Leadership Studies
The Jepson School of Leadership Studies is the first undergraduate school of its kind in the nation. Made possible by a gift from Robert and Alice Jepson, the Jepson School strives to educate students for and about leadership. Building upon the strong foundation of the University's liberal arts curriculum, the pioneering Jepson School offers a rigorous upper division course of study in the history and theory of leadership, ethics and leader-follower relationships. Graduates are awarded a bachelor of arts degree with a major or minor in leadership studies.
Through its interdisciplinary curriculum, the Jepson School provides a base of knowledge and the conceptual tools to support the exercise of leadership in all settings. Curriculum goals are achieved by emphasizing experiential learning and active learning techniques to help students understand how to apply what they learn in real-world situations. Small classes ensure interaction and close partnerships between students and faculty. Preferring a more intense, interactive and discussion-oriented approach, Jepson School professors rarely use lecture formats for teaching. Many Jepson School classes are like seminars.
Students connect leadership to practice in classes and internships. In real-world settings, they test the theories and principles of leadership, as well as their own attitudes toward moral leadership and responsibility. Many choose a study abroad experience that augments their leadership interests.
Selection to the Major and Minor
Students apply for admission in the fall of their sophomore year and are chosen based on essays, academic performance, recommendations and extracurricular activities.
Jepson School Students
Jepson School students bring diverse academic and career interests to the learning community. Active in student government, fraternities, sororities, athletics and clubs, they often hold leadership roles. Such activities are encouraged as an important part of growth and development in the study of leadership.
The Jepson School Community
Faculty and administrators invite students to form close relationships within the academic community. The Jepson School sponsors many educational events on and off campus, and Jepson School is well known as a center for debate and discussion of issues related to leadership. The annual thematic Jepson Leadership Forum brings renowned national and international speakers to campus each year. Leaders share their expertise through a leader-in-residence program and through informal discussions with guest speakers open only to Jepson School students. The Jepson School of Leadership Studies Student Government Association leads the student body and plays an integral role in governance. New students are welcomed into the Jepson School community at Prelude, and students enjoy social functions and the fullest possible participation in the academic life of the school. Many students say that their peer relationships within the Jepson School are their most meaningful on campus.
Alumni and Careers
Leadership studies alumni pursue many careers and fields of graduate study. The Jepson School degree is of great value to students interested in all sectors—business, government and nonprofits. Many leadership studies students broaden their options by pairing the leadership studies major or minor with study in business. Many alumni choose entrepreneurial career paths. Some 20 percent of graduates go on to further study in medicine, law, business or academic disciplines. Others serve in the military or in the Peace Corps. Jepson School graduates are also making careers with global focuses at the CIA, in politics and in nonprofit management and consulting. The network of Jepson School alumni supports students as they seek internships and jobs.
Jepson School Curriculum
Jepson School faculty members are constantly reviewing and continuously improving the courses and tracks of study designed to meet the needs of students—some who plan on graduate study, some who plan careers in nonprofits and others who are more business-oriented.
Jepson School Faculty
Jepson scholars are visible and highly productive and nationally respected. Among other things, the faculty has organized national leadership studies conferences, authored scholarly books and texts, and published in respected and prestigious journals in a variety of fields.
Joanne Ciulla, Professor
Ph.D. philosophy, Temple University
Ethics and leadership, international leadership, critical thinking, and conflict resolution
John Donelson Ross Forsyth, Professor
Ph.D. psychology, University of Florida
Group dynamics, social psychology, theories of leadership
Crystal Lynn Hoyt, Assistant Professor
Ph.D., social psychology, University of California
Social behavior, leadership and group dynamics
Gill Robinson Hickman, Professor
Ph.D. public administration, University of Southern California
Leadership in organizations, leading change, transforming leadership
Douglas A. Hicks, Associate Professor
Ph.D. religion, Harvard University
Values and leadership, religion in public life, inequality, international leadership, economic and human development and social ethics.
Gary L. McDowell, Professor
Ph.D., government and public affairs, University of Virginia
The Constitution, the judiciary, politics, statesmanship and civil liberties.
Ana Mitric, Assistant Professor
Ph.D., English, University of Virginia
Literature, civil society, national identity, feminist studies, political philosophy and critical theory.
Terry L. Price, Associate Professor
Ph.D. philosophy, University of Arizona
Leadership ethics, moral psychology, social, political, and legal theory and political theory.
Thad Williamson, Assistant Professor
Ph.D., political science, Harvard University
Justice and civil society, American civic life, political theories
J. Thomas Wren, Associate Professor
Ph.D. history, The College of William and Mary and J.D., University of Virginia
Foundations of leadership studies, history and theories of leadership, conflict resolution.
Office of Admission
(800) 700-1662
(804) 289-8640