The University System of Georgia (USG) Chancellor Sonny Perdue, Georgia State University President Brian Blake and former Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Harold Melton kicked off the 2026 Ethics Awareness Week with a keynote address at Georgia State University College of Law.
From Nov. 2, 2026 to Nov. 5, 2026, the USG celebrates Ethics Awareness Week, an annual reminder to employees about the importance of an ethical culture with an emphasis on year-round commitment to compliance with USG policies, as well as state and federal laws. Central to this awareness campaign are the shared core values of integrity, excellence, accountability and respect. USG employees incorporate these core values and the USG code of conduct into daily decisions and responsibilities.
The event was livestreamed to USG institutions state-wide, bringing together all members of the University System of Georgia to reflect on the importance of ethical leadership and the position of public trust that universities and their employees hold throughout Georgia.
The privilege of opening this year’s event and introducing Chancellor Sonny Perdue went to Ramandeep Kaur (J.D. ‘27), president of the Georgia State Law Student Bar Association (SBA), who shared that the College’s emphasis on professionalism has become ingrained in the student body and has influenced her own approach to ethical leadership.
“That [ethical] code is part of what led me to the College of Law, and what guides me in SBA," she said. “I continue to learn and grow every day under the guidance of our wonderful leadership, faculty and staff.”
Harold Melton, former Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court and the first expert-in-residence and special advisor to the dean at the College of Law, gave the keynote address, titled "When Judgment Matters: Ethics and Leadership in the Real World."
Harold Melton, the first expert-in-residence and special advisor to the dean at the College of Law, was selected as this year’s keynote speaker. Chancellor Perdue introduced Justice Melton, whom he appointed to the Georgia Supreme Court in 2005, as a man of honesty, integrity and good judgment.
“I do believe, honestly, he is absolutely the right person to speak on ethical leadership,” said Chancellor Perdue. “It's a privilege to see him bring his tremendous experience, reputation and expertise to Georgia State's College of Law.”
Justice Melton’s keynote speech, titled “When Judgment Matters: Ethics and Leadership in the Real World,” explored the responsibilities inherent in public service, a role each USG employee takes on as stewards of Georgia taxpayer resources.
“We're doing [our work] for the betterment of our citizens,” said Melton. “Not just the students that we serve, not just their families, but for their communities, and for what it does for our state, throughout the nation and into the world.”
Melton encouraged all USG employees to approach their work with a sense of purpose and a commitment to their professional ideals, bringing their whole selves to the table.
“Being idealistic is having an idea of what's important, what you're committed to, what motivates you, what you will make happen,” he said. “Nobody has ever accomplished anything meaningful without being idealistic.”
Justice Melton’s message had a particular relevance for the College of Law community, where professional responsibility and public trust are central to preparing the next generation of legal professionals. The legal field depends on public trust and confidence in the people who have been trained to uphold the law and administer justice, and that confidence is built through good judgment and a commitment to ethical conduct.
Returning to the ideals of public service laid out in the Georgia Constitution, Justice Melton reminded attendees of their responsibility to serve the public with integrity and accountability.
“We are trustees and servants of the people.”