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 Formally organized in May of 2002, the Center for Leadership, Ethics & Character at Kennesaw State University was the capstone vision of then President Betty L. Siegel, who began initiating leadership programs for faculty, students, staff and administrators during the 1980s.
The RTM Restaurant Group, in December of 2002, pledged a $1 million endowment to be given over a five year period. The Center was then renamed the RTM Center for Leadership, Ethics & Character. In August the following year in recognition of the university-wide focus of its programming and outreach, the Georgia University System Board of Regents awarded Institute status to the RTM Center. In 2006 in recognition of the influence and leadership of President Betty L. Siegel, the Institute was renamed in her honor as the Siegel Institute for Leadership, Ethics and Character.
Throughout its four year history, the mission of the Institute has focused on principled, centered leadership through teaching, research and service.
Beginning with the inaugural year, the Institute has produced an array of programs and activities uniquely designed to link leadership and ethical behavior, which has profoundly and positively influenced the campus community, as well as the community at large. This is demonstrated by adoption of the KSU Model of Ethical Leadership, a tiered, instructional program developed by the Institute and used in classrooms and leadership programs campus wide. It is further demonstrated by the series of ethics orientation workshops, conducted at the request of Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue, for the many state boards that oversee government agencies.
 In September of 2005, and following in September of 2006, the Institute’s influence took on a global dimension with the Oxford Conclave on Global Ethics, conferences that were held at the University of Oxford, England, and which brought together university and community leaders to be the voice addressing the ethical challenges facing 21st Century society.
 With the appointment in January of 2006 of Deborah B. Roebuck, Ph.D., formerly the director of the executive MBA program at KSU, as its executive director, the Institute has transitioned to an academic unit and will award certificates and degrees.
The operation of the Institute depends on the successful marketing of training and instructional programs, along with continued philanthropic donations. A goal of the Institute is to expand its altruistic offerings to the community. It will continue to support current partnerships while seeking and creating new partnerships that will enable the Institute to work with departments, colleges, businesses, non-profit and other organizations committed to the goal of valuing diversity and enhancing ethical conduct and leadership.
The Siegel Institute impacts the effectiveness of ethical leadership for groups, schools, communities, corporations, organizations, and government entities. These organizations illuminate below how the Siegel Institute has made differences in their organizations:
"This customized ethical leadership training encourages team work, self-exploration, and is valuable and insightful in my professional development. It's developing my leadership skills to be adaptable to meet the needs of staff, to have a stronger team approach, and to pull from the strengths of others."
Yvonne Weed, Manager,
Critical Care, Cardiology, and Emergency Services
Northside Hospital Cherokee
"This program helps you to get to know your co-workers, is enlightening and educational. Different personalities cause us to be dysfunctional at times, and few get to experience team-building or self-exploration exercises like this. Getting leadership training on an organization-wide scale is more effective than sending a few people to a class. This is very positive for the Northside leadership team."
Georgia Brown,
Clinical Coordinator, Cardiac Cath and Interventional Radiology Laboratory
Northside Hospital Cherokee
"This program is providing an opportunity for us to come together and share our ideas and perspectives about what our organization is trying to accomplish. This will ensure that everyone has some basic core knowledge in areas our CEO has identified as important. The program is helpful towards personal development and to support organization-wide goals."
Courtney Bradley, Risk Manager
Northside Hospital Cherokee
“The Ethical Leadership Program is a journey of self-revelation. Learning more about myself and growing as a person and a leader has been a wonderful experience!”
Dana Carter
“This program was a great self-reflection for me in identifying and enhancing my strengths while countering my weaknesses.”
Durba Chattterjee
“The ELC Program has appreciably increased my self-awareness and understanding of my impact and influence on others.”
Amy Thompson
“The ELC Program has given me the necessary tools to continue or connect and grow with the campus, the community, and in my job.”
Gary Palmer
“The ELC program has been valuable in helping me to realize the various styles of leadership and how they work.”
Dianne Bridges
“Powerful. Intriguing. Dynamic. The lessons go deep into up-to-date ethics for the changing workplace.”
Michael Morton
“Participating in the ELC program has enriched me and encouraged me to apply all that I’ve learned everyday—at work, home, and in society.”
Donna Golder
"On my return to Egypt, I would like you to know that my participation in the 7th Annual Phenomenal Women Conference has been a truly rewarding experience. The interaction with the participants, the caliber of the speakers, the dynamic discussions and the graciousness of the organizers and the staff contributed to the success of this unique and memorable event. I wish you continued success..." - Dr. Farkhonda Hassan, Secretary-General, National Council for Women, Egypt
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