Dear Rice Community,
I’m writing to share the sad news of Sam H. Davis Jr.’s passing at age 92 on Christmas Day.
Sam was unbelievably dedicated to the university. He was a two-time alumnus, professor
emeritus of chemical engineering, former director of the Office of Continuing Studies and an
associate for Sid Richardson and Jones Colleges, as well as an interim magister for Jones.
Sam taught in Rice’s George R. Brown School of Engineering for more than four decades,
beginning in 1957. He directed the Office of Continuing Studies — now the Glasscock School of
Continuing Studies — from 1969-1973 and laid the groundwork for future growth.
I am grateful for Sam's deep commitment to and extensive influence on the university. Beyond
that, I appreciate the care that Sam demonstrated for students in his involvement with the college
system.
My thoughts are with Sam’s family, especially his wife Priscilla Huston, who has likewise given
much of her own time and talent to the Rice community. A celebration of Sam’s life is
tentatively planned for Saturday, March 25, at Rice’s Anderson-Clarke Center.
You can read more about Sam and his involvement with the university in Rice News.
Kind regards,
Amy Dittmar, Howard Hughes Provost