Dear colleagues,
This fall, Rice is buzzing with activity. We’ve welcomed the largest incoming class in university history, and construction is reshaping our campus with new spaces for living, learning, and collaborating.
At the same time, our division is preparing for a major transition, with 126 OF&S staff members participating in the Voluntary Separation Incentive Program (VSIP)—most of whom are departing in March 2026. We are deeply grateful for the years of service, dedication, and care these colleagues have given to Rice. Their contributions have strengthened the foundation upon which we continue to build. The university will host two celebrations in the coming months to honor their many contributions and wish them well in their next chapters – please stay tuned for more details.
Change of this scale naturally brings both reflection and renewal. Even as our division evolves, our purpose remains unchanged: to serve the Rice community with excellence, care, and collaboration. Through Building Momentum Together, we’re rethinking how we work, leveraging technology, and streamlining processes to make it easier for every member of our team to do their best work. These efforts will enable us to deliver consistent, high-quality service and support throughout the campus. As we continue implementing this initiative, we’ll share updates and success stories so that everyone can see how these changes are improving the way we work.
This is not “business as usual,” and that’s a good thing. It’s a moment to reimagine what’s possible, to find pride in how we show up for one another, and to strengthen the community of care that defines who we are
FY26 Goals
In a time of change, having shared direction matters. These goals provide a common foundation to build upon and help ensure that our work remains aligned with what matters most to Rice and our division.
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Customer Experience – We’re committed to improving how OF&S serves the Rice community. This includes listening closely, responding transparently, and delivering services that are rooted in empathy and care.
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Human Capital Development – Our people remain at the center of all we do. We’re strengthening performance management, expanding professional development, and refining recruitment and retention practices to ensure we can support high performance over time.
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Financial Sustainability – We’re aligning our budgets with university priorities, making careful, strategic investment decisions, and continuing to support projects like the Ion District and Rice Village that help diversify revenue and reduce reliance on the endowment.
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Operational Excellence – With fewer staff and evolving demands, we must work differently. This includes embracing automation, leveraging data for informed decision-making, and focusing on areas where we can create value and drive efficiency.
In the months ahead, I look forward to spotlighting examples of how teams across OF&S are innovating, supporting one another, and finding new ways to serve our campus.
Season of Sharing
Even as we focus on transformation, we stay grounded in our values—especially our commitment to one another.
I’m pleased to share that the Season of Sharing program has returned for a second year with an expansion. This year, the initiative supports OF&S and Athletics colleagues who are facing recent hardship and are receptive to receiving support during the holiday season. Last year, thanks to your generosity, we supported 30 staff members and their families with gifts and assistance—an incredible testament to our community of care.
Key Dates
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Nominations are open now through October 31
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Submit a nomination for yourself or a colleague here
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Unit’s Selecting Families to Support: November 5
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Gift Collection: December 8 & 9
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Gift Distribution: December 10 & 11
While this year will stretch us in new ways, I believe it will also bring out the best in us. I’m grateful for the perspective, creativity, and care you bring to your work each day. As we move through this season of change, let’s stay focused on what matters most and support one another along the way. I’m confident we’ll continue to make a meaningful impact—together.
Warm regards,
Kelly Fox,
Executive Vice President, Operations, Finance & Support