Capitol Hill internships deepen University of Richmond senior’s commitment to public serviceÂ
Senior gains first-hand experience in the legislative process through internships with Democratic and Republican congressmen.
The Jepson Leadership Forum
The 2026-27 Jepson Leadership Forum presents Indigenous Leadership: Tradition, Sovereignty, and Survival. Indigenous peoples around the world manage complex relationships with states while sustaining governance systems that predate colonial boundaries. In the United States, Native nations continue to defend their sovereignty and counter cultural misrepresentation. In sub-Saharan Africa, traditional authorities often bridge customary law and state institutions. Across these and other contexts, Indigenous leaders confront shared challenges: safeguarding land and resources, preserving cultural knowledge, securing legal recognition, and advocating for their communities within national and international frameworks. This forum convenes scholars, practitioners, and Indigenous leaders to examine how these leadership systems operate, how they evolved over time, and why they remain vital today.
Jepson School Dean’s Report
At the Jepson School of Leadership Studies, leadership is more than a subject — it’s a lived experience. The 2025–26 Dean’s Report celebrates how our students, faculty, and alumni bring leadership to life through challenging academic work, hands-on research, real-world experiences, and global engagement.
A Faculty of Experts
Jepson faculty help students hone their leadership skills. They also hold prominent places in national and international media, providing insightful opinions and expert views on leadership and issues of the day.
Want to learn more about the Jepson School of Leadership Studies?
Alumni Who Lead
Graduates leave Richmond with knowledge of leadership frameworks and with the critical thinking and communication skills that enable them to excel in their chosen careers.
Feature Stories
Closing the opportunity gap drives University of Richmond alum’s work
As an associate at The Pew Charitable Trusts, Spider works to expand opportunities for residents of Philadelphia.
University of Richmond alum helps hospitals optimize pharmacy performance
As CEO of Visante, Spider alum leads a company that works with hospitals to improve their pharmacies’ patient care and financial returns.
University of Richmond senior develops an interest in optometry during internship
An internship at a nonprofit clinic shifts senior’s career focus to optometry, while affirming his commitment to volunteering.
Media Releases
Accelerate Richmond
University of Richmond Announces Historic $150 Million Gift at Kickoff of a $600 Million Philanthropic Campaign
Transformational gift will support the priorities of the Accelerate Richmond campaign, including a $50M matching fund for endowed scholarships.
Rankings News
University of Richmond Named a Top 25 National Liberal Arts College for 10th Consecutive Year by U.S. News & World Report
The University of Richmond has again been recognized among the nation’s best liberal arts institutions, ranking No. 21 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2027 Best Colleges guide, released today.
University of Richmond Welcomes Class of 2030 Following Record-Breaking Application Year
Incoming class brings wide-ranging talents and experiences to campus as University begins new academic year.
Student Scholars
Five University of Richmond Graduates Awarded Scholarships to Study at Oxford
Five recent graduates from the University of Richmond’s Jepson School of Leadership Studies have been awarded full scholarships to pursue master’s programs at the University of Oxford.
Scholars & Practitioners
Von Rueden co-publishes article on the role of gender and kinship on friendship among Tsimane horticulturalists
Christopher von Rueden, professor of leadership studies, co-published the article "Gender, kinship and the structure of friendship networks among Tsimane horticulturalists in lowland Bolivia" in Evolution and Human Behavior.
Henley publishes article on the perception of Black preachers during the 1909-1912 axman murders in the American South
Lauren Henley, assistant professor of leadership studies, published "Powerful pulpits: Black preachers as cultish leaders in the axman murders, 1909-1912," in the Interdisciplinary Journal of Leadership Studies.
Bezio publishes article on Shakespeare's approach to religious intoleration in "Measure for Measure"
Kristin M.S. Bezio, professor of leadership studies, published "Leadership & Religious (In)toleration: Religious Conflict, Leadership and Shakespeare's Measure for Measure" in the Interdisciplinary Journal of Leadership Studies.
Von Rueden co-publishes article on egalitarianism in hunter-gatherer societies
Christopher von Rueden, professor of leadership studies, co-published the article "Hunter-gatherer societies are often put on a pedestal as paragons of equality — but the reality is more complicated" in The Conversation US.
Upcoming Events
Media Placements
Research News
Government spending may be crowding out charitable giving, Fraser Institute finds
Research by Sandra Peart, dean of the Jepson School of Leadership Studies and an economic historian, is featured.
Teacher evaluation should improve teaching, not create a popularity contest
Kazi ASM Nurul Huda, Cmelikova Visiting International Scholar in Leadership and Ethics at the Jepson School of Leadership Studies, authored this piece.
Williams: Voting rights, not naming rights, must be the priority
Historian and leadership studies professor Julian Hayter is quoted.
Two years after July, who do we trust?
Kazi ASM Nurul Huda, Cmelikova Visiting International Scholar in Leadership and Ethics at the Jepson School of Leadership Studies, authored this piece.