Rice University is a primarily a residential campus in the heart of Houston. There are 2800 undergraduate students as well as 1700 graduate students here.

Rice is consistently ranked among the top universities in the United States as well as the world. It has become a leader in scientific research that is known world wide. It's also known for the addition to the conversation of politics and global issues through the Baker Center, which is a think tank for public policy and hosts a variety of politicians, artists, scientists and cultural leaders. Because of it's selective nature and the difficulty for admission at Rice, it is often compared to Ivy League schools, but at Rice we like to say that "Harvard is the Rice of the North!"

Many graduates from Rice become cultural influencers in the areas of science, politics, arts, and sports as well. Alumni include author, James McMurtry, former secretary of state, James Baker, former US attorney general, Alberto Gonzales, and Houston Astros star Lance Berkman.

The housing system at Rice is based on the British version of housing called the "college" system. The students are sorted into various colleges (dorms) where they will eat every day and relate to a diverse group of their peers. There are currently 9 colleges with 2 to new colleges to open in the fall of 2009. It is also the place where they compete athletically with one another in intramural events since they do not have fraternities and sororities like other American universities.

What We Do / Ways We Connect

We facilitate many opportunities for students to engage their faith here as they engage their minds. Students here are often seeking ways to harmonize their faith with their reasoning... both Christians and non.

We do a weekly luncheon that is focused on helping our students reach out to their friends who are not yet believers called Reality Check. We host local pastors, faculty, staff and alumni from the Rice community to speak to relevant topics that help those who are not yet followers of Jesus a Christian perspective.
We also do a weekly small group Bible study with worship called Encounter. Students engage in small group discussions on topics such as Spiritual Formation, Faith & Reason, and the Sermon on the Mount. It is meant as a weekly encouragement to students.

In addition to regular fellowship and fun opportunities, we also connect with those who are non-believers through service opportunities as well. In the past year we've served in the Houston Baptist Mission centers, and through local churches as well. Students also serve through Spring Break missions as well to express their faith through service.

BSM Staff

Andy Dennis, Director, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Andy grew up in Nashville, Tennessee and has a BA in Communications from Carson Newman University and an MDiv from Southwestern Seminary in Ft. Worth. Andy has served in BSM work for 9 years in Texas. With one year interim experience at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas and 7 years experience at Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas before coming to Rice University and the Texas Medical Center, Andy has a real love for students and helping them to live missional lives in college and beyond. Andy has a wonderful family with his wife Jennifer and their 2 year old daughter Olivia and their golden retriever, Bailey.