President’s Notes
A Changed World
Amid the uncertainties brought about by COVID-19, Rice transforms its campus in every imaginable way and reaches out to help its neighbors.
Message from the President
In his 1912 inaugural address, Rice University president Edgar Odell Lovett set forth an ambitious vision, proclaiming, “The new institution … aspires to university standing of the highest grade… For the present it is proposed to assign no upper limit to its educational endeavor.”
Rice has followed Lovett’s vision even as it has transformed over the years. As a leading research university with a distinctive commitment to undergraduate education, Rice continues to aspire to pathbreaking research, unsurpassed teaching and contributions to the betterment of the world.
- David W. Leebron, President
Message from President Leebron: Our Values at Rice
August 24, 2020
Dear faculty, staff and students,
Welcome back to a new year at Rice. It is indeed new in both senses of the word: it is just beginning and it is a year like no other. Our circumstances require that we be more thoughtful and aware about several issues. No matter how we are engaging with our Rice community – whether learning, teaching or working remotely or here on the campus – it is vital that we all continue to participate in the best ways we can. For those working or studying remotely, that will require more in the way of affirmative effort to be part of the community. For those living on or coming to campus, it will require more effort to make sure our care for each other and behaviors fully reflect the need for vigilant safety measures in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Town Hall 2020
President Leebron presents an update on our past year and Rice’s response and planning surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.