Schwab Family Proposal
A proposal from Rice Business to
The Schwab Family
Meeting Demand
Demand for rigorous business education at the graduate and undergraduate level has risen exponentially since the school was founded 50 years ago. The Houston Endowment, Rice leadership and the business school’s board are committed to meeting that demand. Since 2016, that growth has been a core part of the Rice Business story. With expanded programs, increased enrollment, growth in faculty, and new modes of educational delivery, we are giving more students what they need to be successful in business, while meeting them where they are.
- 6 MAcc graduates have won the prestigious Elijah Watt Sells Award, since the relaunch in 2016
- 41% increase in tenured and tenure-track faculty since 2019
- 1st online degree at Rice, MBA@Rice, 2018
- Undergraduate Business Major launched, 2021
- 625, largest MBA graduating class, 2023 (278 in 2016)
- 1st Hybrid MBA cohort, 2023
Our rankings tell a story. We’re growing — in Texas and around the world. Our peers and students are taking note of the strength and momentum of our programs. We change as the world changes around us and remain committed to preparing our students to do the same.
Schwab Family Opportunities
NAMED PROFESSORSHIP (starting at $3 million endowed) represents the pinnacle of academic achievement and support. This opportunity includes:
- Early activation: We will begin awarding the professorship once it is half-funded, allowing you to see the impact of your contribution sooner.
- Prestige and recognition: All our full professorships are named, ensuring your legacy is prominently recognized.
- Discipline of your choice: You have the freedom to direct this endowment towards any discipline, aligning with your interests and passions.
NAMED JUNIOR PROFESSORSHIP OR “RISING STAR” FACULTY APPOINTMENT (starting at $1 million endowed): A named position for a promising junior faculty member from any of our programs.
VISITING FELLOW / SCHOLAR / DEAN (starting at $1 million endowed): A visiting position, such as the “Schwab Distinguished Visiting Fellow” or “Schwab Visiting Scholar,” focusing on the most critical and relevant topics each year. Their area of expertise and course offerings will be appropriate to the challenges facing businesses and leaders today and into the future, making the curriculum relevant to our students and to the greater community. An example might be an expert in Artificial Intelligence. Perhaps the greatest disruptive force to be seen in a generation, AI is changing not only business but academics and culture as well. Having a Schwab Visiting Fellow in the field of AI and topics like it will allow students to understand — and eventually apply — this exciting and intimidating new technology in whatever industry or position they pursue.
SCHWAB FELLOWSHIP (endow at $2 million): Inspired by the renowned Genovese Fellowship at UVA Darden, the Schwab Fellowship would cover tuition and fees for a second-year student, becoming a prestigious and anticipated tradition. It would be competitively awarded, based on merit and need, as determined by the school and the Schwab family.
THE DEAN’S POSITION ($5 million): The pivotal leadership role that charts the strategic direction and future growth of Rice Business. The Dean of the Jones School would receive endowment earnings to use for discretionary purposes and to hold the Schwab Deanship.
ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS (starting at $100,000 — you can add to your scholarship fund at any time once established):
- Master of Accounting — $1.2 million to cover full tuition for one student, or partial tuition for several students (per your preference)
- Professional and Executive MBA — $1.5 million to cover full tuition for one working professional balancing the demands of study, work, and family, or partial tuition for several students (per your preference)
*All options may be tailored to reflect the Schwab family’s unique vision for the future of business education at Rice University.
The Jones Graduate School of Business is grateful for the opportunity to submit this request for philanthropic support to the Schwab family.
Your consideration of the multiple ways that the Schwab family could continue to support Rice Business, particularly during the 50th anniversary year of our founding, will help us attract excellent students and world-class faculty.
Leadership comes in so many forms. Your family embodies the spirit of the Jones Graduate School of Business: attentive, responsive and kind. By taking a traditional business education and weaving in relationship building, and by having a growth mindset and learning that every job is an opportunity to learn, you will help us create compassionate leaders who are prepared to go out and change the world.
We look forward to making a historic impact together. Thank you.
Alaina Schuhsler
Senior Director of External Relations, Development & Alumni Engagement
713-542-6993
alaina.d.schuhsler@rice.edu