Greenspan to leave Rice June 30

Rice University Athletics Director Rick Greenspan announced June 13 that he is leaving the university June 30 to expand his consulting business and explore other professional opportunities that have been presented to him.

Rick Greenspan

“My experience at Rice has been both rewarding and challenging and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve this exceptional institution,” Greenspan said. “I am proud of my contributions to the competitive and academic success of our student athletes and coaches, and to have enhanced a culture of honesty, integrity and transparency.”

During Greenspan’s three-year tenure, Rice Athletics raised money for a new $8 million tennis center that will be under construction this summer and launched a $44.5 million fundraising campaign for a new football end zone facility. Rice just celebrated one of its most accomplished competitive years in recent history with championships in baseball, women’s soccer, women’s tennis and women’s swimming, and a 33-14 football win over Air Force in the Armed Forces Bowl.

”I want to thank Rick for his committed service to Rice during these past three years and wish him well in all future endeavors,” Rice President David Leebron said.

Rick Mello, who is currently serving as senior executive athletics director, has agreed to serve as interim athletics director.