Brandi Smith

‘The opportunity to be valuable’: Rice Philosophy alumni prove the power of critical thinking across professions

A philosophy degree offers more than just an exploration of life’s big questions — it equips students with critical thinking and communication skills that are valuable in virtually any profession.

Contemporary music takes center stage at Shepherd School’s October concerts

Two upcoming concerts at Rice’s Shepherd School of Music offer Houston audiences an opportunity to engage with the works of two modern composers while providing students the rare chance to collaborate with these musical innovators.

‘A large responsibility’: Shepherd School alum directs and composes award-winning Morgan Freeman-produced documentary

Seth Ward, who earned a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Rice’s Shepherd School of Music in 2006, has achieved a significant career milestone by directing and composing the score for “Odysseus Returns."

‘We all carry stories with us’: New Moody Project Wall installation reflects evolution of storytelling

On a series of September Saturdays, the Flex Studio at Rice’s Moody Center for the Arts buzzed with creative energy.

Celebrated Rice professor and historian Edward Cox passes away at 81

A beloved educator, mentor and scholar, Edward Cox left an indelible mark on Rice and the many students he guided over his 27-year tenure.

Rice to host ‘Historical Perspectives on the 2024 Presidential Election’ featuring Douglas Brinkley and Caleb McDaniel

Two of America’s most esteemed historians will offer unique insights into the 2024 presidential election at Rice’s School of Humanities just two weeks before voters cast their ballots.

‘Future of music’: Rice’s Shepherd School celebrates 50 years with new commissions

“Birds Are Real; Ambushed From Ten Directions,” a composition by Shih-Hui Chen, will make its world premiere Oct. 16 as part of the 50th anniversary celebration for Rice’s Shepherd School of Music.

Xicana scholar Cherríe Moraga reflects on colonization, family and identity at Rice

Weaving together reflections on colonization and her family’s experiences in California, Cherríe Moraga recounted how over centuries the violence of colonization has shaped the state and its people in her new piece, “They Are Falling All Around Me — A Borderless América Reimagined.”

Mia X becomes first woman inducted into Rice’s Hip Hop Archival Collection

Mia X, known as the “Mother of Southern Hip-Hop,” made history once again by becoming the first woman inducted into Rice's Hip Hop Archival Collection Sept. 18.

New Tent Series installations spark reflection on space, memory and social engagement

The installation of new temporary artwork in the Moody Center for the Arts’ Tent Series presents an intriguing dialogue between architecture, social engagement and narrative form.

‘A natural fit’: Rice philosophy professor explains relationship between philosophy, technology

When Robert Howell contemplates the future of artificial intelligence, he foresees a world where an app might guide your moral decisions just as Google Maps helps you navigate a road trip.

‘Well within reason’: Fed makes first interest rate cut since 2020

Rice experts John Diamond and Zach Bethune are available to comment on the Fed's decision to cut interest rates by a half percentage point.

‘Diverse perspectives’: Rice conference delivers fresh insights on energy, waste and the environment in West Africa

Rice hosted the Energy, Waste and the Environment in West Africa conference Sept. 12-13, an event that convened scholars, policymakers and artists to address pressing environmental issues in West Africa.

Rice’s Shepherd School honors Hispanic heritage with Spanish-language recital

Culminating in an encore performance of “Cumbanchero” with fellow faculty from Rice’s Shepherd School of Music, Ana María Martínez’ “Noche Española” filled Morrison Theater at Brockman Hall for Opera Sept. 13.

Shepherd School’s 50th anniversary season kicks off with weekend of orchestral performances

When Rice junior Kayleigh Kim performs William Walton’s Violin Concerto with the Shepherd School of Music Symphony Orchestra, she’ll do so on a 335-year-old Stradivarius that is on loan to the school from a generous collector.