Rice University School of Social Sciences

"Five years after becoming dean of Rice University’s School of Social Sciences, Rachel Kimbro has been reappointed following a term marked by expanded research investment, new academic programs and increased opportunities for students.

Kimbro, a Rice alumna and longtime member of the university community, will begin a second term after helping guide the school through a period of growth aligned with the university’s strategic priorities in research, teaching and student experience."

Read more: https://bit.ly/4tYd4GY

Rachel Kimbro reappointed as School of Social Sciences dean following period of expansion and innovation Rachel Kimbro has been reappointed dean following a term marked by expanded research investment, new academic programs and increased opportunities for students.

Graduating senior Arjun Surya, economics and social policy analysis major, was selected to deliver this year's student commencement address for the Class of 2026.

Read Surya's inspiring commencement speech: https://bit.ly/4dtD8Ur

‘There truly is no place like Rice’: Arjun Surya shares commencement address ‘There truly is no place like Rice’: Arjun Surya shares commencement address.

Congratulations to the class of 2026! We are so proud of our newest social sciences alumni, and we can't wait to see what you do next!

In the words of commencement speaker John Green, “Good luck, Godspeed, and...Don’t forget to be awesome.” 🎓🦉 https://bit.ly/4nqi1qG

‘We are called to work with and for each other’: John Green delivers hopeful message at Rice’s undergraduate commencement Rice celebrated its 113th undergraduate commencement ceremony on May 9, conferring 1,367 undergraduate degrees.

Last month, the Institute of Health Resilience and Innovation (IHRI) hosted two community events with The African American Male Wellness Agency, the Real Men Real Talk Mental Wellness Conference and Black Men’s Wellness Day. Designed to uplift Black men by focusing on broader social factors that influence health outcomes, both events were free and open to the public.

“It’s a burden when we’re alone. But it’s a blessing when we’re together.” - Tony Brown, Distinguished Professor of Sociology

Photo: Tony Brown

READ MORE: https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/breaking-silence-rice-black-men-gather-real-conversations-mental-health

Breaking the silence: At Rice, Black men gather for real conversations on mental health Hundreds of men gather at Rice for an open conversation about mental health.

It's been a stellar semester and academic year for Rice's School of Social Sciences! Check out everything our students, faculty, and alumni have been up to in our Spring 2026 Newsletter. https://bit.ly/4tLrOtJ

At the 2026 Rice University Social Sciences Undergraduate Research Symposium, students showcased innovative, high quality research studies that provide meaningful solutions to real-world problems.

We are so proud of these incredible students, who are of the world with their research!

https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/kraft-hall-comes-alive-ideas-student-research-social-sciences-takes-center-stage-rice

Kraft Hall comes alive with ideas: Student research in social sciences takes center stage at Rice Kraft Hall was buzzing with energy and a little bit of chaos as Rice undergraduates transformed its corridors into a packed showcase of original research and creative ideas during the Social Sciences Undergraduate Research Symposium.

You did it, Class of 2026!

This is your moment—come celebrate you. Grab your friends, bring your family, and stop by for bites, margaritas, and all the hype you deserve after everything you’ve accomplished.

Friday, May 8 | 2:00–3:30 PM
Kraft Hall 130
No RSVP, just show up ready to celebrate!

Social Sciences showed up. 🦉

Thank you for your generosity and for being part of our community.

Rice’s 24-Hour Challenge is LIVE! Your gift will help Curricular Innovation Fund! Your support powers hands-on experiences like Making an Exoneree and the Social Policy Analysis capstone, where students tackle real policy challenges and advocate for real people.! Make your gift now at https://donate.rice.edu/schools/RiceUniversity/rice-24-hour-challenge-2026/pages/school-of-social-sciences/school-of-social-sciences-curricular-innovation-fund/?a=12301633.

How do Rice Social Sciences majors translate into real-world careers? Our latest Owls Just Out spotlight highlights two recent alumni doing just that:

Luísa Tolda ’25, a political science graduate and current Rice University Master of Global Affairs student, built a strong foundation in global politics, policy research and data analysis that’s preparing her for a career in international affairs.

Elisabeth Torres-Schulte ’24, a cognitive sciences graduate, is already advancing at Gartner, applying interdisciplinary expertise in AI, human-computer interaction and behavioral science to advise tech executives.

Their stories highlight how a Rice Social Sciences education prepares students to think critically, adapt across industries and make meaningful professional impact.

Read More: https://socialsciences.rice.edu/news/owls-just-out-social-sciences-alumni-share-successes-global-affairs-advising