President

Rice University is a highly selective, private research university located on approximately 290 acres in the heart of Houston, Texas, the fourth-largest city in the United States. As a leading research university with a distinctive commitment to pathbreaking research and scholarly activity, and the highest quality graduate and undergraduate education, Rice faculty engage in major research on grand challenges and are committed to contributions to the betterment of our world. Rice seeks to fulfill this mission by cultivating a diverse community of learning and discovery that produces leaders across the spectrum of human endeavor.

Founded in 1912, the university has grown to include the following:  

• Enrollment: approximately 4,000 undergraduate and 3,500 graduate students
• Faculty: approximately 700 full-time and 200 part-time faculty
• Research excellence: approximately $145 million in annual externally funded research
• Residential college system: 11 close-knit and diverse communities

• Campus: 90 buildings
• Endowment: market value of $6.2 billion as of June 30, 2020

Rice is one of 65 members of the prestigious Association of American Universities, an organization of leading research institutions dedicated to the highest quality of research and scholarly activity, education and public service. Rice is consistently ranked in the top 20 of both U.S. News & World Report’s best national universities and the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education Best Colleges. Niche has ranked Rice in the top 10 of private universities in two of the last three years.

Rice offers more than 50 undergraduate majors across seven divisions of study, including architecture, business, engineering, humanities, music, natural sciences and social sciences. Additionally, minors, interdisciplinary and preprofessional programs complement the comprehensive curriculum, with multiple opportunities for research, scholarly activity and collaboration.

The President of Rice University reports to the Board of Trustees and is responsible for the academic and administrative leadership of the university. The president will lead the development of and implement a vision that supports Rice’s goals. The president serves as chief fundraising officer, oversees resources, and enhances outstanding faculty and educational programs.

Rice is seeking a transformational, strategic, bold and inspirational leader who will engage all constituents in advancing the university’s central mission and supporting its core values. The president will be an accomplished academic leader with the experience and skills to build on the university’s many strengths. In addition, the president should have qualifications and personal characteristics that are well matched with the university’s values, achievements, aspirations and potential.

Nominations, inquiries and expressions of interest should be sent to: ricepresident@russellreynolds.com.

Rice University is an equal opportunity employer and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.