Telling the Stories of Rice

A note from VP of Public Affairs Melinda Spaulding Chevalier

Illustration of Melinda Spaulding Chevalier
Illustration by Paddy Mills


Spring 2025
 

Here in Rice’s Office of Public Affairs, we believe Rice has a wonderful story to tell and are proud to share many examples of our pathbreaking research efforts in this, the fourth annual research-focused issue of Rice Magazine.

We are also incredibly proud of Rice’s new research magazine, R3 (Rice Research Review), which is targeted to peer institutions and fellow researchers. As our flagship university magazine, however, Rice Magazine remains the premier channel for presenting Rice’s many accomplishments to our treasured alumni, donors and supporters in the general public as well as to our brilliant students, staff and faculty here on campus. And in today’s political landscape, it is more important than ever that we present a compelling picture of Rice’s mission-critical research and innovation.

During a time when so many people have questions about exactly what research looks like at institutions of higher education, we want to make our work both easy to understand and relatable. We want you to be just as proud as we are of the many trailblazing discoveries and tremendous accomplishments happening here at Rice.

I’ve already had the opportunity to meet many of you alongside President Reggie DesRoches during the nationwide rollout of Rice’s Momentous 10-year strategic plan, and we look forward to continuing the conversation. You may have also seen our increased marketing efforts around the country as well as in our many other university communications. It’s all part of our mission to share Rice’s amazing story. 

We also appreciate your many positive comments about our recent enhancements to Rice Magazine, which was outstanding before and now shines even brighter. I would like to thank the dedicated Rice Magazine team for its hard work on this remarkable issue, and I would also like to note the many contributions of the Rice news and media team. The continued collaboration of these talented Rice employees, all of whom are dedicated to advancing the Rice brand, is truly special.