About the Report

A core mission of the Office for DEI is to facilitate an environment where all feel a sense of belonging and are welcomed, valued and respected. To that end, we are a resource to the Rice Business community offering opportunities for dialogue and learning through initiatives and programming.

Diversity by the Numbers

History of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Rice Business

The Rice Business Diversity and Inclusion Office (D&I) was formed in response to a critical examination of student diversity, changing demographics, analysis of the MBA market and peer institution benchmarking.

Organized in 2016, the D&I office was designed to coordinate formerly siloed operations, collaborate with the admissions and career departments, provide programmatic support to students, and manage strategic diversity partnerships to increase opportunities for underrepresented minority students and women.

Fast-forward to 2021 and the Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) was launched with an expanded vision, staffing and programming to include resources and outreach to all constituencies affiliated with Rice Business.

Measuring and reporting data about the composition of our community is important and supportive of our efforts to achieve greater inclusiveness. Yet, we recognize that beyond the numbers lies a set of unique narratives that sit at the core of our school’s vibrant and diverse community. Our faculty, staff, and students encompass a rich mosaic of life experiences and backgrounds, and we acknowledge and embrace each member of our collective. Our success depends on recruiting, developing, and retaining members of the Rice Business community whose unique perspectives and experiences are appreciated and valued.