university speech
https://wpb.houston.org/app/uploads/2025/06/Reggie-DesRoches_11zon.webp
December 30, 2023
Rice University President Unveils Top Priorities, Research Initiatives
Rice University President Unveils Top Priorities, Research Initiatives
Published December 30, 2023 by Hailea Schultz
Rice University President Reggie DesRoches delved into the institution’s transformative advancements, identifying research and community collaboration as top priorities of focus at the Partnership’s annual State of Education.
Supporting nearly 9,000 students, Rice is a critical part of the region’s higher education ecosystem and serves as a catalyst for building Houston’s future workforce.
To better serve Houston’s community and key industries, Rice has strategically increased its efforts to advance impactful research within the institution. These efforts include a significant 20% augmentation of undergraduate and graduate students, the addition of 200 faculty members and the inauguration of a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to energy transition research – The Ralph S. O’Connor Building for Engineering and Science.
“The focus of our research is not just to have research but to have an impact in the region and the greater community,” said DesRoches.
DesRoches highlighted that Rice is also working to increase the presence of graduate students focusing on PhD programs, which will further expand the institution’s research initiatives.
To drive more impactful research and to cement the university’s position as a leading innovation hub, DesRoches pointed to collaboration. Through the support and partnerships of local entities and organizations like The Ion Houston and Greentown Labs, Rice has established many groundbreaking programs such as the Entrepreneurship Exchange for Energy. These efforts underline the university’s dedication to cultivating research and innovation within Houston and beyond.
As a true testament of research and collaboration, Rice recently partnered with Houston Methodist to open the Center for Human Performance; a 6,000-square-foot research facility located in Rice’s Tudor Fieldhouse. The new facility aims to propel research focusing on injury prevention and recovery, improving overall health across the region.
However, Rice sees more potential to be unlocked by leveraging the Texas Medical Center as a resource to deepen its engagement in health sciences, aiming for elevated contributions to the field.
“The research and development stemming from [Rice University] are key drivers of technological advancement, which helps us attract businesses seeking to leverage the latest innovations to Houston,” said Partnership President and CEO Bob Harvey.
Learn more about Houston’s Higher Education Institutions.
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Houston is one of the nation’s biggest hubs for young professionals, thanks to strong job growth and an affordable cost of living. Between 2020 and 2024, the region added an estimated 240,000 new jobs, part of a broader economic boom across Texas. Now, a new law aims to build on that momentum by expanding access to workforce training and education programs.
NEWS | June 23, 2025
Texas Lawmakers Expand Focus on High-Growth, High-Wage Job Training for High Schoolers
This week, the Partnership highlighted the Texas Legislature’s work to deliver a new pathway for college, career, and military readiness in public schools. House Bill 120 expands programs that enable high school students to focus on career-oriented education.
NEWS | June 23, 2025
Better, Faster, Stronger: Texas Lawmakers Elevate Next Generation of Career Programs
Five years ago, the Partnership released a report highlighting the need to meet demand for middle-skill jobs across the greater Houston area. Since then, Houston’s labor market has continued to heat up, making it one of the top destinations for younger working Texans. In fact, the Kinder Institute has highlighted how the talent pool is continuing to get younger as lawmakers emphasize the importance of more career programs in high schools.
NEWS | June 2, 2025
Greater Houston Partnership Statement on HISD
Greater Houston Partnership Statement on Houston ISD “The improvements in student achievement in the first two years of reforms in Houston ISD are nothing short of extraordinary, and we celebrate the students for their hard work to achieve these outcomes.
NEWS | June 2, 2025
From Coffee Chats to Council Seat: Building Leadership Through HYPE
The Greater Houston Partnership’s Houston Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs (HYPE) program empowers early- to mid-career professionals to grow as leaders, build meaningful connections, and deepen their engagement in Houston’s business and civic landscape. Through curated events and purposeful programming, HYPE cultivates a pipeline of rising talent ready to take on leadership roles in their companies and communities. The Partnership is committed to fostering the next generation of leaders who will help shape Houston’s future, and HYPE is one way we’re investing in that vision.
NEWS | May 23, 2025
Greater Houston Partnership Statement on Texas School Finance Legislation
HOUSTON (May 23, 2025)—Leaders in the Texas House and Senate reached an agreement on House Bill 2 to expand funding for Texas public schools on Thursday. Among many advances, this legislation increases public education funding by $8.5 billion, provides $4.2 billion for teacher and staff pay increases, and allocates nearly $2 billion towards early childhood education.
NEWS | May 12, 2025
How Board Service Prepares You for Leadership
Board service isn’t just about governance – it’s a leadership masterclass. If you’re looking to grow your impact and elevate your strategic thinking, joining a board is one of the most powerful development opportunities available.
NEWS | May 8, 2025
Mayor Whitmire Puts Forth Balanced Budget for FY 26, Closing Major Budget Shortfall
Mayor John Whitmire released the City of Houston’s proposed $7 billion Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 operating budget, which includes a balanced General Fund. For Houston’s business community, sound fiscal management at City Hall is more than just good governance – it’s essential to maintaining the services and infrastructure that enable our region to thrive. Perhaps most significantly, this plan reduces General Fund spending – the city’s primary tax-supported budget – by 2.4%, or $74.5 million.
NEWS | May 5, 2025
New Partnership Members in April
The Greater Houston Partnership welcomed 18 new member companies in the month of April. The Partnership works to connect companies with resources, information and networking opportunities to help increase business while also providing a platform to influence the direction of the region.
NEWS | May 1, 2025
Houston’s Manufacturing Renaissance: Why Tech Giants Are Betting Big on the Bayou City
Houston is, and always has been, a city that builds. From the oil rigs that powered the 20th century to the rockets that carried us to the moon, this region has built its reputation on the ability to engineer, innovate and scale at every level of industry.
NEWS | May 1, 2025
Report: Houston’s Global Strengths Position Region to Navigate Trade Uncertainty
HOUSTON (May 1, 2025)—As evolving trade policies and geopolitical tensions create economic uncertainty in 2025, Houston enters the year with a strong foundation. According to the Greater Houston Partnership’s newly released 2025 Global Houston report, the region led the U.S. in exports last year – shipping $180.9 billion in goods, more than any other metro area.
NEWS | April 30, 2025
Trade Trends with Netherlands, China and Mexico Reinforce Houston’s Global Reach
As the global economy adapts to evolving trade policies and geopolitical tensions, Houston’s international trade performance offers insight into the strength and adaptability of the region’s economy. The Greater Houston Partnership’s 2025 Global Houston report reveals how deep global relationships and sector strengths position the region to weather potential disruptions better than most.
NEWS | April 28, 2025
Fifth Third Bank: Houston Well-Positioned to Withstand Economic Headwinds
Fifth Third Bank Chief Economist Jeff Korzenik is forecasting the Houston region and the U.S. will grow this year and avoid a recession. Despite growing concerns around inflation, labor shortages, and interest rate uncertainty, Houston stands out as a region poised to weather potential economic headwinds.
NEWS | April 28, 2025
From Setback to Strategy: How San Jacinto College and Generation Park are Building Houston’s Biotech Workforce
Like every city, Houston experiences setbacks. The difference is Houston doesn’t dwell on them. It adapts, rebuilds and always comes back stronger. That’s exactly what the region is doing with biotech, an emerging sector where Houston is determined to lead.
NEWS | April 3, 2025
Four Houston Chefs and Restaurants Advance as Finalists for 2025 James Beard Awards
Out of the 13 Houston chefs and restaurants initially named semifinalists for the 2025 James Beard Awards, four have advanced to the final round. The James Beard Awards honor outstanding talent in the culinary and hospitality industries across the country. This year’s Houston finalists span a range of categories, from Best Chef to Outstanding Wine Program, showcasing the city’s vibrant and diverse dining scene.
NEWS | March 31, 2025
Key Takeaways from the Partnership’s Public Policy Kickoff Meeting
The Greater Houston Partnership recently convened members from all seven of its public policy advisory committees for a joint kickoff meeting that set the stage for our 2025 advocacy efforts. The meeting offered an in-depth look at the current policy landscapes in Washington, D.C. and Austin, and gave members a preview of the issues our committees will be tackling throughout the year.
NEWS | March 27, 2025
From HVAC to Home Runs: How Daikin Fuels Economic Growth in Houston
Daikin Comfort Technologies North America is making history in Houston—not just on the field, but across the region. As the new namesake of the Astros’ ballpark, Daikin’s investment in the Houston region has been a game-changer for the regional economy and community.
NEWS | March 21, 2025
NASA Astronauts Return to Earth, Stop at Houston’s Johnson Space Center for Health Evaluation
NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission has finally concluded after an unexpected nine-month journey to the International Space Station (ISS). The astronauts aboard; Butch Wilmore, Suni Williams and Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, successfully touched down in Florida on Tuesday evening.
NEWS | March 21, 2025
Anita Sehgal on the Power of Mentorship
In this special live recording of Rise to the Top, we celebrate International Women's Day with Anita Sehgal, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the Houston Astros. With over 30 years of experience in strategic marketing, Anita has shaped major brands like Academy Sports and Outdoors and Best Buy before joining the Astros in 2013.
NEWS | March 19, 2025
An Update on Water Policies in the Texas Legislature
In 2023, Texas had one of the best legislative sessions in modern history for water policy. The 89th Texas Legislature wants to take that to another level by increasing funding and implementing policy reforms to reshape how the state addresses water resources.
NEWS | March 19, 2025
Lawmakers Eye Texas High Schools for Workforce Solutions
Texas is a global powerhouse, and Houston is the welcoming committee for many companies looking to settle in the Lone Star State. The strength of our workforce is one key issue that continues to drive economic growth.
NEWS | March 18, 2025
Texas’ Future in Innovation: Why Extending the R&D Tax Credit is Essential
Texas continues to position itself as a national leader in business innovation and technology. However, the Lone Star State is risking that position if lawmakers allow a Research & Development tax incentive to expire next year.
NEWS | March 14, 2025
Deep Dive: Texas Lawmakers’ Plans for Water Infrastructure Funding
Texas lawmakers are moving forward with securing the state's long-term water future with sweeping new legislation aimed at increasing water availability and funding critical infrastructure improvements. Senate Bill 7 (SB 7) lays out a comprehensive framework to address these challenges, reinforcing the state’s commitment to sustainable water solutions.
NEWS | March 10, 2025
Texas Leads in Business Growth, Houston Remains at the Forefront
Texas has secured its 13th consecutive Governor's Cup for 2024, as awarded by Site Selection Magazine. This accolade recognizes the state with the highest number of qualified capital investment projects, underscoring Texas's sustained appeal to businesses and investors alike. Houston remains a key player in this success story, ranking third among U.S. metropolitan areas for attracting new business ventures.
NEWS | March 5, 2025
Bill Analysis: The Texas House Omnibus School Finance Bill (HB 2)
This week, the House Public Education Committee held two hearings on its omnibus school finance proposal, House Bill 2 (HB 2). Chairman Brad Buckley has indicated the committee plans to vote on HB 2 at its March 18 hearing.
NEWS | March 5, 2025
2025 Washington, D.C. Fly-In: Advancing Houston’s Priorities on Capitol Hill
The Greater Houston Partnership’s 2025 D.C. Fly-In brought together an 80-member delegation of Houston’s business and civic leaders to advocate for policies that will strengthen our region and keep Houston competitive on the national stage. Over the course of three days in Washington, the delegation met with key lawmakers, federal agencies, and industry leaders, driving home the importance of policies that support energy, infrastructure, workforce development, and economic growth.
NEWS | March 5, 2025
Bill Analysis: Senate’s Bi-partisan Teacher Pay Incentive Program (SB 26)
While the House Public Education Committee discusses its comprehensive school finance reform, the Senate addresses teacher pay incentives as a stand-alone measure. Senate Bill 26 (SB 26) was swiftly voted out of the Senate on February 26 and now awaits consideration by the House.
NEWS | March 5, 2025
Statement on the Passing of Former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner
Statement Attributable to Steve Kean, President and CEO, Greater Houston Partnership The Greater Houston Partnership mourns the loss of Congressman Sylvester Turner. For many years, we knew him as Representative Turner and then, Mr. Mayor. Regardless of his title, everyone knew he represented Houston with unrivaled passion and energy. He tirelessly promoted Houston across the U.S. and around the world, and the Partnership was pleased to join him in trade missions across multiple continents to create opportunity for Houston. As this relentless advocate for Houston finally finds rest, we express our deepest condolences to his daughter, Ashley, and her family, along with those who knew and loved him.
NEWS | March 5, 2025
New Partnership Members in February
The Greater Houston Partnership welcomed 12 new member companies in the month of February. The Partnership works to connect companies with resources, information and networking opportunities to help increase business while also providing a platform to influence the direction of the region.
NEWS | March 4, 2025
Greater Houston Partnership Statement on Tariffs Against Mexico, Canada
Statement Attributable to Steve Kean, President and CEO, Greater Houston Partnership "Mexico and Canada are among Houston’s top trading partners, and our region’s economy is inextricably tied to the global economy. The Greater Houston Partnership has long supported free trade as a driver of economic growth and opportunity. While the full impact of these tariffs remains uncertain, we remain hopeful for a swift, favorable resolution that supports Houston businesses and strengthens our region’s economic future."
NEWS | March 4, 2025
Executive Women’s Partnership Chair Qiara Suggs on Shaping Houston’s Future Leaders
The Greater Houston Partnership’s Executive Women’s Partnership (EWP) is well-known for being among the premier networking groups for leading female executives. EWP provides executive women the opportunity to address business issues and interests, learn from each other, and exchange ideas and information on important issues facing female leaders and the business community at large. Get to know the new chair of EWP, Qiara Suggs, Chief Human Capital Officer, TDECU.
NEWS | March 3, 2025
Why the Greater Houston Region is a Prime Location for Battery Energy Storage Projects
The emergence of Battery and Energy Storage Systems (BESS) has revolutionized the energy landscape, enabling greater flexibility and efficiency in power generation and consumption. As renewable energy sources become more prevalent, BESS provides a complementary yet critical solution for storing excess energy during peak production and releasing it when demand is high or generation is low. These systems enhance grid stability through a diversification of power sources.
NEWS | February 28, 2025
Partnership Members Making News – January and February
The Greater Houston Partnership celebrates our members making important announcements and sharing news about their operations and impact in our region. Learn more about some of those announcements over the last months below.
NEWS | February 24, 2025
HETI Members Drive Key Discussions at CERAWeek 2025
Houston has scored a major win in the global manufacturing and technology race. Apple announced plans to open an advanced manufacturing facility in the Houston region. Part of a $500 billion national investment, the new 250,000-square-foot facility will bring AI-driven manufacturing to Houston, reshoring critical operations from overseas.
NEWS | February 24, 2025
Apple’s Major Investment Cements Houston as a Leading U.S. Manufacturing and Tech Hub
Houston has scored a major win in the global manufacturing and technology race. Apple announced plans to open an advanced manufacturing facility in the Houston region. Part of a $600 billion national investment, the new 250,000-square-foot facility will bring AI-driven manufacturing to Houston, reshoring critical operations from overseas.
NEWS | February 21, 2025
Texas Children’s Hospital, MD Anderson Cancer Center Announce Joint Venture Dedicated to Pediatric Cancer Care
Texas Children’s Hospital and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have announced a new joint venture aimed at advancing pediatric cancer treatment.
NEWS | February 20, 2025
Inside Texas’ Proposed Funding for Water Infrastructure
Texas Sen. Charles Perry has a lot to say about water. As the Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Chairman, he leads the upper chambers' efforts to prioritize water resources. He’s also the author of the much-anticipated Senate Bill 7 and the unnamed Senate Joint Resolution that will propose a constitutional amendment for $1 billion in dedicated funding each year for the Texas Water Fund.
NEWS | February 13, 2025
Texas House Members Receive Committee Assignments
Speaker Dustin Burrows released committee assignments for House Members on Thursday, taking the next step in the legislative session. Committees will likely get organized quickly, especially those expected to tackle the governor’s seven emergency items.
NEWS | February 11, 2025
New Partnership Members in January
The Greater Houston Partnership welcomed 34 new member companies in the month of January. The Partnership works to connect companies with resources, information and networking opportunities to help increase business while also providing a platform to influence the direction of the region.
NEWS | February 11, 2025
Houston Secures More Than $104 Million in ARPA-E Funding Over the Past 15 Years
Over the past 15 years, Houston has secured $104.8 million in early-stage R&D funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E), according to the agency. The strategic funding is critical in advancing breakthrough technologies that aim to revolutionize the energy sector.
NEWS | February 6, 2025
Radix and Celanese Partnership Leverages AI to Harness the Power of Industrial Data
[PRESS RELEASE Provided by Radix] HOUSTON, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Radix, a global technology solutions company at the forefront of industrial digital transformation, and Celanese, a global chemical and specialty material company, are proud to collaborate with Cognite, the global leader in data and AI for industry, on the development of JO.AI, a groundbreaking generative AI-powered solution designed to revolutionize operations in asset-intensive industries.
NEWS | February 6, 2025
United Imaging Announces Major Expansion of U.S. Manufacturing Space
[PRESS RELEASE Provided by United Imaging] January 9, 2025 -- United Imaging, a global leader in advanced medical imaging and radiotherapy equipment, has signed on for additional production and office space in greater Houston. The new space in Pearland, Texas will more than triple the total size of the company's current manufacturing square footage that's now at their North American headquarters on Kirby Drive. It was only just over four years ago that the company opened that current production facility.
NEWS | February 3, 2025
Abbott Names Water Infrastructure, Workforce Development Among Priorities in State of the State Address
Governor Greg Abbott named two of the Greater Houston Partnership’s Executive Priorities as emergency items for the Texas Legislature during his State of the State address Sunday. The governor said he wants lawmakers to immediately begin working on solutions to strengthen the workforce, improve the resilience of vital infrastructure, and make a Texas-sized investment in water security.
NEWS | February 3, 2025
Partnership Welcomes New 2025 Board Members
Members of the Greater Houston Partnership voted to elect new members of the organization’s board of directors at its Annual Meeting held on January 31. The Partnership's 147-member board guides the work of the organization and is comprised of leaders from across greater Houston's business community.
NEWS | January 31, 2025
Greater Houston Partnership Unveils New Five-Year Strategic Framework
HOUSTON (January 31, 2025) – The Greater Houston Partnership announced the launch of its new five-year strategic framework, Houston Next: Advancing Opportunity, during its Annual Meeting. This comprehensive plan builds upon the organization’s work to position Houston as a world-class hub for economic growth, innovation, and quality of life.
NEWS | January 30, 2025
Celebrating Civic Excellence: The Love Family’s Impact on Houston
The Greater Houston Partnership presented the 2025 Robert C. McNair Civic Leadership Award to the Love family at the organization’s Annual Meeting. The prestigious award honors individuals and families whose contributions have profoundly shaped the greater Houston community.
NEWS | January 24, 2025
Port Houston Secures $25 Million Grant for Hydrogen Refueling Station
Port Houston is bolstering its sustainability efforts with a $25 million grant from the Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration to develop the Bayport Hydrogen Refueling Station (Bayport HRS) in Bayport, Texas.
NEWS | January 10, 2025
Rising in Houston: Projects to Look Forward to in 2025 and Beyond
NEWS | January 9, 2025
Why Water Infrastructure is Key to Economic Growth and Competitiveness
Following the success of the Texas Water Fund initiative in the 88th Texas Legislative Session, voters overwhelmingly supported the constitutional amendment to fund $1 billion in water infrastructure solutions.
NEWS | December 20, 2024
Houston Day: Bridging Houston and Texas Lawmakers
What does it take to showcase Houston’s extraordinary contributions to Texas? For the Greater Houston Partnership, the answer was Houston Day. The transformative event gave state legislators a firsthand look at the industries and innovations driving one of the most dynamic regions in the country.
NEWS | December 19, 2024
$310 Million Buffalo Bayou East Expansion Project Begins to Take Shape
Houston’s Buffalo Bayou Park is undergoing a transformative expansion. In 2019, the Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BPP) unveiled the Buffalo Bayou East 10-Year Master Plan, a project to extend the park into the East End and Fifth Ward neighborhoods. Supported by a $310 million investment, including $100 million from the Kinder Foundation, the plan aims to create a vibrant community hub and cultural destination through major infrastructure improvements and the addition of new parks, green spaces and amenities.
NEWS | December 19, 2024
Houston Back on Track Proves an Effective Model to Serve Jobseekers
While the original focus of the Houston Back on Track initiative was to help put people back to work following pandemic-era job displacement, it has evolved into a collective effort to serve and support low-wage workers in Houston looking for something better.
NEWS | December 19, 2024
Bayou City Bio Pulse: Driving Houston’s Life Sciences Growth
Houston's life sciences ecosystem is on the rise, and the Bayou City Bio Pulse is at the heart of this transformation. Launched in fall 2023 by the Greater Houston Partnership’s Life Science Committee, this bi-monthly event series is reshaping how the region's life sciences community connects, innovates and thrives.
NEWS | December 17, 2024
Greater Houston Partnership Showcases Houston Region to Site Consultants on Exclusive Familiarization Tour
In April 2024, the Partnership hosted seven leading site consultants for an exclusive two-and-a-half-day immersion tour into Houston’s dynamic business ecosystem. The visit aimed to position Houston as a prime choice for business relocation and expansion by offering an insider’s look at the region’s assets.
NEWS | December 17, 2024
San Jacinto College and CellReady Launch Program to Accelerate Cell Therapy Workforce Development
[PRESS RELEASE Provided by SanJac] PASADENA, Texas – The San Jacinto College Center for Biotechnology has partnered with CellReady, a privately held cell therapy contract development and manufacturing organization, to launch an innovative, fast-track training curriculum for new hires in biomanufacturing. This four-week program is designed to significantly shorten onboarding time for manufacturing associates, providing them with concentrated and rigorous hands-on training to jumpstart their readiness to work in advanced cell therapy manufacturing.
NEWS | December 16, 2024
Building Houston’s Workforce: How UpSkill Houston is Shaping Talent for 2025 and Beyond
UpSkill Houston's mission is to cultivate one of the finest skilled workforces globally and ensure opportunities for all residents in the Houston region. Over the past decade, UpSkill Houston has established a renowned employer-led collective focused on developing skilled talent initiatives, setting a benchmark admired by major metros.
NEWS | December 16, 2024
How UpSkill Houston and the Burning Glass Institute Are Unlocking Talent for the Future
The Burning Glass Institute (BGI), with financial support from Walmart.org, selected the Greater Houston Partnership’s UpSkill Houston initiative as its partner to develop the Jobs That Mobilize (JTM) initiative.
NEWS | December 16, 2024
Greater Houston Partnership Names Rafael Alvarez as New Leader of UpSkill Houston
HOUSTON (Dec. 16, 2024) — The Greater Houston Partnership has announced Rafael “Rafa” Alvarez as the organization’s new Senior Vice President of Regional Workforce Development, leading the nationally acclaimed UpSkill Houston initiative. Alvarez, a Forbes-recognized social entrepreneur and founder of Genesys Works, brings a proven track record in workforce development and a deep commitment to creating opportunities that bridge skills training and industry.
NEWS | December 6, 2024
New Partnership Members in November
The Greater Houston Partnership welcomed 12 new member companies in the month of November. The Partnership works to connect companies with resources, information and networking opportunities to help increase business while also providing a platform to influence the direction of the region.
NEWS | December 6, 2024
Lauxera Capital Partners Acquires Galen Data
[PRESS RELEASE] Paris (France), Houston (USA), San Francisco (USA) — November 25, 2024 — Lauxera Capital Partners announces the acquisition of Galen Data, a leading provider of secure, cloud-based connectivity solutions for medical devices. This transaction follows Lauxera’s 2022 acquisition of Matrix Requirements, a leading ALM and eQMS software solution for medical device R&D and Quality teams.
Event | August 12, 2025
Driving Procurement Excellence in a Dynamic World
Join regional peers and industry experts for a candid, thought-provoking conversation as they share perspectives on navigating disruption, fostering inclusive leadership, and driving strategic transformation across complex, international supply chains.
