Rice University’s Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies has unveiled its new strategic plan, looking to broaden access while advancing the social, educational and economic vitality of dynamic urban communities in Houston and beyond.
Built with influence from and in alignment with Rice’s strategic plan, Momentous: Personalized Scale for Global Impact, the objective is to continue and expand upon the school’s mission of providing access to degrees and programs that engage, educate and empower lifelong learners and communities.
“Houston is poised for significant job growth driven by rapid innovations in education, energy, health and technology,” said Amy Dittmar, the Howard R. Hughes Provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “Rice and the Glasscock School are dedicated to ensuring that Houstonians are well-equipped to capitalize on these expanding opportunities. By expanding professional and corporate programs, the Glasscock School will continue to build on its long history and deep relationships within the region, reaching Houston and beyond.”
Work on Rice Continuing Studies’ new strategic plan began in 2023, involving a variety of school stakeholders, including university leadership and the Glasscock School’s advisory board members, staff and Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership advisers.
“The Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies will leverage the deep resources of Rice University with the expertise and drive of our community partners, instructors, staff and students to realize this vision,” said Robert Bruce, dean of Rice Continuing Studies. “We will utilize the strengths of Rice Continuing Studies to help advance our dynamic city.
“Over nearly six decades, our school has grown in response to our community’s needs with deep roots in education, nonprofit service, career development and lifelong learning. These homegrown initiatives make us uniquely positioned to address Houston’s most pressing needs — needs that, when met, will continue to make our community thrive.”
Focusing on four primary areas of impact, the plan maps out a way to best serve the professional and personal education needs of lifelong learners in the greater Houston area, adapting in accordance with an evolving world by meeting the needs of and enriching individuals and the community as a whole.
Areas of impact
Education: The greater Houston area serves more than 1.3 million students enrolled in independent school districts and charter schools — a population greater than the total of eight states in the U.S. — creating a significant opportunity to impact generations of Houston-area students. The Center for Education, part of Rice Continuing Studies, offers programming across the pre-K through -12 continuum, including short courses, institutes, custom workshops, certificate programs, teacher and principal certification and the Master of Arts in Teaching. Additionally, Rice recently approved the center’s minor in education, which will be available to undergraduates in spring 2025.
Nonprofit Service: With more than 15,000 nonprofits in the greater Houston area serving a wide variety of needs, it is imperative that these organizations receive training commensurate with the vital role they play in the community. Through the Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership , Rice Continuing Studies seeks to increase the effectiveness and impact of the nonprofit sector by providing education and nurturing leadership among professionals and those who support the work of nonprofit organizations.
Career Development: Career development is essential to Houston’s future as it helps build a skilled and adaptable workforce that can drive the city’s economic growth. Rice Continuing Studies supports Houston’s professional population with opportunities to upskill and reskill to meet the needs of an ever-evolving knowledge economy. The school offers an expansive selection of courses and certificate programs for career changers and advancers interested in areas such as human resources, financial services, paralegal, languages, project management and more.
Lifelong Learning: Fundamental to Rice Continuing Studies is the belief that people are meant to continually grow and evolve into the best version of themselves through interdisciplinary and multimotivational studies — learning from a variety of fields and to the benefit of both professional and personal goals. Toward this idea, the school offers a myriad of opportunities for ever-curious learners to explore interdisciplinary studies in short courses offered through the school’s Center for Community Learning and Engagement or to earn a degree through the flexible Graduate Liberal Studies program.
To address these areas of impact, Rice Continuing Studies has identified four strategic pillars to drive progress:
Leadership: Embrace its position as a leader in continuing and professional studies.
Impact: Elevate Houston and empower individuals and organizations while advancing thriving urban communities.
Access: Extend Rice research, teaching and resources through open access and program innovation.
Culture: Foster a mission-driven culture of excellence, communication, service and organizational sustainability.
“Maximizing these pillars within our service areas, fueled by Rice’s resources and our community partners, will create transformative opportunities for Houston,” Bruce said. “Further, through our success in Houston, we will develop a model that can be scaled for the world.”
Learn more about Rice Continuing Studies’ courses and register at continue.rice.edu.