New director named to lead news office

New director named to lead news office

BY LINDSEY FIELDER
Rice News staff

B.J. Almond recently accepted the position of director of the Office of News and Media Relations at Rice University, and he has named science editor Jade Boyd to succeed him as associate director.

“One of the appeals — and challenges — of this job is discovering new ways to take advantage of the Internet to increase the news media’s awareness of the expertise Rice has to offer and the extraordinary education and research taking place on our campus,” Almond said.

He replaces Margot Dimond, who left Rice last month. Almond came to Rice as associate director of the office in 2000 after 18 years in progressively more responsible positions in media relations, news writing and publications for Baylor College of Medicine. He earned a Bachelor of Science in communications at Ohio University and master’s degree in journalism at Ball State University, and taught journalism and English in Indiana.

Boyd joined Rice in 2002, coming from InternetWeek in Manhasset, N.Y. His experience includes reporting and editing for the Bryan-College Station Eagle and United Press International and public relations work, as well as two years as a research assistant at Texas A&M University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism.

“B.J. and Jade combine professionalism, knowledge and experience with seemingly unlimited energy and resolve to serve Rice,” said Terry Shepard, vice president for public affairs. “I am confident [the Rice community] will enjoy working with them and the rest of the Public Affairs staff in further raising recognition of the achievements of Rice and its faculty, staff and students.”

Contact information will stay the same for Almond (balmond@rice.edu, 713-348-6770) and Boyd (jadeboyd@rice.edu, 713-348-6778).