Trailblazing colleague, Criminal Justice Studies program, honored with President's Medal

The late Susette Talarico, scholar and longtime leader of the UGA Criminal Justice Studies Program, and the Honorable Steve C. Jones, Senior U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Georgia, were honored with the President's Medal at the 2025 Founder's day luncheon:

The President’s Medal recognizes individuals, not currently employed at the university, who have made extraordinary contributions to the UGA community by supporting students and academic programs, advancing research or engaging in public service to enhance the quality of life of citizens in Georgia. The honor is awarded in conjunction with UGA’s annual Founders Day celebration.

“Susette Talarico dedicated her career to the University of Georgia, and the profoundly positive impact she made on the culture of this institution cannot be overstated,” said President Jere W. Morehead. “Judge Jones also has strengthened our university in numerous ways through his exemplary service to the UGA community and the state of Georgia. It is a privilege to present the President’s Medal to these two incredibly deserving individuals.”

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Talarico was an early champion of experiential learning, international education and engaged research. To promote excellence in instruction, she helped found the UGA Teaching Academy and served as a Senior Teaching Fellow. She twice earned the Josiah Meigs Award for Excellence in Teaching and held the General Sandy Beaver Teaching Professorship. She also received the Creative Research Award from UGA, the Outstanding Scholarship Award from the Society for the Study of Social Programs and the Teaching and Mentoring Award from the American Political Science Association, among other honors.

"The Criminal Justice Studies Program would not be the thriving, impactful, interdisciplinary program that it is today without Susette Talarico's tremendous leadership and mentorship of students for the 20+ years she served as director," said Sarah Shannon, Meigs Professor of Sociology and director of the Criminal Justice Studies Program. "Our alumni speak of her fondly, with great respect and admiration. I consider it a deeply humbling honor and privilege to build on her legacy as we continue to advance multidisciplinary, criminal justice studies at the university."

Image: The President's Medal