Georgia Legislator Robert Dawson completes Georgia Legislative Leadership Training conducted by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia

ATHENS, GA — Georgia Legislator Robert Dawson recently joined other new legislators from across the state for the Georgia Legislative Leadership Institute (GLLI). Nominated members of the Georgia House of Representatives and Senate attended sessions at the UGA Center for Continuing Education and Hotel in Athens.

The Georgia Legislative Leadership Institute (GLLI) was developed and authorized by the Georgia General Assembly Training Institute in 2005 to provide an opportunity for new lawmakers to explore the leadership challenges of representative government with faculty from the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government, legislative leaders, and colleagues. As an extension of the Biennial Institute for Georgia Legislators, GLLI is a key component of the Institute of Government’s leadership development efforts specifically designed for members of the Georgia General Assembly.

This year, lawmakers learned leadership lessons from House Speaker Jon Burns and Brad Vaughan, Legislative Director and Counsel for the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. New legislators also had the opportunity to work with experts from the National Institute for Civil Discourse to explore best practices for engaging in meaningful and effective public discourse.

The program, generously supported by the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation, is designed to help legislators address key elements of personal and public leadership as they carry out their roles and responsibilities as elected representatives.

Since its inception, more than 230 legislators have participated in GLLI, and 120 still serve in the General Assembly.

The Carl Vinson Institute of Government is a UGA Public Service and Outreach unit that provides customized assistance, applied research and professional development for government leaders and employees across Georgia.

Photo: Georgia Legislators new to the Georgia General Assembly took part in the 2025 Georgia Legislative Leadership Institute. Photo credit: Sara Ingram/University of Georgia