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

Shelby Campbell, '25, left, and Anna-Laura Houston, '25, engaging in civil discourse during a McDowell Student Fellows seminar

Point, counterpoint: The art of civil discourse

McDowell Student Fellows bond over their love of debating ethics, law, and politics.

Kimberly Bowers Rollins, '05, Lina Tori Jan, '20, Dean Sandra Peart, and Charlotte Denoyer, '15, in the Queally Center courtyard

Alumnae honored for their civic and professional contributions

Two nonprofit leaders, a restaurateur, and a human rights advocate receive awards during Reunion Weekend.

Alumni Austin Gund, '15, left, and Matt Dacey, '18, right, outside the Westhampton Deanery on April 3, 2025

In the big leagues

Alumni share leadership tips from their experiences working in the NFL and the MLB.

Driving financing

Alum Hunter Allen leads revenue growth for Capital One’s automobile dealer software business.

Media Releases

University of Richmond’s Jepson School of Leadership Studies to Host History of Economics Society Conference June 27–30

More than 100 conference registrants from all over the world are attending the conference, which was held in Santiago, Chile, last year.

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.

Scholars & Practitioners

Bezio co-publishes chapter on the East India Company

Kristin Bezio, professor of leadership studies and Jepson School associate dean of academic affairs, published the chapter "A Case Study in Empire: The East India Company" in the edited volume Case Studies in Political Leadership published by Edward Elgar Publishing.

Bezio publishes chapter about invisible leadership in the Babington Plot

Kristin Bezio, professor of leadership studies and Jepson School associate dean of academic affairs, published the chapter "Making the Invisible Important: Invisible Leadership and the Case of the Babington Plot" in the edited volume Case Studies in Political Leadership published by Edward Elgar Publishing.

von Rueden co-publishes cross-cultural research on collective music-making in four Indigenous societies

Christopher von Rueden, professor of leadership studies, co-published the article "Why collective music-making is sometimes rare: A study of four indigenous societies" in Evolution and Human Behavior.