One year after launching its ambitious 10-year strategic plan, Momentous: Personalized Scale for Global Impact, Rice University is already seeing the transformative results of its bold vision. From expanding student support and reshaping research priorities to investing in responsible artificial intelligence and urban resilience, the plan is quickly moving from blueprint to reality.
“One year ago, we launched Momentous — a bold strategic vision to guide Rice University into a new era of excellence, access and innovation,” President Reginald DesRoches said. “Today, I am pleased to share that we are not only on track but accelerating.”
Unveiled in late 2024, Momentous is built around several priority areas including the advancement of undergraduate and graduate education, a world-class research enterprise, thriving urban communities, sustainable futures and innovations in health. Cross-cutting catalysts — responsible AI and an empowered campus culture — support the foundation needed to sustain growth.
Transforming the student experience
At the undergraduate level, Rice has announced its 12th residential college, Chao College, and launched the Office of Academic Support for Undergraduate Students, designed to strengthen personalized academic advising and services. The Rice women’s golf team also reached a milestone with a new agreement with Westwood Golf Club, providing enhanced training opportunities for the university’s newest varsity program.
Graduate education is growing in reach and recognition. In fall 2024, Rice welcomed over 400 students to the Gulf Coast Undergraduate Research Symposium, and the university’s Online Master of Computer Science program earned a top 10 national ranking from U.S. News & World Report.
The launch of Rice Digital Learning and Strategy signals a reimagined approach to digital learning, further expanding the university’s educational reach worldwide.
“Rice’s commitment to academic excellence and access has never been stronger,” said Amy Dittmar, the Howard. R. Hughes Provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “We’re aligning resources, talent and innovation to ensure that students — undergraduate and graduate alike — receive a world-class education in an environment that nurtures both depth and discovery.”
Strengthening research and global reach
Since the official launch of Rice Global India in Bengaluru last November, the university’s global partnerships have continued to grow. This summer, Rice joined Venice International University, a prestigious global consortium of two dozen universities and institutions committed to international collaboration. At home, Rice has hired 139 new faculty members since fall 2022, each contributing to strategic areas including premier research and responsible AI initiatives.
The university is now home to 91 Fulbright students from 20 countries, reinforcing Rice’s global stature as a research hub. In Houston, the Center for Nanoscale Imaging Sciences and the Center for Humanities-based Health AI Innovation are unlocking new frontiers in biomedical and AI-based health research.
Meeting the moment in Houston and beyond
Momentous aims to integrate Rice more deeply into the fabric of Houston — and the early results show impact at scale.
Through its collaboration with the Houston Independent School District, Rice’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research is helping inform support systems like Sunrise Centers, which provide wraparound services to local students. In the wake of catastrophic summer flooding in the Texas Hill Country, Rice’s Severe Storm Prediction, Education and Evacuation from Disasters (SSPEED) Center is advancing real-time flood modeling to support disaster preparedness across Texas.
And through the Ross Rankin Moody Civic Immersion program, dozens of new Rice students spent their first weeks on campus engaging with Houston’s social justice landscape, a hands-on introduction to the university’s civic mission.
Sustainability, innovation and AI at the core
Rice continues to make strides toward a more sustainable future, including a campuswide water monitoring program that has significantly cut usage without compromising growth. The Office of Sustainability’s “Give a Hoot! Donate Your Loot!” initiative also earned state recognition from Keep Texas Beautiful.
In the realm of responsible AI, Rice has launched a new undergraduate degree in AI and has rolled out tools like Google Gemini and NotebookLM to enhance learning and operational efficiency. A new course for faculty and staff — Teaching with AI at Rice: From Curiosity to Confidence — reflects the university’s commitment to ethical and impactful AI use.
“Importantly, this progress reflects more than just construction projects or policy shifts,” DesRoches said. “It represents a shared commitment across our faculty, staff, students, alumni and leadership to imagine boldly and act decisively.”
Building a stronger, empowered Rice
Rice’s new budget model and increased investments in faculty and staff benefits signal a stronger internal alignment with the strategic plan. In fiscal year 2025 alone, the university committed $1.3 million to salary increases, expanded tuition and parental leave benefits and enhanced health care contributions.
Initiatives like Building Momentum Together aim to streamline services, improve transparency and reduce administrative burdens. And with the appointment of Brittni MacLeod as program manager for Momentous in the Office of the Provost, the university is ensuring clear alignment, coordination and accountability in tracking strategic progress.
“This plan was never intended to sit on a shelf,” DesRoches said. “It is a living blueprint — one built on the core belief that Rice can grow thoughtfully while remaining true to its distinctive culture and values.”
Across campus and beyond, Momentous is sparking a renewed sense of purpose and pride. Faculty and staff are embracing new ways to collaborate. Students are engaging more deeply with the world around them. And Rice is positioning itself as a university that prioritizes leading on the global stage.
“As we move forward, we do so with humility and confidence — aware of the challenges ahead but inspired by what we’ve already accomplished together,” DesRoches said. “I look forward to the work ahead and to continuing this momentous journey.”