Dear colleagues,
As we wrap up the academic year, I want to take a moment to reflect and say thank you. Your hard work, creativity, and care have made a meaningful difference across the Rice community.
The latter half of this year has brought new challenges to higher education, and like many institutions, we've had to navigate shifting expectations and growing uncertainty. But through it all, the OF&S team has remained focused and committed, delivering exceptional service with resilience and purpose. That’s something to be proud of.
Today, I want to recognize your efforts, share a few updates, and celebrate the impact we’ve made together.
Staff Appreciation Event
The recent Staff Appreciation Event was a joyful reminder of what makes Rice so special—you. It was great to honor so many career milestones and celebrate a year of shared accomplishments and award winners. As Dr. Danielle King said, you are appreciated, you are essential, and I, too, hope you feel that every day you come to work.
Several team members were recognized at this year’s event, and I want to take another opportunity to honor and congratulate them:
Board of Trustees Staff Recognition
- HR Information Systems Team
- HR Talent and Development Team
- Veronica Villaseñor, Human Resources
Staff Excellence Award
- Charles Brown, Campus Services & Sustainability
Staff Awards
As a reminder, OF&S and other divisions across campus recognize staff year-round. Visit the new awards resource page on the Staff Council website or learn more about OF&S-specific awards on ours. If someone you work with inspires you, I encourage you to submit a nomination—we love to share and celebrate the incredible stories happening across our division.
Speaking of awards, a huge congratulations to our Office of Sustainability for receiving the Outstanding Program of the Year award from Keeping Texas Beautiful for their innovative “Give a Hoot! Donate Your Loot!" move-out collection campaign which diverted over 11,000 lbs of durable goods during the 2024 calendar year, including spring, summer, and fall move-outs. This prestigious award recognizes the most impactful environmental programs across the state, and it highlights the dedication of organizations that are leading the way in sustainability. This program is a great example of how our commitment to sustainable operations is creating a real impact on our campus and beyond.
Thanks to Our Interns
On April 25, our OF&S interns wrapped up their year-long journey with a series of thoughtful presentations to OF&S leaders, highlighting the impact of their work and reflecting on their experiences. I continue to be amazed by the energy, talent, and insight these students bring to the table. Their contributions made a real difference across our division—and just as important, each one spoke about how valued and supported they felt by their teams. Thank you for demonstrating OF&S values and helping to create such a meaningful and positive experience for these future leaders.
Supporting Commencement
Commencement ceremonies are a proud moment for the entire Rice community—and OF&S plays a key role in making them run smoothly. From preparing the grounds and setting up venues to managing logistics and keeping our campus safe and welcoming, your behind-the-scenes efforts made a meaningful impact on our graduates and their families. Thank you for helping create such a memorable celebration.
Welcome, Tam Dao!
On May 1, Tam Dao began as our new Associate Vice President for Campus Safety and Research Security. In this new role, Tam will oversee safety efforts across campus while also bringing the research security team into OF&S. This group will continue to work closely with the Office of Research as we build stronger partnerships and streamline support for our research enterprise.
Voluntary Separation Incentive Program
Earlier this week, Rice launched the Voluntary Separation Incentive Program (VSIP). This one-time, voluntary benefit is designed to offer a meaningful transition opportunity for eligible staff who may be considering the next chapter of their professional or personal journey.
We recognize that this is a significant moment for our community. While VSIP reflects a sincere expression of appreciation for staff, it is also part of our broader responsibility to plan for the future of the university. For those eligible—or managing teams with eligible staff—I strongly encourage you to participate in the upcoming manager and staff information sessions or schedule a one-on-one meeting with HR. These conversations are essential for making informed, thoughtful decisions.
Thank you all for another outstanding academic year. I hope you take pride in what we’ve accomplished together and find time this summer to recharge and reflect.
With appreciation,
Kelly Fox,
Executive Vice President, Operations, Finance & Support