Letter From the Dean

I’m reminded that this is the seventh fall I have introduced myself to new students in their first days as MBAs. It never gets old.

In academia, fall means fresh beginnings — new students, faculty, staff and ideas. While all that change may come with growing pains, the growth that emerges from it is good. And we’ve got growth in spades. In this edition of the Rice Business Magazine, you’ll read stories of beginnings, change and growth that reflect the great things happening in McNair Hall and beyond the hedges.

With 10 new professors, a new deputy dean (whom you will recognize on the facing page), a new board member and a new position of chief business officer, we’re off and running on another ambitious semester. We also have a new editor for the magazine: welcome to Stacie Walker, who joined our marketing team in May. And many thanks to Jennie Latson, our former editor, who has moved on to a new position at Memorial Hermann.

As we continue to adjust to fluctuating work schedules, COVID pivots and the heat in Houston, I’m reminded that this is the seventh fall I have introduced myself to new students in their first days as MBAs. It never gets old. It never loses that first-day-of-school feeling. I love to hear their stories and goals for the future. That was you, once. Remember? We’re building big dreams at Rice Business. I’m so glad you’re a part of it.

— Peter