We have had an extraordinary start to our academic year—earthquakes, a hurricane and a presidential visit all within the first three weeks. We also celebrated the career of Sue Murphy—to the tunes of the band Harper & Co., of which Dr. Terry Price is a member! Sue retired last month after 20 years with the University and we welcomed Susan Taylor, who was formerly in the Office of the Provost, as the new director of programs and budgets.

We were also able to reconnect with some 40 alumni for a private tour of the National Archives in Washington. The tour was led by Stefanie Mathew, ’97, director of development for the Archives. We were delighted to learn from one of our own.

The 2011-12 Jepson Leadership Forum, “Game Changers: How Women Lead and Change the World,” also got off to a good start last month with basketball coach Vivian Stringer. Stringer shared her personal story of challenge and triumph. Her message was clear: Work hard, don’t complain and you’ll succeed.

The message is a good one. The current economic and political news presents us all with extraordinary leadership challenges. The study and practice of ethical leadership remains our focus at the Jepson School; unfolding events suggest the need for both is ever more pressing.

As we approach 20 years of teaching students for and about leadership at Jepson, we embrace that challenge.

Wishing you strength and wisdom as you confront the leadership challenges in your lives,

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