In this edition of Rice Journeys, we meet Victoria Langlais, Senior Assistant Dean of Human Resources and Administration in the School of Engineering and Computing. Since joining Rice in 2011, she has built a career defined by collaboration, innovation, and a deep commitment to supporting others. Her journey—from the Jones Graduate School of Business to her leadership role in Engineering and Computing—reflects the dedication and spirit that help make Rice a thriving community.
Tell us about your career journey at Rice. How did you get started, and what roles have you held along the way?
My Rice journey began in 2011 as a Client Manager at the Jones Graduate School of Business. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work in the Jones School, the Ken Kennedy Institute, and now the School of Engineering and Computing. I joined the engineering school in 2019 as an Associate Director in the Dean’s Office and currently serve as the Senior Assistant Dean of Human Resources and Administration.
How has Rice supported your professional growth and development?
I’ve participated in several professional development programs through Rice, including the CoachRICE leadership coaching program, which strengthened my mentoring and staff development skills, and the SHRM certification program through the Glasscock School of Continuing Studies.
The SHRM certification helps me stay connected to solid HR practices and up-to-date on employment laws, trends, and tools. It gives me a broader perspective on how to handle people-related issues in a fair, consistent, and informed way. Preparing for it strengthened my confidence and improved how I approach complex situations. Overall, it’s made me better at supporting our employees and partnering with colleagues across campus.
I was able to participate in both opportunities thanks to the support provided through the School of Engineering and Computing’s professional development funds, which are available to all administrative staff.
What accomplishments or experiences have shaped your career the most?
I’m especially proud of our work to centralize and streamline faculty administrative and HR functions within the School of Engineering and Computing. It has made processes clearer, more efficient, and more consistent for everyone. It allows us to build specialized expertise in HR and faculty administration at the school level, which in turn helps us provide a higher level of customer service and responsiveness. This approach has also improved the accuracy of our iO actions and enabled us to catch issues earlier. Overall, it has strengthened the experience for faculty and staff and made our internal operations more effective.
Major transitions—like COVID-19 and the implementation of iO—were also defining moments. They challenged all of us to rethink how we work, communicate, and support one another. Those experiences taught me the value of adaptability and proactive problem-solving.
They also reinforced the importance of approaching change with an open mind and seeking diverse perspectives. Listening to a broad range of voices has helped me make more inclusive and informed decisions.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their career at Rice or looking to grow internally?
Be open, curious, and willing to take on new challenges. Approaching each situation with a “can-do” mindset and a willingness to learn will help you grow and find new opportunities. Building strong relationships and being proactive about professional development also go a long way.
What habits or practices have helped you succeed at Rice?
Being adaptable and solution-oriented has really helped me succeed at Rice, but just as important has been taking the time to listen and build strong relationships with faculty and colleagues at every level. I’ve also found that keeping a mindset of continuous improvement ties all of this together — it helps me stay open, collaborative, and always looking for ways to better support the work we do.
Finally, what’s your favorite spot on campus?
I love walking the inner loop! The beautiful trees and architecture, combined with the energy of the students, are very inspiring. It’s a great way to feel connected to the campus community.