Dear colleagues,
Quickly scanning our 310-acre campus, it’s hard to find a part of Rice that Mark Ditman hasn’t impacted. In his nearly 29 years at Rice, Mark has dedicated himself to the betterment of university programming and supporting his teams. It would be impossible to list the projects for which Mark has seen to fruition. Always willing to explore innovative and creative practices, Mark was instrumental in the creation of the college serveries, the construction of the first mass timber residential building in the State of Texas, the installation of the first three campus solar panel projects, and the completion of significant renovations, additions, and new builds of the residential colleges. These projects were recognized at the highest levels of prominence, including LEED Gold and Silver certification, three consecutive Best Campus Dining awards from Princeton Review, and featured in numerous journals and prestigious publications.
Mark has been instrumental in shepherding the university through challenging times, including three major hurricanes, seven tropical storms, and a pandemic. No matter the challenge presented to him, he was eager to respond and serve our campus community. Focused on his commitment to Rice and those he works with, his impact on the careers of employees and students is immeasurable. One person recently shared that “Mark is able to see the potential in someone that might be overlooked, and he fully leans into and supports his folks in fulfilling their visions and dreams.”
I am personally grateful for the kindness and expertise Mark shared with me when I joined the university last fall. He made sure I was connected to the great things going on within Finance and Administration and the campus as a whole. He leaned into the opportunity to serve Rice in an even greater role as the Interim Senior Associate Vice President for Infrastructure, Sustainability and Services. In this capacity, he has helped integrate the critical infrastructure activities of the campus.
Mark has decided to retire from Rice on June 30, 2023. He will assist with transition plans and help to ensure the university is positioned for success. More information about plans to celebrate his time at Rice will be forthcoming. While it’s hard to imagine Rice without his leadership, encouragement, and kindness, I hope you’ll join me in thanking Mark for his many years of service to Rice and wishing him well as he moves on to his next endeavor. Please send your good wishes to Mark atmditman@rice.edu.
All my best,
Kelly Fox, Vice President for Finance and Administration