Rice University is mourning the passing of E. William “Bill” Barnett ’55, an esteemed alumnus, former chairman of the Rice Board of Trustees and a transformative figure in the university’s modern history.
Kathryn Cavender, associate vice president for Campus Safety, will retire this June after 34 years of service to the university, leaving behind an legacy of leadership and dedication.
Sandee Cheynet has been appointed Rice’s associate vice president of human resources and chief human resources officer. Cheynet will take the helm March 24 following Cynthia Pepper, who served in an interim role.
Rice experienced a historic snowfall Jan. 21, transforming its iconic campus into a winter wonderland. The snowfall blanketed the university’s signature live oaks, the arches of Lovett Hall and the expansive Academic Quadrangle, creating picturesque scenes rarely witnessed in the South.
Rice has earned an A in Forbes’ most recent College Financial Grades list, achieving a 3.97 GPA. In evaluating 876 private colleges and universities, the influential business magazine identified the nation’s “strongest and weakest schools” in terms of financial health and performance.
Before, during and after Hurricane Beryl blew through Houston July 8, several Rice University departments went above and beyond to keep students, faculty and staff safe, fed and housed.
Rice University’s Division of Operations, Finance and Support announced that Ken Jett will join as vice president of facilities and capital planning and president of the Rice Real Estate Company starting April 1. He will also serve on the president’s cabinet.
Two campus departments are working to make the holiday season merry and bright: Rice University’s Housing and Dining department and the Rice University Police Department.
Construction activities for Rice’s reimagined Academic Quadrangle will begin Nov. 6. From this time and through April, the Academic Quad’s main spaces and some access points will be closed to pedestrian traffic.
Rice’s Board of Trustees recognized Susann Glenn of the Office for Finance of Administration for her 18 years of service and accomplishments in multiple initiatives throughout her career with the university.