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

UR Now: Alumni

Richmond alum is spearheading digital humanities efforts at Elon University

Amanda Laury Kleintop builds on her undergrad foundation to teach history in an innovative way.

UR Now: Student Experience

University of Richmond students selected for Virginia Governor’s Fellows Program

A recent UR graduate and a Richmond Law student are among the 29 chosen to experience state government in the Commonwealth firsthand.

History of Economics Society meeting at University of Richmond

UR Now: University News

UR hosts the 52nd History of Economics Society meeting

About 100 scholars from around the world participated in a four-day conference to explore new insights and learn from the past.

UR Now: Student Experience

A Spider’s journey to earn the Congressional Award for young civilians

Fueled by purpose, CJ Blastos traveled 7,800 miles round-trip from Virginia to California to fulfill a requirement for the Gold Medal.

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

Hoyt co-publishes article on how mindsets about social mobility affect people's attitudes about those living in poverty

Crystal Hoyt, professor of leadership studies and psychology, co-published the article "Distinguishing between individual and societal socioeconomic mobility beliefs: Understanding attitudes toward those in poverty" in Group Processes & Intergroup Relations.

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.