Dear colleagues,
As we approach the close of FY26, I want to pause and reflect on where we are before we officially begin the new fiscal year in July. This has been a year of significant change across our division and the university, and I want to recognize the extraordinary work that has brought us to this point.
Positioning OF&S for the Future
Over the past year, OF&S helped navigate one of the most significant workforce transitions in Rice’s history through the Voluntary Separation Incentive Program (VSIP). Not only did we shepherd this program across the university, but we also saw approximately 126 OF&S team members depart through it. While these transitions were not easy, they created an opportunity to thoughtfully evaluate how we work, invest in resources, and position the
division for the future.
Much of this foundational work has begun and will continue through the summer as part of several key transformation initiatives designed to strengthen operations and improve the experience we provide to the Rice community.
Human Resources continues to advance its transformation initiative to create a more responsive and employee-centered experience. Technology Solutions & Services is reimagining its organization to better support enterprise systems, strengthen AI capabilities, and prioritize key technology investments. Facilities, Planning & Capital Construction recently completed the full zone rollout and launched the Building Coordinators Program as part of Facilities Reimagined — important milestones that are already improving communication, accountability, and service delivery across campus.
I recognize that many of you are engaged in this work while continuing to support the university’s day-to-day operational needs. Thank you for your flexibility and commitment to operational excellence, customer experience, and community of care that you continue to demonstrate every day.
Prioritizing Well-Being This Summer
As we wind down FY26 and prepare for FY27, I want to emphasize the importance of personal well-being. Summer can be one of our busiest operational seasons, and sustaining this work requires all of us to make time to rest and recharge. I encourage every employee to prioritize and schedule time off this summer, and I ask managers and supervisors to actively support these efforts by planning ahead and, where operationally feasible, leveraging flexible work arrangements.
World Cup Ticket Lottery Winners
Speaking of winding down and recharging, I want to congratulate our winners of the World Cup Ticket Lottery. I hope you have the best time at the matches.
- Nyaa Bruce (Real Estate)
- Anita Cortez ((Budget & Finance)
- Matthew Craig (Real Estate)
- Samar Elrakhawy (Budget & Finance)
- Terry Graham (Technology Solutions & Services)
- Troy Hollister (Technology Solutions & Services)
- Angela Lipari (Operational Excellence)
- Juan Mendoza (Campus Services & Sustainability)
- Ronan Moreira (Facilities, Planning & Capital Construction)
- Marvin Reyes (Facilities, Planning & Capital Construction)
- Mauro Reyes Campus Services & Sustainability)
- Yesenia Servellon (Human Resources)
- Laura Thurmond (Facilities, Planning & Capital Construction)
- Maryanne Young (Facilities, Planning & Capital Construction)
Thank you again for all you have done throughout this year of transition and transformation. I remain incredibly proud of this division and optimistic about the future we are building together.
With appreciation,
Kelly Fox
Executive Vice President, Operations, Finance & Support