The Jepson Update

A newsletter for alumni and friends of the Jepson School • Winter 2026

From the Dean

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

2026 Jepson EDGE Institute

Forty alumni returned to campus on Feb. 15, 2026, to lead the Jepson EDGE Institute, the school's annual career preparation program for juniors. Sixty juniors participated in the program.
Dean Sandra Peart and Associate Dean Kerstin Soderlund welcomed the alumni and students.
Students attend EDGE to prepare for their required, credit-bearing Jepson internship, which they complete the summer after their junior year.
Jepson Alumni Corps Student Engagement Committee co-chairs Melissa Cramer, '11, and Maggie Johnson, '18, kicked off the programming.
Alumni engaged students in round-table discussions in the Jepson Alumni Center.
Alumni led sessions on refining an elevator pitch, acing an interview, and handling difficult situations at work.
Students were encouraged to ask questions.
The ratio of 40 alumni to 60 students promoted face-to-face interactions.
Dean Peart recognized three alumni for their professional and civic achievements during a lunchtime awards ceremony. Journalist Patrick Rucker, '96, and national security professional Kenneth Kraper, '05, received the school's Alumni Award. Jessie Thompson, '15, director of youth hockey development for the Washington Capitals, received the Tenth-Year Recognition Award.
Breaks between sessions provided networking opportunities.
Small break-out groups characterized the afternoon sessions.
Many thanks to the 40 alumni who made the 2026 EDGE a big success!

School Stories

Jepson Student Government Association co-presidents Mackenzie Proukou and James Conley

University of Richmond seniors study and practice leadership

Two Spider besties hone their leadership and communications skills through their involvement in their campus community.

Ethics bowl teammates Timothy Khoh, Samantha Chiaino, Allyssa Flanagan, Emerson Linden, and Sassan FahimFlanagan

University of Richmond team earns spot in national ethics bowl competition

After placing second at the Southeast Regional Ethics Bowl, the University of Richmond team advances to the Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl National Competition in March.

Senior Kate Chasin on Stern Plaza in front of the Humanities Building

University of Richmond senior explores her Jewish-American identity

Through her honors thesis, an internship, and participation in Chaplaincy programming, senior Kate Chasin delves into what it means to be Jewish-American.

UR Now: University News

The University of Richmond course everyone wants to take

Professor Terry Price’s class filled up within minutes. Here’s why students can’t get enough.

Seniors Amanda Reese, Tristan Henning, and Emma McCauley on Stern Plaza

Three for three: Internships to jobs

Seniors’ summer internships with consulting firms yield job offers.

Greg Lukianoff, president and CEO of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, accompanied by McDowell Institute co-directors Dan Palazzolo and Terry Price.

McDowell Institute Promotes the Exchange of Competing Ideas at the University of Richmond

National news is rife with reports of America’s decline in civility and increasing polarization. But at the University of Richmond, the Gary L. McDowell Institute offers a possible solution for mending the fraying social fabric.