Campus Safety leader Kathryn Cavender to retire
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.
Rice names Cheynet associate vice president of human resources
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’s Incident Management Team rallies during Winter Storm Enzo
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 vice president for IT to take on new role
Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer Paul Padley will transition into an advisory role on July 1, 2025.
Rice unveils redesigned Academic Quad
Rice unveiled its newly reimagined Academic Quadrangle during a historic reopening and ribbon-cutting celebration Sept. 12.
Dedicated alumna Thacker to step down as Rice’s chief investment officer, serve as special adviser
Allison Thacker, chief investment officer at Rice and president of the Rice Management Company, will step down from her position Sept. 30.
Rice scores an A from Forbes for financial health
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.
‘Culture of care’: Rice recovering after Hurricane Beryl
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 selected by Carnegie Foundation for inaugural Leadership for Public Purpose Classification
Rice is one of 25 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the first Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose Classification.
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.
Rice’s toy drives are making the season bright
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.
Academic Quad closure begins Nov. 6
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 remembers psychology professor, groundbreaking administrator Robert L. Bell Jr.
Former professor Robert L. Bell Jr. passed away Sept. 18 at age 89.
Susann Glenn honored by Rice Board of Trustees
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.
Rice creates $1M scholarship in honor of Ruth Simmons
An event intended to honor higher education trailblazer Ruth Simmons’ best-selling new memoir became a groundbreaking event of its own when Rice University President Reginald DesRoches announced the creation of a $1 million scholarship in Simmons’ honor.
