Honoring Joyce Hurdle Trump

2025 Suffolk First Citizen Award Recipient

Joyce Hurdle Trump has shaped generations of Suffolk citizens through her lifelong commitment to education, civic service, and historical preservation. A native of Sunbury, North Carolina, Joyce graduated as valedictorian of her high school class, earned a degree in history from UNC Greensboro in just three years, and later received her Master’s in Education from Old Dominion University, where she also completed doctoral coursework in urban studies and academic leadership.

Joyce began her career in 1961 as a social studies teacher at Suffolk High School, where she taught for 12 years before advancing to Assistant Principal. Over the next several decades, she served in pivotal administrative roles across Suffolk and Franklin public schools, including Supervisor and Public Information Coordinator, Director of Instruction, and eventually Assistant Superintendent for Suffolk. In 1995, after a national search, she was appointed Superintendent of Suffolk Public Schools—the first and only woman to hold the position.

Her tenure as superintendent was transformational. Under her leadership, student performance improved in 26 out of 27 SOL categories, a record number of scholarships were awarded, and nearly a school a year was built or renovated. She helped establish the city’s Head Start program for at-risk four-year-olds, supported the founding of the Suffolk Education Foundation’s classroom grant initiative, and launched the "Partners in Education" program—connecting over 70 businesses with local schools to provide thousands of volunteer hours annually.

Even in retirement, Joyce’s dedication never waned. She served on numerous boards and committees, including as a founding member of the Obici Healthcare Foundation, where she helped direct more than $125 million in community health grants and guided the design and construction of the foundation’s Main Street headquarters. She also played a key role in preserving Suffolk’s historic charm—reviving the beloved Candlelight Tour with the Nansemond Suffolk Historical Society, volunteering with the Phillip Dawson House Museum, and helping restore Riddick’s Folly into a cultural landmark.

Joyce has been a leading force behind the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, located in the former Suffolk High School building where she once taught. She was also part of the Limited Partnership Board that initiated the more than $25 million fundraising and renovation project to preserve the school as an arts and cultural hub.

Among her many affiliations, Joyce is an active and longtime member of Suffolk Christian Church, where she has served in numerous leadership roles. She is also a member of the Suffolk Literary Club—Virginia’s oldest continuously meeting book club—and serves on the Suffolk Art League Board, advocating for art education and scholarships. She’s part of one of Suffolk’s longest-standing Bridge Clubs, a tradition since 1961, known to be a gathering place for ideas—including plans for downtown revitalization.

Her civic impact includes reviewing scholarships for Sister Cities International and the Daughters of the American Revolution, mentoring youth and educators, and volunteering as Mistress of Ceremonies for the Peanut Festival Queen's Banquet, which supports over a dozen local charities.

Joyce’s numerous accolades include:

Joyce’s influence extends from classrooms to city council chambers. She has advocated for downtown revitalization, advised on educational and historic preservation initiatives, and mentored generations of community leaders. Whether she’s reviving a neighborhood park, organizing a historic tour, or guiding the next wave of educators and civic thinkers, Joyce Trump is tireless in her service.

As Lydia Duke put it best: "If you serve on a committee with Joyce Trump, you can be assured it will be a success." Her lasting legacy is felt not just in policies or buildings, but in the lives she’s touched and the inspiration she continues to provide.