24/09/2026
Teachers Who Inspire. Students Who Lead.
In the fourth episode of the special 10-part series, the Vice Chancellor of JGU shares the inspiring story of Oprah Winfrey and her fourth-grade teacher, Mary Alice Duncan.
Long before Oprah became a global television icon, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Mrs Duncan recognised her extraordinary ability with words, encouraged her, and made her feel that her voice mattered.
Decades later, Oprah would remember her teacher for giving her something profound—the feeling that she mattered.
A powerful reminder that sometimes the greatest lesson a teacher can give a child is simply: “You matter. Your voice matters.”