Jepson School of Leadership Studies

The Leader in Leadership

As the nation’s first-ever undergraduate school of leadership studies, the Jepson School takes "leading the way" very seriously.

That’s why we educate tomorrow’s leaders with a world-class program, preparing them for positions that drive real change in their communities and the world.

Through a rigorous curriculum, opportunities for outside experience, and support that extends far beyond their time at Jepson, our students find here a leadership journey unlike any other.

Recently named the "Jewel in the Crown" of the University of Richmond’s academics by College Gazette, the Jepson School of Leadership Studies investigates leadership not only as a position, but also as a process and a relationship among people.

Feature Stories

People at the demo kitchen testing out Envee dressing.

Entrepreneurship

When college gets delicious

Jimmy James, ’25, takes you inside as 16 students come together to create, develop, and launch a brand-new product and company their senior year.

Senior Lay'la Harmon stands in Stern Plaza in front of Jepson Hall

Better living through city planning

Aspiring city planner Lay’la Harmon seeks solutions to environmental disparities.

Nora Buell in front of a Jepson Hall window looking out onto Stern Plaza

Expanding digital health solutions for children

Senior receives full scholarship to study applied digital health at the University of Oxford as a Jepson Scholar.

Kickin' It Coalition at UR soccer fields

Student Experience

The Kickin’ It Coalition hosts soccer clinics for children with autism

Sophomores Lauren Shin and Cam Tyson have teamed up with other volunteers to provide 1-to-1 training for kids in the greater Richmond area.

Media Releases

Rankings News

University of Richmond Named to Peace Corps’ List of 2025 Top Volunteer-Producing Colleges and Universities

University of Richmond is ranked No. 5 in the top small schools’ category among Peace Corps’ 2025 Top Volunteer-Producing Colleges and Universities list.

University of Richmond Commencement Speaker is Richmond Fed President and CEO Tom Barkin

Barkin will address University of Richmond graduates during the main Commencement ceremony in May.

Grant News

University of Richmond Jepson School of Leadership Studies Awarded $150K Grant for Ethics Education

The University of Richmond’s Jepson School of Leadership Studies has been awarded $150,000 from the Richard D. Donchian Foundation to continue and expand the Jepson School’s multifaceted ethics education initiatives.

Faculty Awards

University of Richmond Jepson School of Leadership Studies Professor Terry Price Awarded Top State Honor

The SCHEV Outstanding Faculty Awards are the highest honor for faculty at Virginia's public and private colleges and universities, recognizing superior accomplishments in teaching, research, and public service.

Scholars & Practitioners

von Rueden co-publishes article analyzing cross-cultural egalitarianism in African hunter-gatherer groups

Christopher von Rueden, professor of leadership studies, co-published the article “Fiercely egalitarian”: Thematic cross-cultural analysis reveals regularities in the maintenance of egalitarianism across four independent African hunter-gatherer groups in Cross-Cultural Research.

von Rueden co-publishes article on inter-group conflict and dominant leaders

Christopher von Rueden, professor of leadership studies, co-published the article Cross-cultural evidence that intergroup conflict heightens preferences for dominant leaders: A 25-country study in Evolution and Human Behavior.

Garifullina receives award for article

Guzel Garifullina, assistant professor of leadership studies, received the 2025 Frank Cass Prize for Best Article published in the journal Democratization for her article "Ambition without Democracy: When the Cautious Seek Office."

Director publishes article on the use of artificial intelligence in medicine

Sam Director, assistant professor of leadership studies, published the article "Does Black Box AI in Medicine Compromise Informed Consent?" in Philosophy and Technology.