We have strong reasons for expecting that in the century to come they will gain even more recognition as leaders in all walks of life. Members of our faculty have earned distinctions, honors and awards all out of proportion to their number. As our society evolved after 1912, so did Rice, prospering by sailing by our own North Star, changing course as conditions required. The same navigational rules we have followed will serve us well for the next 100 years. But, by themselves they will not assure success in the coming century commensurate with the ambitious standards set in 1912.
Considerable dexterity is required to successfully accommodate change.
Fortunately, an ample supply of such dexterity is evident on our campus. Initiating change, however, is an even more difficult task, calling for vision and creativity, as well as readiness, indeed, eagerness, to assume leadership in teaching and research. We already have made a good start. Where some may back away from the hard work of priority setting, we have chosen to initiate three major new interdisciplinary programs in science and engineering, in cognition, and medical sociology. We have strengthened social sciences not only by major new disciplinary investments but also by creating the interdisciplinary James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy.