Jepson School of Leadership Studies associate professors Thad Williamson and Julian Hayter; Melody C. Barnes, Co-Director for Policy and Public Affairs, Democracy Initiative, Dorothy Danforth Compton Professor and a Professor of Practice, Miller Center of Public Affairs, and Distinguished Fellow, School of Law, University of Virginia; and Corey D. B. Walker, Wake Forest Professor of the Humanities, Wake Forest University sit down for a virtual book launch and discussion about community wealth-building practices and democracy. Oct. 20, 2020

Can We Make American Democracy Work?

Jepson Professor Emerita Gill Robinson Hickman and Dr. Scott J. Allen discuss “Charisma of Purpose,” on Phronesis: Practical Wisdom for Leadership, the official podcast of the International Leadership Association. Scott, an ILA Fellow, and his expert guests cover timely, relevant topics and incorporate practical tips designed to help make a difference in how you lead and live. June, 2021

Charisma of Purpose

The Gary L. McDowell Institute at the Jepson School of Leadership Studies presents Rita Koganzon for her presentation “Liberal States, Authoritarian Families.” Koganzon is the author of “Liberal States, Authoritarian Families: Childhood & Education in Early Modern Thought,” associate director of the Program on Constitutionalism and Democracy, and assistant professor of politics at the University of Virginia. Nov. 12, 2021

Liberal States, Authoritarian Families

The Jepson Leadership Forum presents journalist and Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Anne Applebaum for a discussion on "Autocracy and Democracy in an Era of Nationalism." The 2021-22 Jepson Leadership Forum, "Moving People: The Perils and Promise of Nationalism," invites scholars, activists, and experts to discuss the moral, ethical, and legal implications of global migration and asylum, and explores how leaders and communities navigate the economic, social, and cultural transformations of a world with – and without – borders and walls. 
March 15, 2022

Autocracy and Democracy in an Era of Nationalism

The Jepson Leadership Forum presents S. James Anaya, University Distinguished Professor and Nicholas Doman Professor of International Law at the University of Colorado, Boulder, for a discussion on "What International Law Has to Say About Indigenous Peoples: Does It Matter?." The 2021-22 Jepson Leadership Forum, "Moving People: The Perils and Promise of Nationalism," invites scholars, activists, and experts to discuss the moral, ethical, and legal implications of global migration and asylum, and explores how leaders and communities navigate the economic, social, and cultural transformations of a world with – and without – borders and walls.  January 27, 2022

What International Law Has to Say About Indigenous Peoples: Does It Matter?

The Jepson School of Leadership Studies Gary L. McDowell Institute presents Alison McQueen for a discussion on "Realism, Ethics, and Catastrophe." McQueen is associate professor of political science and, by courtesy, of history, at Stanford University. September 30, 2022

Realism, Ethics, and Catastrophe

The Jepson Leadership Forum presents Alice Dreger, journalist, historian, and author of "Galileo’s Middle Finger: Heretics, Activists, and the Search for Justice in Science," a New York Times Book Review editors' choice, for a discussion on "Free Speech and Open Inquiry in Higher Education." The 2022-23 Jepson Leadership Forum focuses on past and present failures in leadership and followership by shining a spotlight on times where we could – and should – have done better. We invite scholars, experts, and activists to reflect on what went wrong in the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, climate change, the U.S. COVID-19 response, historical memory and racism, and higher education crises—and how to do better going forward. Oct. 24, 2022

Free Speech and Open Inquiry in Higher Education

The Jepson Leadership Forum presents Congressman Seth Moulton, D-Mass., a former Marine Corps captain who served four tours in the Iraq War and currently serves as a member of the House Armed Services Committee, for a discussion on the "U.S. Withdrawal from Afghanistan." The 2022-23 Jepson Leadership Forum focuses on past and present failures in leadership and followership by shining a spotlight on times where we could -- and should -- have done better. Nov. 30, 2022

U.S. Withdrawal from Afghanistan

As the Jepson School of Leadership Studies celebrates its 30th anniversary, we are pleased to present JEPSON Talks, a series of virtual events for Jepson alumni, sponsored by the Alumni Engagement Committee of the Jepson Alumni Corps. The series showcases past and present Jepson faculty sharing their research and expertise. "Urban American History and the Policies That Shape How and Where We Live" features Dr. Julian Maxwell Hayter, associate professor of leadership studies. Dec. 5, 2022

Urban American History and the Policies That Shape How and Where We Live

As the Jepson School celebrates its 30th anniversary, we are pleased to present JEPSON Talks, a series of virtual events for Jepson alumni, sponsored by the Alumni Engagement Committee of the Jepson Alumni Corps. The series showcases past and present Jepson faculty sharing their research and expertise. "Reflections from the Deans" features Drs. Sandra Peart and Kenneth Ruscio, current and former deans of the Jepson School of Leadership Studies. Nov. 7, 2022

Reflections from the Deans

The Jepson Leadership Forum presents Rhiana Gunn-Wright, director of climate policy at the Roosevelt Institute, for a discussion on "Climate Change." The 2022-23 Jepson Leadership Forum focuses on past and present failures in leadership and followership by shining a spotlight on times where we could -- and should -- have done better. Jan. 19, 2023

Climate Change

The Jepson Leadership Forum presents Alex Tabarrok, Bartley J. Madden Chair in Economics at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University and professor of economics at George Mason University, for a discussion on "U.S. Pandemic Policy: Failures, Successes, and Lessons." The 2022-23 Jepson Leadership Forum focuses on past and present failures in leadership and followership by shining a spotlight on times where we could -- and should -- have done better. Feb. 15, 2023

U.S. Pandemic Policy: Failures, Successes, and Lessons

The Jepson School of Leadership Studies Gary L. McDowell Institute presents Roosevelt Montás, senior lecturer in American Studies and English at Columbia University, for a discussion on "Rescuing Socrates: How the Great Books Changed My Life and Why They Matter for a New Generation." March 16, 2023

Rescuing Socrates: How the Great Books Changed My Life and Why They Matter for a New Generation

Jepson student Kathryn Reda, ’23, sits down with Jepson Leadership Forum speaker Alex Tabarrok, Bartley J. Madden Chair in Economics at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University and professor of economics at George Mason University, prior to his presentation "U.S. COVID-19 Response" at the Jepson School of Leadership Studies. The 2022-23 Jepson Leadership Forum focuses on past and present failures in leadership and followership by shining a spotlight on times where we could – and should – have done better. Take 5 is a series of informal interviews with the scholars and experts who present as part of the lecture series. Feb. 15, 2023

Take 5 with Alex Tabarrok

Jepson student Miriam Gilman, ’23, sits down with Jepson Leadership Forum speaker Rhiana Gunn-Wright, Director of Climate Policy at the Roosevelt Institute, prior to her presentation "Climate Change" at the Jepson School of Leadership Studies. The 2022-23 Jepson Leadership Forum focuses on past and present failures in leadership and followership by shining a spotlight on times where we could – and should – have done better. Take 5 is a series of informal interviews with the scholars and experts who present as part of the lecture series. Jan. 19, 2023

Take 5 with Rhiana Gunn-Wright

The 2023-24 Jepson Leadership Forum series, Masculinity in a Changing World, presents Richard V. Reeves for a discussion on “Solving the Crisis of Our Boys and Men.“ Reeves is president of the American Institute for Boys and Men and author of “Of Boys and Men: Why the Modern Male Is Struggling, Why It Matters, and What to Do About It.” Sept. 12, 2023

Solving the Crisis of Our Boys and Men

The 2023-24 Jepson Leadership Forum series, Masculinity in a Changing World, presents Rob Henderson for a discussion on “Understanding the Young Male Syndrome.“ He is a social psychologist; U.S. Air Force veteran; author whose work has appeared in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Boston Globe; and creator and editor of Rob Henderson's Substack newsletter, which has more than 40,000 subscribers. Oct. 5, 2023

Understanding the Young Male Syndrome

University of Richmond  student Jackson Hardy, ’24, sits down with Jepson Leadership Forum speaker Rob Henderson, social psychologist; U.S. Air Force veteran; author whose work has appeared in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Boston Globe; and creator and editor of Rob Henderson's Newsletter, which has more than 40,000 subscribers, prior to his presentation "Understanding the Young Male Syndrome." 

The 2023-24 Jepson Leadership Forum focuses on "Masculinity in a Changing World." The last few decades have seen rapid changes in gender relations and norms—in the household, in the workforce, and in government.invites speakers to discuss masculinity in the context of these recent cultural changes. Specific topics include the role of hormones in gender identity and behavior, status competition and violence, challenges facing men as a result of the changing nature of the family and the economy, Black masculinity in the United States, and the past and future of patriarchy globally. 

Take 5 is a series of informal interviews with the scholars and experts who present as part of the lecture series. Oct. 5, 2023

Take 5 with Rob Henderson

Jepson student Carter Pete, ’24, sits down with Jepson Leadership Forum speaker Richard V. Reeves, president of the American Institute for Boys and Men and author of "Of Boys and Men: Why the Modern Male Is Struggling, Why It Matters, and What to Do About It," prior to his presentation "Solving the Crisis of Our Boys and Men." The 2023-24 Jepson Leadership Forum focuses on "Masculinity in a Changing World." 

The last few decades have seen rapid changes in gender relations and norms—in the household, in the workforce, and in government.invites speakers to discuss masculinity in the context of these recent cultural changes. Specific topics include the role of hormones in gender identity and behavior, status competition and violence, challenges facing men as a result of the changing nature of the family and the economy, Black masculinity in the United States, and the past and future of patriarchy globally. Take 5 is a series of informal interviews with the scholars and experts who present as part of the lecture series. Sept. 12, 2023

Take 5 with Richard Reeves

The Gary L. McDowell Institute presents Angel Adams Parham, associate professor of sociology at the University of Virginia, for the presentation "Don't Cancel the Classics, Broaden and Diversify Them." Nov. 9, 2023

The Gary L. McDowell Institute is dedicated to its namesake's values and principles: free inquiry, thoughtful deliberation, and rigorous discussion of classical texts and issues in political economy. The Institute welcomes all members of the University of Richmond community and a wide range of political perspectives.

Don't Cancel the Classics, Broaden and Diversify Them

Jepson School 2023-24 Leader-in-Residence, Dr. Danny TK Avula, presents "Healing Our Social Distance: Community as the Remedy to Polarization" in the Queally Center for Admission and Career Services on the University of Richmond campus. 

Dr. Avula is the commissioner of the Virginia Department of Social Services, one of the commonwealth's largest agencies. He oversees the agency's work to help stabilize families and give Virginians a pathway out of poverty. He was formerly director of the Richmond City and Henrico County Health Departments. A public health physician, Dr. Avula specializes in pediatrics and preventive medicine and continues to practice clinically as a pediatric hospitalist. Jan. 30, 2024

Healing Our Social Distance: Community as the Remedy to Polarization

The Jepson Leadership Forum presents Carole Hooven, author of "T: The Story of Testosterone"; former lecturer and co-director of Undergraduate Studies, Harvard University's Department of Human Evolutionary Biology; currently a lab associate in the Harvard University Department of Psychology and a non-resident senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI)," for a discussion on "The Non-Toxic Nature of Masculinity." The last few decades have seen rapid changes in gender relations and norms -- in the household, in the workforce, and in government. The 2023-24 Jepson Leadership Forum invites speakers to discuss masculinity in the context of these recent cultural changes. Jan. 22, 2024

The Non-Toxic Nature of Masculinity

University of Richmond  student Ava Paul, ’24, sits down with Jepson Leadership Forum speaker Carole Hooven, author of "T: The Story of Testosterone"; former lecturer and co-director of Undergraduate Studies, Harvard University's Department of Human Evolutionary Biology; currently a lab associate in the Harvard University Department of Psychology and a non-resident senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) prior to her Jepson Leadership Forum presentation "The Non-Toxic Nature of Masculinity." 

The 2023-24 Jepson Leadership Forum focuses on "Masculinity in a Changing World." The last few decades have seen rapid changes in gender relations and norms—in the household, in the workforce, and in government.invites speakers to discuss masculinity in the context of these recent cultural changes. Specific topics include the role of hormones in gender identity and behavior, status competition and violence, challenges facing men as a result of the changing nature of the family and the economy, Black masculinity in the United States, and the past and future of patriarchy globally. 

Take 5 is a series of informal interviews with the scholars and experts who present as part of the lecture series. Jan. 22, 2024

Take 5 with Carole Hooven

The Jepson Leadership Forum presents Charles Blow for a discussion on "Black Masculinity," on the University of Richmond campus. Blow is a New York Times columnist, MSNBC political analyst, anchor of PRIME with Charles Blow on the Black News Channel, and author of "Fire Shut Up in My Bones" and "The Devil You Know."

The last few decades have seen rapid changes in gender relations and norms -- in the household, in the workforce, and in government. The 2023-24 Jepson Leadership Forum invites speakers to discuss masculinity in the context of these recent cultural changes. 
Feb. 13, 2024

Black Masculinity

The Jepson Leadership Forum presents Alice Evans for a discussion on " Ten Thousand Years of Patriarchy" on the University of Richmond campus. Evans is senior lecturer at King’s College London and author of the forthcoming book The Great Gender Divergence

The last few decades have seen rapid changes in gender relations and norms -- in the household, in the workforce, and in government. The 2023-24 Jepson Leadership Forum invites speakers to discuss masculinity in the context of these recent cultural changes. 
March 5, 2024

Ten Thousand Years of Patriarchy

University of Richmond student Mark Johnson, ’24, sits down with Jepson Leadership Forum speaker Charles Blow, New York Times columnist, MSNBC political analyst, anchor of PRIME with Charles Blow on the Black News Channel, and author of "Fire Shut Up in My Bones" and "The Devil You Know," prior to his Jepson Leadership Forum presentation "Black Masculinity." 

The 2023-24 Jepson Leadership Forum focuses on "Masculinity in a Changing World." The last few decades have seen rapid changes in gender relations and norms—in the household, in the workforce, and in government.invites speakers to discuss masculinity in the context of these recent cultural changes. Specific topics include the role of hormones in gender identity and behavior, status competition and violence, challenges facing men as a result of the changing nature of the family and the economy, Black masculinity in the United States, and the past and future of patriarchy globally. 

Take 5 is a series of informal interviews with the scholars and experts who present as part of the lecture series. Feb. 13, 2024

Take 5 with Charles Blow

The Jepson School of Leadership Studies Gary L. McDowell Institute presents Zena Hitz, tutor at St. John’s College and the author of "Lost in Thought: The Hidden Pleasures of an Intellectual Life," for a discussion of the same name. March 21, 2024

The Gary L. McDowell Institute is dedicated to its namesake's values and principles: free inquiry, thoughtful deliberation, and rigorous discussion of classical texts and issues in political economy. The Institute welcomes all members of the University of Richmond community and a wide range of political perspectives.

Lost in Thought: The Hidden Pleasures of an Intellectual Life

The Jepson School of Leadership Studies’ Marshall Center Lecture Series presents Joel Richard Paul, Professor of Law, University of California Hastings Law School, for a discussion on "Chief Justice John Marshall and the Defense of the Rule of Law." Oct. 11, 2018

Chief Justice John Marshall and the Defense of the Rule of Law

The Jepson School of Leadership Studies' Marshall Center Lecture Series presents Sean Theriault, University Distinguished Teaching Professor of Government at The University of Texas at Austin, for the discussion "Contempt in Congress: The Decline of Statesmanship in the U.S. Senate."  Nov. 8, 2019

Contempt in Congress: The Decline of Statesmanship in the U.S. Senate

David W. Blight, Pulitzer Prize-winning author; Sterling Professor of History, African American Studies, and American Studies; and Director, The Gilder Lehrman Center for the Study of Slavery, Resistance, and Abolition, Yale University, presented the keynote address, "Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom," at the Marshall Center 2020 Webinar on Frederick Douglass. Sept. 24, 2020

Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom

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 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.

Jepson School of Leadership Studies

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