Terrence J. Brooks has been named the Office of Access and Institutional Excellence’s new associate vice provost for campus engagement.
In this role, Brooks will support university priorities related to campus belonging, student leadership development, pluralism and civic engagement, working closely with partners across the institution to strengthen Rice’s co-curricular environment and student experience.
“I’m delighted that Terrence Brooks is joining us to pilot the office’s critically important work in campus engagement,” said Alexander X. Byrd, vice provost for the Office of Access and Institutional Excellence. “Dr. Brooks’s community-grounded, curiosity-driven leadership will be a great boon to our efforts to strengthen and enhance the university’s personalized approach to education. I am excited to welcome him to Rice and to Houston and look forward to the great working partnerships he will build here.”
Brooks brings more than 20 years of experience in higher education with a background in student engagement, leadership development and community-centered programming. Most recently, he served as senior director of student life at Columbus State Community College, where he oversaw a broad portfolio including student conduct, well-being initiatives and campus engagement programs.
“My first year will be rooted in listening, learning and building relationships,” Brooks said. “I’m looking forward to many ‘coffee conversations’ as I immerse myself in the rich history, culture and aspirations of the campus community.”
At Rice, Brooks will serve as a key connector across academic and student affairs, supporting more than 40 student organizations and helping to design programs that foster meaningful engagement and a strong sense of belonging across campus.
He said he is especially drawn to the opportunity to build on Rice’s existing foundation while helping expand its impact.
“Rice has a strong foundation, and I see my role as both honoring that legacy and identifying opportunities to extend its impact,” Brooks said. “By partnering with stakeholders across the institution, I hope to celebrate existing successes while also exploring new possibilities for growth.”
Brooks brings leadership experience spanning student conduct, wellbeing initiatives, policy development and large-scale campus programming. He emphasized that collaboration and shared purpose will be key to navigating the opportunities ahead.
“I approach this work as both a student and a practitioner,” Brooks said. “I am committed to listening closely, identifying emerging trends and applying what I learn in thoughtful and practical ways.”
Brooks said he is energized by the opportunity to contribute to Rice’s mission and the work of the Office of Access and Institutional Excellence.
“The most powerful solutions emerge when people come together with intention, courage and care,” he said. “I’m excited to collaborate with a community that is already committed to doing this important work and to help advance efforts that create meaningful, lasting change.”