Jepson School of Leadership Studies

The Leader in Leadership

As the nation’s first-ever undergraduate school of leadership studies, the Jepson School takes "leading the way" very seriously.

That’s why we educate tomorrow’s leaders with a world-class program, preparing them for positions that drive real change in their communities and the world.

Through a rigorous curriculum, opportunities for outside experience, and support that extends far beyond their time at Jepson, our students find here a leadership journey unlike any other.

Recently named the "Jewel in the Crown" of the University of Richmond’s academics by College Gazette, the Jepson School of Leadership Studies investigates leadership not only as a position, but also as a process and a relationship among people.

Feature Stories

Honoring a Legacy

Brenda McDowell supports UR’s Gary L. McDowell Institute in honor of her late husband and his lasting impact on Jepson students and faculty.

Senior Zahkee Williams, holding an antlered deer mask, stands in front of a projected image of masks at the Modlin Center Acting Studio.

Black Masks, a play about self-discovery

Senior embraces creative self-expression by writing and directing play.

Senior Liam Weaver leaves the scene of the crime, or rather, the simulation of a crime scene in Jepson Hall.

Killers and Cults: Leadership Gone Awry

Students learn that conventional leaders and malevolent leaders often use similar means to achieve very different ends.

Senior Craig Caudill stands by his poster at the International Stoke Conference in Los Angeles.

A deep dive into leadership issues

Seven Jepson students and three 2024 graduates presented research at conferences in Los Angeles, Denver, and Richmond last month.

Media Releases

University of Richmond Commencement Speaker is Richmond Fed President and CEO Tom Barkin

Barkin will address University of Richmond graduates during the main Commencement ceremony in May.

Grant News

University of Richmond Jepson School of Leadership Studies Awarded $150K Grant for Ethics Education

The University of Richmond’s Jepson School of Leadership Studies has been awarded $150,000 from the Richard D. Donchian Foundation to continue and expand the Jepson School’s multifaceted ethics education initiatives.

Faculty Awards

University of Richmond Jepson School of Leadership Studies Professor Terry Price Awarded Top State Honor

The SCHEV Outstanding Faculty Awards are the highest honor for faculty at Virginia's public and private colleges and universities, recognizing superior accomplishments in teaching, research, and public service.

Queally Center for Admission and Career Services

University of Richmond Hosts Community Partners to Discuss New Reports Linking Housing Segregation and Education Inequality

Reading Between the Lines: Zoning, Housing, and Education in the Richmond Region will be held Oct. 3 from 6-8 p.m. at the University of Richmond’s Queally Center for Admission and Career Services.

Scholars & Practitioners

Wilkins publishes chapter on blood quantum

David Wilkins, professor of leadership studies, published the chapter "Moving Past the Flawed Equations of Blood and Property" in the edited volume "Beyond Blood Quantum: Refusal to Disappear" published by Fulcrum Publishing.

Hayter promoted to professor

Julian Hayter was promoted to professor of leadership studies. He is a historian whose research focuses on modern U.S. history, American political development, African-American history, and the American civil rights movement.

von Rueden promoted to professor

Christopher von Rueden was promoted to professor of leadership studies. An anthropologist with expertise in traditional human societies, his research focuses on how humans form status hierarchies, why we evolved to do so, and the demographic and ecological factors that cause our hierarchies to be more or less coercive.