Dear Rice community,
I am writing to share that Director of Athletics Tommy McClelland has accepted the position of vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics at Purdue University. While we are sorry to see Tommy leave Rice, we are grateful for his outstanding leadership over the past three years and congratulate him on this well-deserved opportunity.
Since joining Rice in 2023, Tommy has helped strengthen the trajectory of Rice Athletics through a steadfast commitment to our student-athletes, coaches and the broader university community. His leadership has been guided by a belief that competitive excellence and academic excellence go hand in hand and that every student-athlete deserves the opportunity to thrive.
During his tenure, Tommy led several important initiatives that will have a lasting impact on our athletics program. He successfully recruited outstanding head coaches to lead our football, men's basketball, baseball and track and field programs while also expanding opportunities for future generations of student-athletes through the launch of Rice's women's golf program. His unwavering support for all of our teams and his particular commitment to advancing women's athletics have strengthened our department and reinforced Rice's values of opportunity, inclusion, and excellence.
Tommy also played a pivotal role in shaping the future of Rice Athletics through his leadership on the vision for the transformation of the historic Rice Stadium as part of the Gateway Project. His partnership with university leaders, alumni and supporters has helped build momentum for this vital initiative, including cultivating the philanthropic support that will make it possible.
Most importantly, Tommy has been a dedicated advocate for our student-athletes. He has championed an environment where they can excel in competition, succeed in the classroom and develop as leaders prepared to make meaningful contributions long after graduation.
On behalf of the entire Rice community, I want to thank Tommy for his service, leadership and friendship to Rice. We wish him and his family every success as they begin this exciting new chapter at Purdue.
I am pleased to announce that Deputy Athletic Director Eric George has agreed to serve as interim director of athletics. Eric is a highly respected member of our athletics leadership team whose experience, sound judgment and deep understanding of Rice position him well to guide the department during this transition. I know our community will rally behind Eric and our exceptional coaches, staff and student-athletes as we look ahead with confidence and excitement for the future of Rice Athletics.
Rice's commitment to athletics is as strong as ever. Our student-athletes continuously inspire us through their achievements in competition, in the classroom and in service to others. Athletics plays a critical role in the life of our university, bringing our community together, strengthening school spirit and advancing the national visibility of Rice. We will continue to invest in the people, programs and facilities that support their success and reflect our aspirations as one of the nation's premier universities.
Best regards,
Reginald DesRoches
President, Rice University