The Next Chapter

As many of you know, Peter Rodriguez recently left Rice to become president of Wake Forest University after nearly a decade of leadership as dean of Rice Business. Peter guided the school through one of the most transformative periods in its history, and I’m deeply grateful for all he has done to strengthen our community and elevate Rice Business.

We have begun a global search for our next dean to lead both our undergraduate and graduate programs, and I am honored to serve as interim dean in the meantime.

Leadership transitions naturally bring change, but they also provide an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come and where we’re headed. My goal over the coming year is to provide steady leadership while building on the strong foundation already in place. I’ll focus on supporting our community, advancing the school’s priorities and ensuring a smooth transition for our next leader.

There is perhaps no better symbol of our future than the opening of our new business building, Asha and Farid Virani Hall, named in recognition of the Virani family’s extraordinary generosity to Rice Business.

For the past two years, we’ve watched Virani Hall rise beside McNair Hall. This summer, we officially opened its doors, welcoming undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff and the broader community into a space designed to support learning, collaboration and innovation for decades to come.

Virani Hall reflects where Rice Business is headed. Like McNair Hall, it will serve both undergraduate and graduate programs, with larger classrooms — including two 120-seat classrooms — flexible collaborative spaces and welcoming gathering areas, including new dining options and the return of Audrey’s Cafe, to strengthen the close-knit community that has always defined this school.

While I’m excited about the building itself, I’m even more excited about what will happen inside it. Every class discussion, startup pitch, mentoring conversation, research breakthrough and lifelong friendship will become part of the next chapter of Rice Business. Buildings don’t create great business schools — people do. Virani Hall simply gives our extraordinary community another beautiful place to learn, teach, discover and lead.

I look forward to the year ahead with optimism. Rice Business is entering its next chapter from a position of strength, with a growing reputation, an expanding community and a clear vision for the future. Together, we’ll continue building on everything that has brought us to this moment while preparing the school for even greater success in the years ahead.

When the next dean arrives, they will inherit a business school that is stronger than ever — one defined by exceptional people, growing impact, a clear sense of purpose and an unwavering commitment to excellence. That is a testament to this community and to everything we have built together.

Thank you for being part of the Rice Business community and for everything you do to make it stronger.

—Jeff Fleming