Tennessee Wesleyan University was honored to recently welcome Chancellor Jerri S. Bryant of Tennessee’s Tenth Judicial District as the guest lecturer at the thirteenth annual Dr. D. Goodfriend Distinguished Lecture Series. The Dr. Morris D. Goodfriend Lecture is presented in honor of Dr. Morris Goodfriend, a long-time community leader in Athens, TN.

     Drawing on decades of legal experience, Chancellor Bryant delivered a powerful presentation emphasizing how courts and ethical business practices work together to shape commerce, accountability, and public trust. She challenged attendees to think critically about the role ethics plays not only in business decisions but also in society as a whole.

     “Business ethics and the courts are partners in shaping a marketplace that is both productive and just,” Chancellor Bryant said. “Businesses that take ethics seriously will find it is not merely a legal cost—it is a source of competitive advantage.”

     Throughout her lecture, Chancellor Bryant explained that while courts are traditionally viewed as venues for resolving disputes, they also play a crucial role in defining standards of acceptable (and ethical) behavior. By interpreting laws, setting legal precedents, and enforcing accountability, courts help establish the ethical boundaries within which businesses operate.

     She highlighted how ethical failures such as fraud, environmental harm, and corporate misconduct often lead to litigation that not only addresses wrongdoing but also has the ability to drive industry-wide changes. Chancellor Bryant also discussed modern challenges, including artificial intelligence, data privacy, and environmental responsibility, noting that courts are increasingly called upon to evaluate ethical questions in emerging fields such as these.

     A key theme of the presentation was the importance of proactive ethical leadership. Bryant encouraged business leaders, students, and professionals to embed ethical principles into the decision-making process, emphasizing both transparency and accountability.

     “Your name is your value,” she told attendees. “What does your word mean? Go today and make your name mean something. Being good is good business,” she powerfully concluded.

     A 1984 graduate of Tennessee Wesleyan, Chancellor Bryant earned her Bachelor of Arts in History before obtaining her Juris Doctor from the University of Tennessee College of Law. She began her legal career in private practice and later became a partner at a local Athens law firm before taking the bench in 1998.

     In addition to her judicial role, Bryant has been a leader within the Tennessee legal community, serving as President of the Tennessee Judicial Conference and holding membership in numerous professional organizations. She is also deeply committed to community service, having served on boards including the Tennessee Wesleyan University Board of Trustees, the Athens Kiwanis Club, and the HOPE Center for Domestic Violence.

     Her visit reflects Tennessee Wesleyan University’s commitment to providing students with opportunities to engage with experienced professionals who bring a real-world perspective into their education.

     Chancelor Bryant’s lecture can be viewed in the YouTube video below: