Jeffrey B. Lovelace
University of Virginia, McIntire School of Commerce
“Since joining the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce in 2017, Professor Lovelace has had an exceptional impact on students and the broader academic community. One of his most significant contributions is developing and implementing the Leadership Minor at McIntire, where he restructured the curriculum and designed courses that deeply engage students in leadership theory and practice. His course Strategic Leadership has become a cornerstone for the management concentration and leadership minor, receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback due to his innovative use of simulations and case studies. Professor Lovelace’s commitment to student development is evident through his hands-on approach, which includes personalized engagement with students and fostering a sense of inclusion in the classroom.
“Furthermore, his leadership extends beyond the classroom as the Director of the Leadership Minor and through his involvement with student veteran support programs. He actively engages with the broader UVA community to create a supportive environment for veterans transitioning into higher education. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Veterans’ Student Center while serving as the faculty advisor to the Student Veterans of America chapter at the University. He launched and hosted and academic boot camp for the Warrior-Scholars Project this past summer at the McIntire School of Commerce, and Prof. Lovelace continues to serve as a trusted advisor for so many student veterans across the University.” – Chris Elliott, Assistant Dean of Academic & Faculty Affairs
Jeffrey B. Lovelace, 44, is the Robert H. Schade Bicentennial Associate Professor at University of Virginia, McIntire School of Commerce. He is also Director of the McIntire Leadership Minor.
Lovelace researches the social and cognitive influences that shape the decision-making processes of organizational leaders. In particular, he utilizes an Upper Echelons Theory perspective to examine executive sensemaking, emphasizing the investigation of how individual and firm social evaluations (e.g., celebrity, status, and reputation) impact leader cognition, behavior, and firm performance.
He has published journal articles, books, and book chapters in various outlets, including the Academy of Management Review, the Academy of Management Journal, the Journal of Management, and the Leadership Quarterly. His work has been featured in media outlets such as Forbes and Financial Times. He teaches classes on leadership, power and influence, organizational change, and stakeholder management at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Lovelace is also an International Research Fellow for the Oxford University Centre for Corporate Reputation. Currently, he serves on the Editorial Boards for the Academy of Management Review and the Journal of Management. His awards include the Distinguished Scholar Award from the University of Virginia Engagement Office (2024), the Best Reviewer Award for the Journal of Management (2024), the Network of Leadership Scholars Rising Star Award (2022), and Best Paper for the Strategic Leadership and Governance Interest Group at the Strategic Management Society annual conference (2018).
Before his academic career, he served honorably as an officer in the U.S. Army from 2002 until 2014.
BACKGROUND
At current institution since what year? 2017
Education:
- Ph.D. The Pennsylvania State University, University Park – Major: Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Minor: Business Administration
- M.S. The Pennsylvania State University, University Park – Major: Industrial Organizational Psychology
- B.S. United States Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY – Major: American Politics
List of Undergraduate courses you teach: Leadership Across the Disciplines, Strategic Leadership
TELL US ABOUT LIFE AS A BUSINESS SCHOOL PROFESSOR
I knew I wanted to be a business school professor when …
I knew I wanted to be a business school professor when I returned for my master’s degree at Penn State. That experience opened my eyes to how much education could expand my personal development. I wanted to help others the way that mentors like Sam Hunter and Rick Jacobs helped me. However, it was when a professor I deeply respected expressed confidence in me, saying he believed I could be a great faculty member, that I thought this pathway was a real possibility.
What are you currently researching and what is the most significant discovery you’ve made from it?
Broadly, my research focuses on how leaders’ identities and personal values shape their decisions and, ultimately, the environment and performance of their organizations. My work highlights that effective leadership can come in many forms and that who leaders are—at their core—profoundly influences their approach to guiding firms and shaping outcomes. I’ve also studied the effects of CEO celebrity and organizational identity, demonstrating that the public personas leaders cultivate can constrain or amplify their effectiveness. Currently, a project I am excited about, co-authored with Abbie Oliver, explores the role of mental health as an organizational asset, describing how top-down and bottom-up processes can foster resilient environments that drive sustainable success.
If I weren’t a business school professor, I’d be …
If I weren’t a business school professor, I’d be a leadership coach or even a sports coach. My time in the military sparked a real passion for helping others develop, which is a big part of what I love about being a professor today.
What do you think makes you stand out as a professor?
What makes me stand out as a professor is my genuine interest in learning about my students as individuals. While I feel I have a lot to teach, I also believe there’s a lot I can learn from them. This two-way exchange fosters open communication, which enhances everyone’s learning process.
One word that describes my first time teaching:
Exhilarating
Here’s what I wish someone would’ve told me about being a business school professor:
It’s okay to say no sometimes (and to be fair, someone probably did say it, but I didn’t listen). The role offers endless opportunities—from research projects and committee work to mentoring and speaking engagements—but trying to do it all can dilute your impact. Setting boundaries allows you to focus on what truly matters and deliver on your commitments with the quality and dedication your students and colleagues deserve.
Professor I most admire and why:
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work alongside many inspiring mentors and co-authors. A business school professor I deeply admire is Professor Don Hambrick from Penn State, who helped me believe in my potential to belong and thrive as a faculty member in a business school. While he is an exceptionally accomplished researcher, he is an even more remarkable person and leader who places tremendous value on relationships and investing in the growth of others.
TEACHING BUSINESS SCHOOL STUDENTS
What do you enjoy most about teaching business students?
I enjoy teaching business school students because our classes allow me to bring real-world applications into the classroom, helping students see the direct impact of business theories on practical challenges. The dynamic nature of the business world keeps every class engaging, as new trends and issues provide fresh opportunities for learning and discussion. Most of all, my students’ commitment and ambition inspire me, as they are eager to tackle complex problems and drive meaningful change in their future careers.
What is most challenging?
The most challenging aspect of teaching business students is keeping lessons relevant and accurate in a rapidly evolving landscape, where factors like AI, societal polarization, and corporate activism constantly reshape the field. It requires a continuous effort to update content and adapt teaching methods that help students be prepared to navigate these complex, emerging challenges effectively in their careers.
In one word, describe your favorite type of student:
Engaged
In one word, describe your least favorite type of student:
Apathetic
When it comes to grading, I think students would describe me as …
Constructive
LIFE OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
What are your hobbies?
I’m passionate about staying active with my Peloton workouts, and I enjoy walking my Old English Sheepdog and our three rescue dogs. I love spending time with my incredible wife and family, whether watching my kids play sports, traveling together, attending concerts, or getting a little competitive by beating my kids in Fortnite!
How will you spend your summer?
This summer, I’m looking forward to our family’s annual beach trip, and I am also hoping to take my family to explore Ireland and the UK. I’ll also be diving into new research projects and attending conferences in Copenhagen and Oxford.
Favorite place(s) to vacation:
We love going to the beach. Every summer, my side of the family piles into a beach house on the Outer Banks of NC for a week, filling our days with beach fun, cousin time, games, and great meals. It’s the perfect time to relax and reconnect, which I look forward to every year.
Favorite book(s):
I enjoy many books, making it hard to pick just one favorite. I’ve always loved revisiting classics like Beowulf, The Odyssey, and The Lord of the Rings series. If I had to pick one, We Were Soldiers Once… and Young left a lasting impact on me because it humanizes soldiers on all sides of the Vietnam conflict and offers profound leadership lessons.
What is currently your favorite movie and/or show and what is it about the film or program that you enjoy so much?
Right now, my favorite movies and shows are from the Marvel and Star Wars universes. I’m a huge fan of all things in those worlds, which I’ve loved since I was a kid. Now, I get to share that passion with my own kids, which makes watching these stories together feel pretty special.
What is your favorite type of music or artist(s) and why?
My favorite music is whatever my family brings to life. All my kids play ukulele or guitar, and my daughter loves to sing, so hearing them fills our home with joy. My wife’s our DJ with a playlist that spans everything—from 70’s disco to 90’s rap, from classic R&B to classic rock, from pop to classical music.
THOUGHTS AND REFLECTIONS
If I had my way, the business school of the future would have much more of this …
If I had my way, the business school of the future would have much more leadership coaching. Leadership coaching empowers college students to develop essential skills like emotional intelligence, decision-making, and team management—skills that aren’t always addressed through traditional coursework. By receiving personalized guidance and feedback, students learn to navigate real-world challenges, communicate, and build resilience more effectively. This experience can help prepare them to become adaptive, confident leaders in any industry, giving them a head start in their careers and making them more effective and impactful professionals from day one.
In my opinion, companies and organizations today need to do a better job at …
In my opinion, companies and organizations today need to do a better job of supporting employees’ overall well-being, not just managing issues as they arise. Too often, efforts are reactive and overlook the importance of fostering a healthy, positive work environment that encourages growth and resilience. By taking a more proactive approach to well-being, organizations can build a stronger, more engaged workforce, ultimately benefiting both individuals and the company.
I’m grateful for …
I’m grateful for the people who make this journey so fulfilling. My family—especially my amazing wife and kids—grounds me and gives each day meaning. I’m lucky to work alongside brilliant colleagues who challenge my thinking and bring real joy to the job, and I’m constantly inspired by students who remind me why I’m optimistic about the future. They all make this work more than just a job; they make it a true privilege.
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