Executive Vice President for Operations, Finance and Support Kelly Fox shared the following message with the Rice community Jan. 28:
Dear Colleagues,
It is with immense gratitude and admiration that I announce the retirement of Kathryn Cavender, associate vice president for Campus Safety, effective June 2025. After 34 years of remarkable service to Rice University, Kathryn leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of leadership, dedication and impact.
Kathryn joined Rice in 1991 as the founding director of the Environmental Health and Safety department, launching a program that has grown from a small team of three to a robust unit of ten professionals. In 2023, Kathryn was instrumental in the creation of the Campus Safety unit, a strategic reorganization that unified the Environmental Health and Safety department, the Rice University Police Department, and Emergency Management. Today, this comprehensive unit comprises 80 employees and plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and well-being of our campus community.
An industrial engineer by trade and a licensed Certified Safety Professional, Kathryn brought more than four decades of expertise in safety and risk management to her role at Rice. Her work has extended far beyond the university, as she has contributed to local, regional, and national efforts to enhance environmental health and campus safety standards.
Throughout her tenure, Kathryn has been a trusted leader and advisor, consistently demonstrating a deep commitment to excellence and community. Her influence can be seen in the systems and practices that continue to safeguard our students, faculty, and staff every day.
As Kathryn prepares for this new chapter, we take this opportunity to reflect on and celebrate her significant contributions. Her efforts have not only shaped our approach to campus safety but have also inspired and elevated those who have had the privilege of working alongside her.
To ensure a seamless transition, a national search will be launched this spring to identify Kathryn’s successor.
Please join me in expressing our heartfelt appreciation to Kathryn for her extraordinary service and in wishing her a joyful and fulfilling retirement.
Warm regards,
Kelly Fox, Executive Vice President for Operations, Finance and Support