Rice University alumna and former Houston Mayor Annise Parker has returned to Rice to teach, the school announced Monday.
“Fresh off a semester as an Institute of Politics Fellow at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, Parker joined the Rice faculty May 1 as a professor in the practice. Parker will work with students through Rice’s Doerr Institute for New Leaders, where she has been named a Doerr Institute Fellow, and will teach for the School of Social Sciences,” the university stated in a press release.
"During my 20-year career in the oil industry and 18 years in public service, my attachment to and affection for Rice were always evident,” Parker said. “I am honored and excited by the opportunity to return and work with students who will shape our world. Each of us faces challenges; all of us are called to lead in some way. I look forward to helping Rice students realize and develop their leadership potential."
Parker graduated from Rice in 1978 with a bachelor’s degree in anthropology, psychology and sociology. She served as Houston’s 61st mayor from 2010 through 2015.
“What an honor to have such a distinguished alumna return to Rice to share her expertise and experience with our students,” Rice Provost Marie Lynn Miranda said. “We’re delighted to welcome Mayor Parker back to campus. She has extraordinary insights derived from her deep commitment to public service. We are very excited about the wonderful contributions she is bound to make to our campus community.”
