Rice University School of Social Sciences

10/20/2026

Rice social sciences students are putting knowledge into action through research, community partnerships and hands-on learning experiences that address real-world challenges. From informing public policy to strengthening communities, they are making an impact today while preparing to lead tomorrow.

Your gift to the Dean’s Curricular Innovation Fund helps expand these transformative opportunities and empowers students to create meaningful change.

Donate today: https://donate.rice.edu/campaigns/85413/donations/new?a=14119799&designation=socialsciencesdeanscurricularinnovationfund

05/27/2026

"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 has been reappointed dean following a term marked by expanded research investment, new academic programs and increased opportunities for students.

05/14/2026

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.

05/12/2026

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

Rice celebrated its 113th undergraduate commencement ceremony on May 9, conferring 1,367 undergraduate degrees.

05/04/2026

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

Hundreds of men gather at Rice for an open conversation about mental health.

05/01/2026

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

04/27/2026

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 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.

04/20/2026

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!