UR Now: STUDENT EXPERIENCE
Students meet media veteran Chuck Todd at University of Richmond
The students got an inside look at journalism and politics during a small-group Q&A with the longtime NBC Meet the Press moderator.
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
Capitol Hill internships deepen University of Richmond senior’s commitment to public service
Senior gains first-hand experience in the legislative process through internships with Democratic and Republican congressmen.
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.
Media Releases
University of Richmond Hosts Chuck Todd for Conversation About the 2026 Midterm Elections
Veteran journalist and former Meet the Press moderator Chuck Todd visited the University of Richmond last week, sitting down for a wide-ranging conversation on the state of the midterms.
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.
Scholars & Practitioners
Peart co-publishes an essay on the Chicago School's interpretation of Adam Smith's moral philosophy
Sandra Peart, dean of the Jepson School, co-published the essay "Adam Smith's Moral Philosophy Complicates Interpretations by the Chicago School and Its Critics" in ProMarket.
Flanigan co-publishes book on the philosophy of Taylor Swift
Jessica Flanigan, professor of leadership studies and philosophy, politics, economics, and law, co-edited the book The Philosophy of Taylor Swift, published with Oxford University Press, and wrote two of the book's chapters.
Peart serves as an invited panelist at the annual convening of the Mont Pelerin Society
Sandra Peart, dean of the Jepson School of Leadership Studies, served as an invited panelist at the annual convening of the Mont Pelerin Society, Oct. 11-15, in Indianapolis.
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.
Upcoming Events
Media Placements
Inquisition for Blood
Leadership studies professor Lauren Henley is interviewed.
Decoding the Dream
Historian and leadership studies professor Julian Hayter is quoted.
Hunter gatherer societies are often put on a pedestal as paragons of equality – but the reality is more complicated
Leadership studies professor and anthropologist Christopher von Rueden authored this piece.
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.