Rice University formally introduced Tommy McClelland as the school’s new vice president and director of athletics during a morning press conference Aug. 15.
“I’ve always admired Rice from afar,” McClelland said during his opening remarks. “The opportunity to join a university that’s one of the world’s elite institutions and an athletics program that is on the rise — it’s truly unbelievable.”
Rice Owls football color analyst Nate Griffin served as the press conference emcee, and President Reginald DesRoches gave opening remarks before calling the new Rice Athletics leader to the podium.
“The future is bright for our amazing student-athletes and the entire Rice Owl community,” DesRoches said. “I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am about Tommy’s arrival and what he brings to the table in terms of his experience, his vision and passion for intercollegiate athletics and the well-being of student athletes.”
Shortly after taking the podium, McClelland put on a Rice Owls cap and promptly held up the Owls hand symbol before beginning his speech.
“I stand before you today both humbled and honored to serve as your vice president and director of athletics,” he said. “I’ve spent nearly two decades preparing for this moment, and I’m excited to get started. Since my announcement two weeks ago, my family and I have received such a warm welcome and we’re so excited to come to Houston and to join the Rice family.”
McClelland spoke about what the Rice community can expect from its athletics programs moving forward.
“Our student athletes will be the center of decision making,” he said. “They deserve a world-class experience and the opportunity to compete for championships. We will build them into champions that learn how to compete in their sport, compete in the classroom and compete in life. We will win with honesty and integrity, and we will not compromise our values. We will do our part to advance the mission and the integrity of Rice University."
He said while athletics is not the most important thing on campus, Rice's sports programs provide the widest lens in which people get to view the global impact that is happening at Rice.
“I believe that we can utilize the platform of athletics to help amplify the success of the university. When one area of the university wins, we all win," McClelland added. “Rice Athletics is well-positioned for the future and has an amazing opportunity standing right in front of it. I hope you will join us in seizing this opportunity. Go, Owls.”
DesRoches and McClelland then each addressed the media for additional questions.
To view the full press conference, click here.
