Siegel Institute hosts conclave to examine complex ethical challenges of a global society
KENNESAW‚ Ga. (Sept 14‚ 2006) – The complex challenges of a global society are testing the…
Georgia (Sep 15, 2006) — Siegel Institute hosts conclave to examine complex ethical challenges of a global society
Frances Weyand
Abstract
State board members receiving ethical leadership training
Contact: Frances Weyand‚ Director of University Relations‚ 770−423−6203 or fweyand@kennesaw.edu
KENNESAW‚ Ga. (Sept 14‚ 2006) – The complex challenges of a global society are testing
the capacities of leaders in every sector – from governments to businesses to social
services. How can these leaders collaborate to address global ethical issues‚ such
as population‚ resource management‚ economic integration and conflict?
The Oxford Conclave on Global Ethics: The Collaborative University is bringing together
representatives from government‚ business‚ higher education and the nonprofit sectors
to examine that question Sept. 10 – 14‚ in Oxford‚ England.
“This year’s conclave will tackle the question of how our universities can come together
with other sectors to put ethical leadership into action‚” President Emeritus Betty
L. Siegel said. “How can we bring society’s forces into alignment to build better
communities – communities of value – for the future? How can we assure mutual progress
in these communities in promoting positive ethical behavior for global change? Our
belief is‚ quite simply‚ that we must strive – at all levels of society – to function
as caring stewards of the planet.”
The conclave is being hosted by the Betty L. Siegel Institute for Leadership‚ Ethics
& Character at Kennesaw State University.
"If you bring people together‚ you can accomplish greater endeavors‚” Siegel Institute
Executive Director Dr. Deborah Roebuck said. “You have to raise people’s awareness
and give them the choice to change.”
The first Oxford Conclave was held last September. At Siegel’s invitation‚ several
leaders of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities joined together
to focus on higher education’s role in producing a generation of ethical leaders capable
of functioning effectively in an increasingly complex world. Faculty‚ staff and administrators
from six AASCU institutions participated in the conclave‚ where a statement of beliefs
and responsibilities was drafted.
“It was really interesting to watch last year‚ in the beginning of the conclave‚ participants
wondered‚ ‘What does resource management and population control have to do with me?’
but by the end of the conclave the question had become‚ ‘Why not me?’” Roebuck said.
“We’re helping to train and educate the future leaders of the world. Therefore‚ we
want them to be better educated about the global ethical issues facing our world‚
and we’re trying to instill in them the importance of building relationships that
serve the common good.”
The conclave’s statement of beliefs and responsibilities reflects the overall philosophy
of the Siegel Institute‚ and has also manifested itself into other initiatives.
For example‚ by invitation of Gov. Sonny Perdue‚ the Siegel Institute is conducting
ethics orientations for members of state boards‚ including the University System of
Georgia Board of Regents‚ the Department of Community Health‚ the Georgia Department
of Early Care and Learning (BRIGHT from the START) and the Georgia Board of Pardons
and Parole. To date‚ 55 of the state’s 300 boards have completed these orientations.
Other institute initiatives include the launching of an international journal‚ the
Journal of Ethics in Leadership‚ and an ethical leadership certificate program for
faculty‚ staff‚ students and the community.
“The future of the Siegel Institute looks very bright‚ indeed‚” Siegel said. “Whether
we are serving existing leaders – as in our work with the state boards – or future
leaders – by including students in the dialogue at this year’s Oxford Conclave – we
continue to seek to inspire and promote ethical conduct‚ decision–making and leadership
for the common good. It is an exciting and necessary mission.”
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Kennesaw State University is a comprehensive‚ residential institution with a growing
student population approaching 20‚000 from 132 countries. The third largest university
out of 35 institutions in the University System of Georgia‚ Kennesaw State offers
more than 60 graduate and undergraduate degrees‚ including a brand new Doctorate of
Education in Leadership.
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A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 41,000 students. With 11 colleges on two metro Atlanta campuses, Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia and the second-largest university in the state. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the region and from 126 countries across the globe. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 6 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.
