Public Affairs

Celebrating democracy: Rice Election Day activities to feature on-campus polling, civic celebration and watch party

Rice is gearing up for Election Day on campus Nov. 5.

Rice unveils redesigned Academic Quad

Rice unveiled its newly reimagined Academic Quadrangle during a historic reopening and ribbon-cutting celebration Sept. 12.

Rice names industry expert Melanie Schramm associate vice president for marketing and brand strategy

Rice is elevating its global reputation and perception-building efforts by hiring Melanie Schramm in the recently created position of associate vice president for marketing and brand strategy.

Rice At Large spring issue now available online

Rice At Large, the quarterly newsletter that showcases Rice University’s outreach programs, is now available online.

Rice President DesRoches joins men’s health discussion on TEDx Talk

Rice President Reginald DesRoches participated in a TEDx Talk where he joined community leaders in a discussion on men’s health and the challenges of leading during a health crisis.

Rice Office of Public Affairs expands government relations, media relations teams

The Rice University Office of Public Affairs is proud to announce the addition of two new hires and a promotion, enhancing the university’s capacity to engage with government, media and stakeholders across campus and beyond.

Chris Stipes joins Rice as executive director of news and media relations

Chris Stipes, a public relations leader and Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist, has been appointed executive director of news and media relations in Rice University’s Office of Public Affairs.

New Rice leadership members greeted during reception

More than 100 members of the Rice community gathered at Brockman Hall for Opera Sept. 15 to welcome a slate of the university’s newest leadership team members: Stephen Bayer, vice president for development and alumni relations; Melinda Spaulding Chevalier, vice president for public affairs; and Tommy McClelland, vice president and director of athletics.

Offices of Admission and Public Affairs partner for campus receptions

The offices of Admission and Public Affairs will host the Campus Partner Open House and Current Student Study Break in two locations Sept. 7.

Melinda Spaulding Chevalier named VP for public affairs at Rice

Melinda Spaulding Chevalier, an Emmy Award-winning communicator, brand strategist, crisis management expert and community affairs leader, has been named Rice University’s next vice president for public affairs.

DesRoches announces Melinda Spaulding Chevalier as VP for public affairs at Rice

Rice President Reginald DesRoches announced Melinda Spaulding Chevalier as the next vice president for public affairs at Rice University Aug. 2, 2023.

Multicultural Community Relations hosts Texas Diversity Council Summer Youth Program

More than 80 high school students from the Greater Houston area attended the 13th annual Texas Diversity Council Summer Youth Program at Rice, hosted by Multicultural Community Relations in the Office of Public Affairs.

Rice Public Affairs honored with pair of Telly Awards

Rice’s Office of Public Affairs is a double winner in the 44th annual Telly Awards, which honor excellence in video and television.

Rice At Large now available online

Rice At Large, the quarterly newsletter that showcases Rice University’s outreach programs, is now available online.

Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher visits Rice

Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (D-Texas) visited the Rice Welcome Center April 5 for a lunchtime conversation with members of the university community.