A record number of first-year students have registered for the Doerr Institute for New Leaders’ flagship Activation One-on-One Coaching program for the fall semester, reflecting growing interest in the leadership development opportunities at Rice University.
As of the registration deadline, 507 first-year students had signed up for Activation, nearly tripling the 170 first-year students who participated in fall 2025. Another 33 first-year students registered for the Doerr Institute’s Leading as a First-Year Cohort.
Doerr’s flagship Activation was the first program offered by the institute. Rice students are paired at no cost with certified leadership coaches for a semester of individualized leadership coaching.
“It’s a tremendous opportunity for individuals to use a world-class resource in service of helping to amplify their ability to be influential in dealing with others,” said Bernie Banks, director of the Doerr Institute.
Activation begins with an emotional intelligence assessment to help students identify strengths and areas of growth. This assessment debrief supports their ability to establish a goal for their leader development, which is the foundation of the remaining individual coaching sessions.
Rather than prescribing what students should work on, the program allows them to identify the areas of development that matter most to them. Coaches serve as thought partners as students navigate challenges, pursue opportunities and set goals for their Rice experience.
Banks said the program’s growing popularity reflects both increased awareness and students’ desire to make the most of their Rice experience.
“With the largest class in Rice history, I believe these young people are deeply desirous of trying to take advantage of all Rice has to offer them,” Banks said.
“As we continue to look at the world around us and there’s a lot of turbulence, I think there are also desires of figuring out ways they can make that positive difference in the world going forward.”
Research conducted by the Doerr Institute indicates that students who participate in its programs show a significant increase in leader identity and are more likely after graduation to take on roles of increased responsibility than students who do not participate.
For Banks, the opportunity is particularly valuable given the relatively small time commitment required.
“If they are intent on taking a path designed to create an extraordinary experience at Rice, is six hours’ investment too much, given what that six hours can ultimately provide for them?” he said.
Activation is available to all Rice undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral researchers with no application needed or competition for limited spots.
The Doerr Institute also has 33 first-year students enrolled in its Leading as a First-Year Cohort, a yearlong leadership experience that combines group coaching, individual coaching, workshops and peer learning.
The cohort is designed to give first-year students an immersive introduction to leadership development while building relationships with peers who are interested in making an impact at Rice and beyond.
Visit the Doerr Institute website to learn more.