The Vision for the Second Century: Our Progress from 2005 to Present
As a leading research university with a distinctive commitment to undergraduate education, Rice University aspires to pathbreaking research, unsurpassed teaching and contributions to the betterment of our world. It seeks to fulfill this mission by cultivating a diverse community of learning and discovery that produces leaders across the spectrum of human endeavor.
Introduction
Eleven years ago, our community held a series of conversations that laid the groundwork for Rice’s Vision for the Second Century (V2C), a strategic plan that informed the past decade of progress. As we embark upon our next chapter at Rice, we look to capitalize on the gains of recent years, while addressing the new challenges and opportunities of a rapidly evolving educational landscape.
Together, we have made significant progress. We enhanced our interdisciplinary endeavors, created a more comprehensive undergraduate experience and strengthened our graduate programs. Our schools and institutes have achieved new levels of excellence and recognition. We have grown our student body, while expanding our commitments to need-blind admission, diversity and maintaining our distinctive sense of community. We have enhanced the vibrancy of our campus with dynamic gathering spaces and residential colleges, a west campus dedicated to creativity in the arts, and new recreational and athletic facilities. We have invested in the competitive success and leadership of our student-athletes. We have deepened our engagement with the city of Houston and partnerships with local institutions. And at the same time, we have become a more international university in every aspect, and in particular in our engagements with Latin America and Asia. Such gains are a direct result of the hard work, expertise, volunteer efforts and resources that so many in the Rice community have contributed over the years, whether through our $1 billion Centennial Campaign (2005-2013), the Initiative for Students (2014-2017) or a wide range of other important efforts. The ongoing support of the Rice community will continue to fuel our success as an institution dedicated to "no upper limit."
This report highlights many of the goals and achievements set out in the Vision for the Second Century, from those that may be considered closer to completion to others that are still in progress. Thank you for being part of our journey and for your continued support of Rice.
Best Regards,
David W. Leebron