The Academy of Legal Studies in Business presented University of Georgia President Jere W. Morehead with the Distinguished Career Achievement Award during its annual conference on July 31.

The award recognizes members of the ALSB who serve as exemplars of excellence in the fields of business law and/or ethics throughout their careers. The award was presented to Morehead by Joan Gabel, chancellor of the University of Pittsburgh.

A nomination letter prepared by Marisa Pagnattaro, vice president for instruction and senior vice provost for academic planning, and other UGA legal studies colleagues, highlighted Morehead’s exceptional career spanning more than four decades.

“President Morehead has exemplified dedication to service and administration in higher education, distinguishing himself as a national leader in academic governance and student advocacy,” Pagnattaro stated. “Rising through the ranks from faculty member to president, his leadership has elevated UGA’s national reputation through gains in research, innovation and student success. His service in key administrative roles, including provost and director of the Honors Program, reflects a deep commitment to UGA’s mission and to fostering excellence across the university.”

Since taking office in 2013, President Morehead has championed hands-on learning and academic opportunity. Under his leadership, UGA launched the nation’s largest experiential learning initiative, expanded small class offerings and created the Double Dawgs program, enabling students to earn dual degrees in five years. His $6 million Active Learning Initiative has further modernized instruction, benefiting more than 78,000 students across campus.

Alongside his contributions as UGA’s chief executive, Pagnattaro highlighted Morehead’s contributions to the ALSB discipline as being grounded in decades of teaching, mentoring and curriculum development. In 2001, he was named Meigs Professor of Legal Studies, earning UGA’s highest recognition for exemplary classroom teaching. He also served as editor-in-chief of the American Business Law Journal and presently serves as advisory editor. Morehead continues to be a thought leader in the discipline as well, serving as a panelist on the “Blue Ribbon Report on the Future of the Discipline” at the 2024 ALSB Annual Conference.

“President Morehead has made a lasting impact on higher education, collegiate athletics and the ALSB discipline all while staying deeply committed to teaching, mentorship and helping students thrive both in and out of the classroom,” Pagnattaro said.