FUELING INNOVATION AND IMPACT
As Rice University embarks on its vision for the next century, the Jones Graduate School of Business is empowering the next generation of leaders to make a global impact. Our new 112,000-square-foot facility has been designed to accommodate unprecedented growth and the evolving needs of our community. It reflects our progress over five decades and our promise to the university, the city and the world that we are preparing graduates who are vital to organizations and ready to lead.
Here are some reasons we hope you’ll consider supporting this new state-of-the-art building.
Attract top students and faculty.
To maintain our national and global reputation, Rice Business is committed to providing exceptional facilities that attract the brightest students and most influential faculty. To that end, the new building will feature:
- Innovative classrooms that enable cutting-edge pedagogy.
- Collaborative spaces that spark creativity and cross-pollination of ideas.
- Expanded entrepreneurship facilities to launch new ventures.
- Flexible event spaces to convene industry leaders for critical discussions.
Supporting a growing, top-ranked school.
In the past decade, our MBA programs have consistently excelled, most recently ranking No. 1 in entrepreneurship and No. 1 in Texas. Alongside our rankings, our programs have experienced unprecedented growth, including a new undergraduate major, an online MBA, hybrid MBA and an added cohort in the full-time MBA program. In the past five years we’ve seen:
- A rapidly growing undergraduate business major.
- 50% increase of students.
- 41% increase of faculty to support new programs.
- Tremendous growth in events like the Rice Business Plan Competition, Rice Energy Finance Summit and Women in Leadership Conference.
Inspire tomorrow's leaders.
The new facility will broaden Rice Business’ capacity for world-class innovation and leadership development. As a hub for collaborative and interdisciplinary thinking, the building will:
- Establish a home for undergraduate business education.
- Centralize resources for our top-ranked entrepreneurship program.
- Offer versatile spaces for entrepreneurship competitions, events and accelerators.
- Introduce innovative event venues for faculty, students and the wider Rice community.
- Lead in addressing global challenges like energy transition, finance, healthcare and more.
- Become a premier location for speakers from the Houston and global business community, allowing our students to connect with the top organizations and minds in business.
New Home for Undergraduate Business
Launched in 2021, Rice’s new undergraduate business major provides a complete foundation spanning leadership and core business disciplines like accounting, finance, marketing, organizational behavior, strategy and communications. The program addresses strong demand from current and prospective Rice students. After its inaugural year, enrollments surged 79%, making business the second most popular major for first-year students, after computer science.
A Top-Ranked Entrepreneurship Ecosystem
Ranked No. 1 for entrepreneurship by Princeton Review and Entrepreneur Magazine for five consecutive years, Rice Business excels in catalyzing new businesses and industries that are vital to economic success in and beyond Houston. The new facility will dedicate space to entrepreneurship events like the Rice Business Plan Competition and venture capital conferences, further strengthening the university’s entrepreneurial focus.
A Preeminent Facility to Attract Top Talent
Rice Business’ reputation as a premier school continues, drawing top talent from around the world. A key differentiator is our beautiful and innovative campus. To attract the best students and faculty, we must invest in exceptional, technologically advanced learning spaces. Developing these world-class assets is paramount to our continued success.
A bold new look for Rice Business
The new Rice Business building will reflect a modern, inviting design aimed at fostering campus engagement and collaboration. With over 112,000 square feet of flexible space, it will feature classrooms, seminar rooms, faculty offices, ample event space, expanded dining options and various gathering areas. Additionally, two theater-style classrooms will offer premium learning environments and host public lectures.
Invest in Rice’s New Home for Business Innovation
Partner with us to strengthen Rice Business and inspire a new generation of innovative leaders and entrepreneurs. To discuss gift options, please contact a member of our development team.
MARK PUTNAM
Assistant Dean and Executive Director - Jones Graduate School of Business
713-348-3724
mark.putnam@rice.edu
