Dear Rice community,
It is with deep sadness and profound gratitude that I write to honor two esteemed members of our faculty who died this summer: Bob Stein, the Lena Gohlman Fox Professor Emeritus of Political Science, and James F. Young, professor emeritus of electrical and computer engineering. Both were accomplished scholars, dedicated educators, and valued colleagues whose contributions helped shape the university and their fields in lasting ways.
Bob joined the Rice faculty in 1979 and became a pillar of the School of Social Sciences. A nationally recognized expert in urban politics, voting behavior and public policy, Bob was known for his prolific scholarship and impactful engagement with Houston. He served as dean of the School of Social Sciences, chair of the political science department and fellow in urban politics at the Baker Institute for Public Policy. He was a trusted voice in local and national media for his insights into elections and governance.
Bob was twice awarded Rice’s George R. Brown Award for Superior Teaching, and he played a central role in founding Rice’s Center for Civic Engagement, now the Center for Civic Leadership. The center has become a vital part of the university’s mission to offer outside-the-classroom experiences that enrich student learning. In recognition of this work, he recently received Rice’s Y. Ping Sun Award for Outstanding Community Engagement. A family memorial service was held this week, and a campus event celebrating his life and legacy is being planned for the fall semester. I invite you to read more about Bob’s impact in this Rice News story.
James F. Young joined Rice in 1990 and spent more than three decades here advancing the discipline of electrical and computer engineering. James chaired a task force that laid the foundation for the Rice Center for Engineering Leadership, taught a popular Lego Lab course and led K–12 teacher workshops. James was involved in campus theater productions, even rewiring Hamman Hall during a sabbatical. After his retirement in 2011, he remained a valued presence in the department and a source of wisdom and encouragement to many. You can read more about James’ undergraduate teaching, mentorship and research in this Rice News story.
Bob and James exemplified the very best of Rice — intellectually curious, passionately committed to their disciplines and students, and generous with their time and talents. Their legacies will continue through the students they taught, the colleagues they inspired and the research they advanced.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to their families, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing them.
Warm regards,
Amy Dittmar
Provost and executive vice president for academic affairs