Issue No. 44— Summer 2024
Newsletter Home

A Message From Dean Gorman

Dear Rice Parents and Families,

As we close another academic year and the Class of 2024 sets out to blaze new paths, I am filled with a deep sense of pride. Throughout the year, your talented Owls tackled challenges head-on, gained new perspectives, and grew as scholars, researchers, leaders and so much more. The breadth and depth of their engagement in all aspects of campus life enriched the fabric of our university, and I look forward to seeing all that our students can accomplish both on campus and beyond the hedges.

At the end of each academic year, our student body has the pleasure of recognizing the professors who inspired them. The university’s commitment to outstanding teaching is strengthened through the incredible work of the Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE). This Center, led by our professional staff and deep engagement of 14 faculty fellows, provides faculty and graduate student teachers with essential training, mentoring, evidence-based research and a community of engaged teachers striving toward the same goal — helping Rice students to learn and grow. In April, the CTE awarded Betul Orcan-Ekmekci, an associate teaching professor in mathematics, the George R. Brown Prize for Excellence in Teaching, the university’s top teaching prize. At the same time, nine other faculty members were recognized with the George R. Brown Award for Superior Teaching. These honors serve as a testament to these educators’ commitment to upholding the central mission of the university through various learning opportunities, meaningful connections with students and so much more. You can learn more about the CTE and its invaluable impact on student and faculty success at cte.rice.edu.

I am incredibly grateful to the parents and families of our talented Owls — your enthusiasm and support are an important part of their success. I hope you all have a wonderful summer, and I look forward to seeing your students in the fall!

Sending my best wishes,

Bridget Gorman, Dean of Undergraduates