, the University of Memphis in 2000, and then to California Coast University in 2006, learning about all the different educational challenges and crafting his knowledge to help serve his future students. Trained and experienced in Jean-Jacques Rousseau's philosophy of education, studying questions such as what education is and what its purpose is, the nature of the knowing mind and the human subject, problems of authority, and the relationship between education and society, Dr. Hunter has adopted one primary principle as an educator: Every Child Has Worth and Dignity.

Dr. Hunter served as an assistant principal for three years prior to becoming Whitehaven High School’s principal and was the school's former football coach. Dr. Hunter’s work is recognized and championed by his community, proven when he was nominated by Len Williams, a member of the community, for the LifeChanger of the Year award for 2019-2020. He’s a strong advocate for Peer Power and a champion for academic achievement and is also the architect of the Memphis Empowerment Zone Improvement Program. Dr. Hunter was awarded the Principal of the Year in 2019.

As we highlight more of our amazing principals at MSCS, as part of National Principals Month, we salute all our lifelong learners and educators and celebrate their journeys, which have brought them to where they are today.