The Honorable Steve C. Jones was appointed to the U.S. District Court by President Barack Obama and sworn in on March 4, 2011. He served actively until January 1, 2025, when he assumed senior status, continuing to preside over federal cases. Before his federal appointment, he served as a Superior Court Judge in Georgia’s Western Judicial Circuit (1995–2011), a Municipal Court Judge (1992–1995), an Assistant District Attorney (1987–1991), and Director of the Athens Child Support Recovery Unit (1978–1985).

Judge Jones has been deeply involved in judicial and community leadership, including roles with the Georgia Judicial Qualifications Commission, UGA’s Board of Visitors, and the Georgia Supreme Court’s Commissions on Equality and Domestic Violence. He has also held leadership roles with the University of Georgia Foundation, Alumni Association, and several civic organizations.

He has received numerous honors for his public service and professionalism, including the UGA President’s Medal (2025), Leadership Georgia’s Public Service Award (2024), and the Chief Justice Thomas O. Marshall Professionalism Award (2018).

Judge Jones earned his B.B.A. (1978) and J.D. (1987) from the University of Georgia. He is married to Lillian Kincey.

The Shoukry Leadership Speaker Series is an ILA Speaker Series. Its lectures feature well-known leaders who share their unique leadership styles and experiences with students. The series is supported by a donation from Leonard Leadership Scholar alumnus Paul Shoukry (BBA '05, MAcc '05) and his wife Amy. 

Requests for accommodations for those with disabilities should be made as soon as possible, but at least seven days before the scheduled lecture. Please contact Allison Porter (adavis@uga.edu) to request accommodations.