Reginald DesRoches became provost of Rice University on July 1. Together with the deans and vice provosts, the provost’s office supports excellence in academic, research, scholarly, and creative activities at the university.

In the upcoming issue of US Black Engineer (USBE) magazine, DesRoches is one of several Black college presidents, provosts, and deans featured in a first-ever list of accomplished academics. Stay tuned for the next issue of USBE.

DesRoches previously served as the William and Stephanie Sick Dean of Engineering starting 2017.
As dean, DesRoches led a strategic planning process for the School of Engineering, expanded the engineering faculty by nearly 20 percent, and strengthened collaborations with the Texas Medical Center. Under his leadership, the school launched a new minor in data science as well as the Center
for Transforming Data to Knowledge, which provides students with immersive learning opportunities working with companies and community organizations.

DesRoches also established a Master of Computer Science online program and led international initiatives in China and India to bolster research and recruiting efforts. Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and raised in the New York City borough of Queens, DesRoches credits his love of science and math and his interest in “tinkering with things” with leading him to pursue engineering. He was elected a member of the National Academy of Engineering in 2020.