Business Leaders of America Podcast

Feb 13, 2024

Today, we have the privilege of sitting down with Dean Peter Rodriguez, a distinguished leader in academia and the field of business and economics. With over 25 years of experience, Dean Rodriguez has left an indelible mark on higher education, serving as the Dean of the Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University since 2016.

Dean Rodriguez's commitment to excellence and innovation is evident in his transformative leadership, where he has doubled MBA enrollment, spearheaded initiatives for diversity and inclusion, and championed academic excellence. Join us as we delve into his remarkable journey, discussing his strategic vision for business education, his insights on leadership and diversity, and his advice for aspiring business leaders.

Stay tuned for an enlightening conversation with Dean Peter Rodriguez, where we explore the future of business education and the evolving landscape of the business world.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Dean of the Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University.
• Former Senior Associate Dean and Chief Diversity Officer for the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia.
• Serves on the board of directors for The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Houston Branch, as well as three nonprofit organizations: Good Reason Houston, Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, and Texas 2036.
• Recipient of numerous teaching awards from Princeton, Texas A&M, and the University of Virginia
• Introduced the first online graduate degree and launched the undergraduate business major at Rice.
• Doubled MBA enrollment and increased tenure-track faculty by over 35%

How to connect with Dean Peter Rodriguez:

·         Peter Rodriguez | LinkedIn

·         Peter Rodriguez (@profp_rod) • Instagram photos and videos

Show Notes:

[1:25] Dean Rodriguez extends on his background and how he got to where he is today.

[4:16] Approach to promoting diversity and inclusion as the Chief Diversity Officer at the University of Virgina.

[10:10] Transition from Senior Associate Dean of the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia to the Dean of Jones School of Business at Rice University and how his leadership has evolved since transitioning.

[14:28] Key strategic initiatives that have been implemented to enhance the schools academic excellence and operational effectiveness.

[21:21] Vision for the future of Business Schools

[24:00] Utilization of AI

[33:31] How to engage with Dean Rodriguez and resources available to learn more about the Jones School of Business at Rice University.

[35:06] How business students aspiring to pursue careers in business and entrepreneurship can best prepare for the evolving landscape of the business world.