The Distinguished Ethics Scholars Program at Clemson University recently celebrated its largest graduating class and highest-ever enrollment, with 323 students who were actively engaged in ethics education and leadership development. This growth trend reflects the program’s increasing influence in shaping ethically minded leaders across disciplines and stages of academic life.
What sets the Distinguished Ethics Scholars Program apart is its immersive, hands-on approach. The program highlights Clemson’s commitment to developing ethical leaders who will shape the future with wisdom, courage and compassion. Students don’t just learn about ethics, they live it.
About the Distinguished Ethics Scholars Program
The Distinguished Ethics Scholars Program recognizes two levels of student achievement: Ethics Scholars and Distinguished Ethics Scholars. During the 2024-25 academic year, 24 students graduated as Ethics Scholars and nine as Distinguished Ethics Scholars, joining a growing network of alums committed to ethical decision-making in their personal and professional lives. The momentum continues to build, with 149 currently enrolled Ethics Scholars and 141 Distinguished Ethics Scholars in progress.
Participants considering the program can explore what it means to lead with integrity in an increasingly complex world through activities offered by the Rutland Institute for Ethics, such as:
- The CHANGE (Creating Habits and Norms Guiding Ethical Decisions) Clemson Student Ethics Committee
- Case competitions
- Speaker events
- Mentoring opportunities
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
“The Distinguished Ethics Scholars Program helped me see that ethics isn’t just something you learn in class – it’s something you live out in real-world decisions. Through CHANGE and the Institute, I got to step outside my major, build leadership skills and create events that get people talking about ethics in a relatable way.” – Albash Khan, a recent graduate.
“Being a part of the program has enriched my understanding of ethics as it is everywhere if we look closely enough. I’m grateful for the connections I’ve made across fields and the community this program fosters.” – Bobbi Elmore
“The Distinguished Ethics Scholar Program gave me the chance to grow personally and professionally. The mentorship and real-world learning experiences—like the Eller International Case Competition—were truly invaluable.” – Emma Pereda
“It’s an excellent way to stay connected to both what’s going on with ethics at Clemson and what students are doing as future ethical leaders.” – Zion Kaauwai
The program offers continuous self-enrollment, and registration is open for the next Ethics Scholars Workshop on Monday, August 18.