From the Dean

Feb. 26, 2026

Dear Jepson Alumni and Friends,

What a winter it has been! More snow, ice, and frigid temperatures than we sometimes see in two or three winters. Yet, the weather has not chilled the pursuit of knowledge that burns brightly at the Jepson School of Leadership Studies.

Our students’ critical thinking was on full display this fall during two competitions. One team of four Jepson seniors advanced to the final round of the International Leadership Association undergraduate case competition held in Prague in mid-October. Two weeks later, another team of five Jepson seniors finished second in the Southeast Regional Ethics Bowl in Jacksonville, qualifying to compete in the Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl National Competition in March in St. Louis. 

Our faculty too have been making waves. In addition to publishing five books and over 30 peer-reviewed articles and chapters in 2025, they are quoted and published regularly in mainstream media, including recently in The Conversation, Washington Post, and Associated Press. Virginia Business named Dr. Terry Price, Coston Family Chair in Leadership and Ethics, to its list of “100 People to Meet in 2026: Educators,” in recognition of his innovative teaching that fosters intellectual diversity.

Guest speakers, including constitutional scholar Jeffrey Rosen, the school’s inaugural Leadership and Humanities Scholar, and free speech advocate Greg Lukianoff, the McDowell Institute inaugural practitioner-in-residence, have challenged us to think about pressing societal and leadership issues.

Our alumni too contribute to our students’ learning. At the invitation of the Jepson Student Government Association, three alumni working in creative industries visited campus in November to share their professional insights with students. Earlier this month, 40 alumni led workshops for 60 juniors during the Jepson EDGE Institute, the school’s career readiness program. We recognized three alumni for their professional and civic achievements at an awards ceremony held during EDGE.

Now with spring on the horizon, I encourage you to continue engaging with the Jepson School. Attend one of our remaining Jepson Forum or McDowell Institute public lectures, donate to the school April 8-9 during UR Here Giving Day, and join us May 29-31 for a fun-filled Reunion Weekend. We are better because of you!

With gratitude,

Sandra J. Peart
Dean and E. Claiborne Robins Distinguished Professor in Leadership Studies
President, Jepson Scholars Foundation