Dear Rice community,
As the semester comes to an end, I want to take a moment to reflect on all that we’ve enjoyed and achieved together, acknowledge the challenges we continue to face, and recognize the opportunities change can provide.
This year has brought remarkable progress. Across our campus, we’ve seen pathbreaking research, bold new programs, and important strides in building a more inclusive, dynamic and impactful university. We continue to grow our student body in recognition of our unwavering commitment to access. We’ve welcomed talented new students, staff and faculty, deepened our partnerships in the city of Houston and across the globe, and pursued our strategic goals through Momentous with focus and ambition. The work of our faculty has been recognized with a record number of prestigious honors and awards.
At the same time, we know that higher education has entered a period of uncertainty. Recent federal developments remind us that our work does not exist in isolation — and that the values we hold dear, including academic freedom, access, diversity, research and innovation, and global exchange and collaboration, require both our vigilance and engagement. We are closely monitoring the changing landscape and actively leveraging our expertise, resources and relationships to protect Rice’s ability to carry out its mission at the highest level.
In preparation for each fiscal year, we sit down to evaluate how we are positioned to continue to make progress toward our big ambitions. The good news is that Rice, despite the turbulence in the financial markets and the unpredictable political environment, remains financially strong. We know there are headwinds and will be taking steps to ensure we maintain a solid financial foundation. We owe it to this community to push ourselves to pursue ideas that could fortify Rice for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. In doing this, we will be steadfast in providing support to serve Rice’s evolving needs while ensuring we use resources wisely and make strategic investments in Rice’s long-term success. We will do so in a thoughtful manner with a commitment to transparency and care, all while remaining true to our core priorities: supporting our people, sustaining academic excellence and investing in the future of Rice.
In a moment like this, it’s important to remember that universities are built for times of change and uncertainty. We generate new ideas and solutions, we question assumptions, and we adapt with purpose. We are resilient.
As we celebrate our graduates this weekend and enter the summer months, let us move forward with confidence and hope, knowing that our strength lies in our community; in the curiosity and dreams of our students; the discovery, excellence and creativity of our faculty and staff; and the shared commitment of all who call Rice home.
With gratitude and Owl resolve,
President Reginald DesRoches