As she marks her third year at Rice, Kelly Fox, Executive Vice President of Operations, Finance, and Support, reflects on a period of remarkable progress and transformation. Since joining the university, she has brought together core administrative functions under one division, launched a strategic plan that aligns with Rice’s mission, and played a key role in shaping Momentous – the university’s strategic plan. We sat down with Kelly to learn what first drew her to Rice, what continues to inspire her work, and how she envisions the university’s future.
Can you share what made Rice feel like the right place for you — both professionally and personally?
I was drawn to the opportunity to help build the operational and financial foundation that would support bold growth in research, student success, and community impact. Personally, Rice’s strong sense of community and the warmth of Houston were equally compelling. I continue to be energized each day by the impact and difference the university makes. Our scale allows for genuine connections with colleagues and students, while still being part of an institution with a global reach and aspirations.
Three years in — what has surprised you most about Rice, and what continues to inspire you?
I continue to be struck by the deep commitment of our faculty, staff, and students to Rice’s mission. What impressed me most early on was the collaborative nature of our culture. What inspires me every day is the creativity I see across campus, whether it’s researchers pursuing breakthroughs, staff developing new ways to serve our community, or students bringing fresh ideas to life.
How have you seen the culture within OF&S shift over the past three years, and what role did the Rice community play in that transformation?
When I arrived, Finance and Administration were two separate organizations and did not have a shared culture. Over the past three years, we’ve worked to create and develop a culture that embraces being a strategic partner to the university. Today, I see a developing culture across the organization that leans into opportunities and strives for continuous improvement. I am proud of how far we have come and look forward to our organization being seen as an enabler of innovation and excellence.
What excites you most about the next chapter for OF&S and for Rice as a whole?
We are entering a period where the groundwork we’ve laid begins to accelerate. For OF&S, that means continuing to strengthen the culture of excellence while building a community of care. We have put structures and systems in place that will position us to be more nimble as we move forward. And we have a strategy and approach for our technology backbone that will enable visible and tangible improvements to the end user experience. For Rice more broadly, I’m excited about how our “Momentous” plan is coming to life, through bold investments in discovery, partnerships with the community, and a vision of Rice as a model of what a 21st-century university can be.
Leading through transformation is demanding. What practices help you stay grounded and energized?
I try to stay grounded by keeping the “why” front and center — reminding myself and my team that our work is ultimately about supporting students, faculty, and staff. I also carve out time for my family, and I have begun finding time for exercise, both of which help me recharge. Finally, I stay energized by celebrating wins, large and small, with our team.