The GCSU Office of Leadership Programs hosted its annual Usery Forum on Monday, Mar. 3, in Magnolia Ballroom featuring the Honorary Judge Steve C. Jones.
The Usery Forum on Leadership is a series of speaking events held by GCSU that highlights accomplished figures and their knowledge of varied perspectives within civic life. The Forum is named after former United States Secretary of Labor W.J. Usery, Jr. who was skilled in bringing people together despite impasses.
Jones was introduced by the Alex Gregory Distinguished Fellow and good friend, Jane Kidd. After a brief speech, Jones spoke on a panel moderated by Director of Leadership Programs Harold Mock and the 2024-2025 W.J. Usery, Jr. Fellow, Paige Blakemore, a senior mass communication major.
During the Forum, Jones spoke on his personal experiences as a judge, words of wisdom he would offer aspiring law students and how he strives to bridge people together.
Jones earned his bachelor’s in management from the University of Georgia in 1978. He went on to attend UGA’s school of law and earned his Juris Doctorate in 1987.
Former President Barack Obama appointed Jones in 2011 to the northern district of Georgia. He held the position until he took senior status at the beginning of 2025.
As a U.S. District Court Judge, Jones presided over cases pertaining to a variety of matters. District judges handle both civil and criminal cases and matters of the United States government, including interpretations of federal laws, the Constitution and diverse citizenship cases.
Jones ruled on many important cases regarding relevance and impact for Georgia communities as well as for the whole of the United States. In 2020, Jones temporarily blocked the passing of a new anti-abortion law that would have taken effect in Georgia.
“It is in the public interest, and is this court’s duty, to ensure constitutional rights are protected,” Jones said about his decision.
In 2024, Jones declined former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows’ notice of removal, an advance to move a case from state to federal court. The influential RICO case remained within the jurisdiction of the Fulton County Superior Court System as a result of Jones’ decision.
Outside of court cases and hearings, Jones takes pride in his role as an accomplished leader in the legal field. He emphasizes the importance of sharing his knowledge and experiences with others, and especially with the younger generations.
“Nobody cares about how much you know until they know that you care,” Jones said.
As a leader in his field, encouraging others to learn and understand civic duties and participations is a main value that Jones holds.
“Judge Jones’s talk, more than anything else, demonstrated the importance of the judiciary as a pillar of stability in society and the importance of making hard, sometimes unpopular decisions consistent with the law,” said Steve Elliot-Gower, an associate professor of political science. “A strong, healthy society needs this type of ethical leadership.”
The Usery Forum encourages GCSU students to consider and discuss topics in an effort to unite differences and become closer.
“These experiences offer students the opportunity to develop their leadership and other important ‘soft’ skills and prepare themselves to be leaders in their professional and civic communities,” Elliot-Gower said.
The next Usery Forum will be held in the fall 2025 semester on Sept. 15, 2025 and will host Chief Communications and Brand Officer for the PNC Financial Services Group. Amanda Rosseter.