About the Jones School Board Fellows

The Jones School Board Fellows (JSBF) Program matches Rice MBA candidates with Houston community based nonprofit organizations to serve as non-voting board members.  Both students and organizations benefit from the Board Fellows program:  MBA candidates develop valuable leadership skills and experience working in the nonprofit sector.  Organizations gain access to the ideas and energy of future business leaders and establish long-term relationships with the Jones Graduate School of Business.  Fellows attend board sessions and relevant committee meetings under the mentorship of a current board member.  

Program Objectives  

• Prepare Rice MBA students to be socially responsible leaders through service on non-profit boards.
• Support non-profits by applying Fellows’ professional experiences and academic background to solve strategic, organizational, and operational issues that enhance the work of the board.
• Build the Jones School’s reputation of producing socially responsible, community-oriented leaders while making a positive impact on the Houston community.

Responsibilities of a Board Fellow 

• Serve as a non-voting board member
• Attend all board meetings and serve on a board committee
• Commit approximately the same amount of time to the board as a full board member
• Help with and attend special events, as student’s schedule allows

Responsibilities of the Organization  

• Provide a mentor who will who will help orient the Fellow to the workings of the Board and be available to answer questions and address concerns
• Provide a formal orientation to the organization's work and expectations for board members
• Communicate consistently and provide feedback about the progress of the Board Fellow

Selection ProcessBoth students and boards apply to be a part of the program and are matched based on the mutual interest of both parties.  Participating non-profit organizations are selected through a simple application process.  For selection, organizations should demonstrate regular and efficient opportunities for the Fellow to participate in board proceedings and the promise of a high-quality mentorship relationship.  JSBF aims to place Fellows on boards from every sector, including those with local, regional, and national orientations. 

Board Fellows Application 
Word | PDF 

Jones School Board Fellows - Events

no board fellows events are scheduled at this time.

Jones School Board Fellows - Executive Committee

	Cindi Burton VP of External Relations			Rahila Odhwani VP of Internal Relations
	LaMecia Butler VP of Marketing			Megan Manning VP of Communications
	Sarika Tyagi VP of Finance			Donna Platt    Associate Director of Development and Student Outreach Jones School Board Fellows Staff Liaison dplatt@rice.edu

Jones School Board Fellows - Non-Profit Partners

 We are always looking for dynamic non profit's to partner with! Interested in having a RICE MBA on your nonprofit board?  Please complete and return the Non Profit Application or contact Donna Platt at donna.m.platt@rice.edu or 713-348-3724 for more information.