Seven recent leadership studies graduates are heading to the University of Oxford to pursue one-year master’s degree programs through the Jepson Scholars Program.

“The rate of Jepson students accepted into Oxford, the oldest and one of the most selective universities in the world, is a testament to the quality of education our students receive at the Jepson School and the University of Richmond,” said Jepson School Dean Sandra Peart.

Students apply for the competitive program, and the scholarships are awarded to graduating seniors who are either majoring or minoring in leadership studies through the Jepson School, the nation’s first undergraduate school of leadership studies.

The Jepson Scholars Foundation, in collaboration with the Jepson School, awarded the 2023 grads full scholarships covering tuition, food and housing, and fees.

Founded in 2019 by Jepson School benefactors Robert S. Jepson Jr. and Alice Andrews Jepson, the Jepson Scholars Foundation typically funds up to four scholarships per year. This year, an unprecedented number of leadership studies students were accepted into Oxford graduate programs. In response, the Foundation decided to award three additional scholarships.

“The Foundation’s generosity is truly remarkable,” Peart said. “These scholarships offer top-achieving students the chance to continue exploring leadership issues as they relate to a broad range of disciplines.”

Since awarding its inaugural scholarship in 2019, 15 UR students have received these prestigious Jepson scholarships.