Dean's Update

May 2012

As the rhythm of the academic year turns from the frenetic end-of-school rush to the more relaxed pace of summer, it is a good time to reflect on all we accomplished at Jepson this spring. We hired four new assistant professors who will join us this fall. More students than usual crossed the stage at Commencement to obtain a degree in leadership studies. We hosted a conference in collaboration with PPEL that examined the ethics of assassination. We were also pleased to have more guests than usual at Finale, our senior recognition ceremony.

For the first time, we held an Honors Symposium to highlight student thesis research. Our John Marshall International Center for the Study of Statesmanship invited faculty from across the University to examine texts on human nature and governance. On a different note, we celebrated Dr. Gill Hickman’s distinguished career and wished Dr. Doug Hicks well in his new career.

We are also looking forward to the year ahead. We have many plans in place for our twentieth anniversary. Bob and Alice Jepson, the School’s generous benefactors, will visit us almost 20 years to the day after the Jepson School opened, and all alumni are invited to a celebratory brunch during Homecoming.

We will launch a new portion of our website this summer that will include special feature stories, videos, a list of events and more. Check back often. We are excited to celebrate with you.

Sandra J. Peart
Dean, Jepson School of Leadership Studies
University of Richmond