Ben Hudson, a familiar face in the Fluco community, has been a teacher for 12 years. Before joining the faculty at FCHS, he taught students in Suffolk, Virginia, at Franklin High School where he began his career in education.
Originally from South Carolina, Hudson had an impressive football career, earning an all-state honor for his performance during his senior year of high school as an offensive running back. Growing up, Hudson loved football and played throughout high school in the late seventies.
“A fun fact I’d like to share is that during one season, I managed to score 27 touchdowns. We made it to the state championship, although we lost in the final,” said Hudson. Despite the loss, the experience remains a proud memory for him.
Hudson graduated from high school in 1979. He later decided to further his education at Tuskegee University, a historically Black college established by Booker T. Washington in Alabama. Hudson holds both a master’s and a bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
Before becoming a teacher, Hudson spent 25 years serving in the U.S. Army as a communications officer. Hudson says his military experience shaped his teaching philosophy. “The military taught me patience and endurance, qualities I bring to the classroom every day. Patience helps me connect with and reach my students,” he said.
Hudson currently teaches Introduction to Engineering and Design and Modeling. “Intro to Engineering is my favorite class to teach as it gives the best representation that a high school engineering class should offer.” He added, “Teaching isn’t just about sharing knowledge; it’s about inspiring students, and that’s why I show up every day.”
After serving in the military, Hudson decided to become a teacher to give back and serve the state. In his classroom, you’ll notice the smiling faces of students who stop by to say hello, emphasizing Hudson’s philosophy of reaching as many students as possible.
Away from the classroom, Hudson loves to listen to a variety of musical genres, including jazz, country, and R&B.
A little-known fact about Hudson is that he ran for county treasurer in 2018, but lost. As a candidate, he quickly learned that the concerns and priorities of voters are unpredictable. He said the biggest takeaway was that “it’s difficult to read the impulses of the voters.”
Hudson credits his parents for shaping the person he is today. “My parents taught me three things, in this order: faith, family, and education. My mother used to say ‘silver and gold will fade away, but a good education will never decay’.”
