March 27, 2025
Houston, TX — Rice University, a prestigious private institution founded in 1912 and located in Houston, Texas, continues to make headlines with significant developments across various domains. Ranked 18th among National Universities in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges, with tuition and fees totaling $60,709, Rice maintains its commitment to excellence in education and research.
50th Anniversary of the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing
The George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing at Rice University is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a series of events scheduled for March 28-29. The celebratory weekend aims to honor the school’s legacy and achievements over the past five decades.
Commitment to Graduate Funding Amid Federal Uncertainties
In light of potential federal funding uncertainties, Rice University has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting graduate students. The university is proactively addressing concerns related to graduate school acceptances and funding, ensuring that research and academic pursuits remain uninterrupted despite external financial challenges.
Investigation into Alleged Race-Exclusionary Practices
The U.S. Department of Education has initiated an investigation into Rice University concerning alleged race-exclusionary practices in its graduate programs. This inquiry is part of a broader examination involving multiple universities accused of potential violations of the Civil Rights Act. Rice University is cooperating fully with the investigation and remains committed to fostering an inclusive academic environment.
Midseason Coaching Change in Baseball Program
In a surprising midseason move, Rice University’s Athletic Director Tommy McClelland announced the dismissal of head baseball coach Jose Cruz Jr. Pitching coach Parker Bangs has been appointed as interim coach. Subsequently, David Pierce, with extensive Division I head coaching experience and a history with Rice, has been hired to stabilize the team and commence building immediately. This decision reflects the evolving landscape of college sports and the university’s commitment to athletic excellence.
Response to Statewide Measles Outbreak
Amid a statewide measles outbreak, Houston schools, including those affiliated with Rice University, are implementing measures to safeguard students and staff. Efforts include vaccination drives, educational campaigns, and the establishment of isolation areas to prevent the spread of the disease. Rice University continues to monitor the situation closely and encourages its community to stay informed and take necessary precautions.
Recent News Highlights
- Commencement Speaker Announcement: Dr. Huda Zoghbi, an internationally renowned neurogeneticist and pioneer in brain research, has been announced as the speaker for Rice University’s 112th commencement ceremony.
- Spring Chamber Music Festival: The Shepherd School of Music is hosting a free Spring Chamber Music Festival, featuring nearly 120 students performing works by 16 composers.
- Revolutionizing Wearable Technology: Rice researchers, including Marcia O’Malley and Daniel Preston, have published an in-depth review in Nature Reviews Bioengineering analyzing the current state of wearable multisensory haptic technology and its real-world applications.
