Pillar 2
Leadership and Oversight
At Rice Business, our leadership team is committed to addressing diversity, equity and inclusion as strategic priorities. Our goal is to ensure everyone, especially those from historically excluded or under-resourced groups, feels accepted, included and valued. We strive to build confidence throughout the community that these efforts are being actively pursued and implemented.
Rice Business Senior Leadership Team
Dean Peter Rodriguez has cultivated a diverse senior leadership team with the breadth of experiences and perspectives that fosters inclusive, innovative and equitable decision-making.
Dean-Level Leadership of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
In 2021, Dean Rodriguez appointed Professor Constance Porter as senior associate dean for diversity, equity and inclusion. Senior Associate Dean Porter’s appointment expanded the scope of the preexisting Diversity and Inclusion Office. Under her leadership, four additional staff members have joined the Office for DEI, including an executive director, director, assistant director and office administrator.
Rice Business Office for DEI Collaborates with University Partners
The Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion actively partners with DEI-focused leaders across the university to share best practices, work on joint initiatives and ensure that Rice Business DEI-related policies and practices are both visible and aligned with institutional goals. Our collaborative efforts are supported by key partners across the university. Professor Alexander Byrd, vice provost for diversity, equity and inclusion, along with his office staff, provides strategic leadership for DEI initiatives. We also work with Dr. Richard Anthony Baker, who serves as the executive director for HR people, equity, and development and university Title IX coordinator in the Office of Access, Equity and Equal Opportunity.
Office of Business and Operations
In 2022, Dean Rodriguez appointed Christian Rafidi as chief business officer and associate dean for finance and administration to lead the Office of Business and Operations. Associate Dean Rafidi has grown the office to include:
- Business Information Center: Nicolas Oscar Castellanos, Director
- Building Operations: Deanna Golden, Senior Director
- Events and Venue Management: Victoria Nguyen, Manager, Events and Venue Management Operations; Barbara Brave, Manager, Event Logistics and Venue Management
- Faculty Services Administration: Owen Amadin, Director
- Financial Services: Tim Pitts, Executive Director
- Office of Technology
- Staff Administration: Jessica Krom, Director
Chief Business Officer and Associate Dean Christian Rafidi speaks about the impact of DEI on business and operations at Rice Business.