University of Richmond seniors study and practice leadership

Best friends James Conley and Mackenzie Proukou have a lot in common. Both attend the University of Richmond on merit-based Presidential Scholarships; both successfully juggle academics and campus jobs; and both get an adrenaline rush playing volleyball. But perhaps most important, both study and practice leadership.

“The Jepson School of Leadership Studies was a big differentiator in my decision to attend the University of Richmond,” Proukou said. “I held leadership positions in high school and was interested in learning about leadership from an academic standpoint.”

Conley said he also chose Richmond for the Jepson School. “It was the nation’s first undergraduate leadership school and has been replicated around the country, including at Harvard,” he said.

This year, as co-presidents of the Jepson Student Government Association (JSGA), the two seniors collaborate with nine JSGA senators on planning social events, student-alumni meet-ups, and study breaks, all with an eye to fostering a sense of community and school spirit. Conley and Proukou have served on the JSGA since their sophomore year when they were elected as senators.   

“Our friendship allows us to know each other’s strengths,” Conley said of their co-presidency. “She is the organizer. I am the facilitator.”

“We make a great team!” Proukou agreed. “We love to be as involved as possible in our community.” 

Indeed, their involvement extends far beyond the JSGA.

Conley serves as the senior class chair for the Richmond College Student Government Association and as the vice president and social media chair of Men’s Club Volleyball. Proukou is president of Women’s Club Volleyball and chairs the Student Advisory Council for the Weinstein Center for Recreation, where she and Conley are employed with Member Services.

“My Jepson classes have given me the skills to be a good communicator and collaborator, whether leading a team or being a member of a team,” Proukou said.

Their second majors — Conley in rhetoric and communication studies and Proukou in creative writing — also have helped them hone communications skills they use regularly in their campus jobs. As an Office of Admissions employee, Conley leads campus tours and makes presentations to prospective students and families. He gives welcome speeches to new students in his role as an orientation leader. As a Weinstein Learning Center writing consultant, Proukou helps students evaluate and improve their writing.

"To get the most out of the Richmond experience, get as involved as possible in areas on campus that you are passionate about," Conley said.

The two friends have enjoyed spending time together since their first year at University of Richmond when they lived in Lora Robins Court and took classes in Jepson Hall. Even when they studied abroad in fall 2024 — he in England, she in Scotland — they stayed connected.

“When Kenzie’s parents and twin brother visited her in Scotland, they invited me to join them,” Conley said. “We played trivia games and had great meals, including the best fish and chips and a traditional Thanksgiving dinner on Thanksgiving Day.”

Now in their last semester of college, Conley and Proukou look forward to applying their leadership and communications skills to their careers. Conley said he hopes to work in media, marketing, public relations, or sales. Proukou said she is considering a career in a creative industry, such as entertainment.

Wherever they land, undoubtedly they will engage wholeheartedly in their workplaces and communities while holding fast to their friendship.