News & Events
Peter Rodriguez, dean of Rice University’s Jones Graduate School of Business and the Virani Undergraduate School of Business since 2016, today was named the 15th president of Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He will begin his new role July 1.
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In The Media
The Board of Trustees of Wake Forest University announced the appointment of Peter Rodriguez as the University’s 15th President. A distinguished economist and transformative academic leader, Rodriguez currently serves as the dean of Rice University’s School of Business. He will begin his presidency at Wake Forest on July 1, 2026.
20 May
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School Updates
Congratulations to Rice Business professor Diana Jue-Rajasingh on being named to Poets&Quants’ 2026 40-Under-40 list, recognizing her innovative teaching and research that help students think critically and lead through uncertainty.
18 May
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Get to know some new members of the Rice Business MBA Class of 2027 in this edition of Real Humans: MBA Students from Clear Admit.
Rushi Bhalani ’19 and Will Eldridge ’16 ’17 will be recognized with the Builders Award Nov. 7 during the President’s Town Hall, a signature event of Rice’s Alumni Weekend. The Builders Award is given to graduates of the past 10 years who go above and beyond in service to Rice.
Poets&Quants named Dean Peter Rodriguez its 2025 Dean of the Year, recognizing his transformation of Rice Business since 2016. Under his leadership, the school has advanced in academics, reputation and innovation.
The 10th annual Sparking Success Conference is set for Oct. 31, when attendees can experience a forum full of industry professionals, leaders and experts to network and learn important skills in the ever-changing world of business.
Peter Rodriguez, the Houston Endowment Dean of the Jones Graduate School of Business and the Virani Undergraduate School of Business at Rice University, has been named the 2025 Poets&Quants Dean of the Year, a national honor recognizing visionary leadership and outstanding contributions to business education.
In less than a decade, Rodriguez has transformed Rice Business in nearly every dimension. Beyond creating a thriving undergraduate offering, he has overseen a 192% increase in student enrollment. The growth stems from a doubling of MBA students and the launch of an online MBA—the university’s first online degree—along with a hybrid MBA option.
Rice University professor Mikki Hebl says job seekers’ willingness to accept lower pay and roles reflects a softer labor market and shifting values toward flexibility, balance, and meaningful work.
Rice Business rose to No. 24 in U.S. News’ 2026 undergraduate business rankings, up from No. 27 last year. The school now shares its spot with seven peers, reflecting strong momentum among top-tier programs.
New research co-authored by Rice Business lecturer Richard Schwartz finds that problem-solving daydreaming can trigger powerful career epiphanies and a stronger sense of professional purpose.
ChopnBlok owner and Rice MBA '14 Ope Amosu is partnering with Trill Burgers to host two fusion dining nights, blending West African flavors into comfort food. The collaboration celebrates ChopnBlok’s first year in Montrose and re-connects Amosu with Bun B, whom he first met years ago.
