Dean Sandra Peart of the Jepson School of Leadership Studies has been named a 2024 Distinguished Fellow from the History of Economics Society for a lifetime of contributions to the discipline. 

Peart has written, edited, or co-authored 13 books, examining historically important philosophers and economists like Adam Smith and most recently John Stuart Mill. She is the author of more than 100 articles in the areas of constitutional political economy, leadership in experimental settings, ethics and economics, and the transition to modern economic thought.

“The influence of Adam Smith and John Stuart Mill remains with us today,” Peart said. “As in so many areas, we learn surprising and useful insights when we examine the ideas of the past and look to the future. We also learn humility. I’m amazed and humbled by the ongoing contributions of those who came before us.”

Peart became the fourth dean of the Jepson School of Leadership Studies in August 2007. In August 2018, she was appointed to the E. Claiborne Robins Distinguished Professorship in Leadership Studies.

She is a past president of two major academic societies focused on economics — the International Adam Smith Society and the History of Economics Society, where she launched their Young Scholars Program.

“Sandra is a prolific scholar, and we are so fortunate to have her leadership at the University of Richmond,” said Joan Saab, executive vice president and provost. “This award champions Sandra’s life’s work. Her contributions to the study of economics history and leadership have positively influenced not only these fields, but also our students, faculty, and staff, as well as her peers and colleagues.” 

Peart will be formally honored at the society's annual conference in Santiago, Chile, in July.