I AM BLACK HISTORY | Reginald DesRoches

Reginald DesRoches

Leadership in higher education shapes not only institutions but entire cities. Dr. Reginald DesRoches represents a new era of leadership where academic excellence, community connection, and representation move together.

Dr. DesRoches became the eighth president of Rice University on July 1, 2022, making history as the first Black president, the first immigrant president, and the first engineer to lead the institution. Born in Port au Prince, Haiti, and raised in Queens, New York, his journey reflects both global perspective and American opportunity.

Before becoming president, Dr. DesRoches served as Rice’s provost and the William and Stephanie Sick Dean of Engineering. In those roles, he helped expand research funding, launch new academic programs, and strengthen collaboration across Houston, including partnerships with the Texas Medical Center. During the COVID 19 pandemic, he guided Rice’s academic and research enterprise through uncertainty while maintaining institutional momentum and growth.

As president, his priorities center on elevating Rice’s national and global distinction while strengthening its connection to Houston. He is committed to impactful research, expanding graduate education, and ensuring that diversity and inclusion remain central to academic excellence. His leadership reflects the belief that universities should not operate apart from their communities but instead serve as engines of opportunity and innovation.

Dr. DesRoches is also a globally respected engineer. His research focuses on resilient infrastructure systems and earthquake engineering, particularly how structures perform under extreme conditions. Following the devastating 2010 Haiti earthquake, he led a multidisciplinary team of engineers, architects, planners, and social scientists to study structural damage and recovery strategies. His work has influenced infrastructure resilience and disaster response worldwide.

He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, distinctions that recognize both scholarly excellence and national impact. His research, teaching, and leadership demonstrate how engineering can directly improve lives.

Beyond titles and honors, Dr. DesRoches represents possibility. His presence at the helm of a major research university signals to students from every background that leadership in academia is not limited by race, nationality, or discipline.

Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the world. Having a leader whose story reflects that diversity strengthens the connection between Rice University and the community it serves.

Dr. Reginald DesRoches is Black History because he expands what leadership looks like while ensuring education remains a pathway to innovation, equity, and progress.

This is Black History in motion.