Dear students and colleagues,
We have reached the final few days before the winter break, a time I hope everyone will spend resting and recharging after closing the door on one of the university’s most challenging semesters.
The ongoing pandemic, the nation’s political divisiveness and our country’s renewed awareness of racial inequality and social injustice have forced us to come up with creative solutions to problems many of us have never faced before.
Every one of you has worked extremely hard and played an important role in keeping our campus safe and healthy over the past several months. I am truly grateful for your innovation and dedication, both of which have allowed us to continue to carry out our mission of pathbreaking research, unsurpassed teaching, service to our community and the cultivation of a diverse learning environment.
I also appreciate the support you have given me during my transition from Dean of the George R. Brown School of Engineering to my new role as Provost. I have enjoyed meeting so many of you and look forward to engaging with more of you in the new year.
Although there will be additional challenges in 2021, I am confident you will remain resilient and committed to doing and being your best in the midst of adversity. Rice remains strong because of you and everything you do.
I wish you a safe and healthy holiday and will see you in the new year.
Warmest regards,
Reginald DesRoches
Howard R. Hughes Provost