Rice changemakers recognized by Houston Woman Magazine
Two Rice leaders and three alumni have been named among “Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women of 2025” by Houston Woman Magazine.
OF&S kicks off 2026 with a bang
Rice’s Division of Operations, Finance and Support kicked off the new year with a lively mixer that brought colleagues together for an afternoon of connection, conversation and celebration. The event featured food and beverages, branded swag items and ample opportunities for staff to socialize and reconnect after the break.
Rice Athletics honors Hall of Fame class, celebrates legacy and future of Owls sports
Rice Athletics formally inducted the members of its 41st Hall of Fame class during a formal ceremony Oct. 24, honoring the achievements and lifelong impact of the university’s most distinguished athletes and supporters.
Loden reappointed as dean of Rice’s Shepherd School of Music
Since taking the helm, Loden has overseen a period of notable growth and renewal for the Shepherd School.
Rice climbs 9 spots in Times Higher Education global rankings, places among world’s top universities
Rice continues its upward momentum in global higher education, rising nine spots to No. 103 worldwide and No. 37 in the United States in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
Rice celebrated a major milestone Sept. 4 with a topping out ceremony for the new Chao College and the future permanent home of Lovett College.
Rice to host topping out ceremony Sept. 4 for new residential colleges
Rice will celebrate a major construction milestone with a topping out ceremony marking completion of the highest point of its two newest residential college buildings for Chao and Lovett Colleges.
Remembering E. William ‘Bill’ Barnett ’55: Visionary leader and former Rice Board chairman
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.
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.