Rice, Baylor exploring possibility of closer affiliation

Rice, Baylor exploring possibility of closer affiliation

BY B.J. ALMOND
Rice News staff

Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine this week issued a joint statement about discussions between the two institutions.

”Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine have a long history of valuable collaborations and are exploring the possibility of a closer affiliation,” the statement read. “Preliminary talks between the two institutions are under way. No further details are available at this time.”

The statement was issued in response to a query from the Houston Chronicle and became the focus of a front-page story in the Oct. 29 edition of the newspaper.

Rice President David Leebron put the matter into perspective in an announcement sent to all departments.

“As many of you know, there has been a range of discussions about the relationship between Rice and BCM for many years and we already have a rich history of collaboration,” he wrote. “More recently, these discussions have become more focused, although they remain very preliminary. At this point, we cannot predict where they will lead, but I will do my best to keep you informed and to solicit input from the Rice community along the way.”

Leebron reminded faculty, staff and students to refer media inquiries about the Rice-Baylor talks to Rice’s News and Media Relations staff at 713-348-6770.