# Our Stories

**Source**: https://business.rice.edu/rice-mba/life-rice/our-stories
**Parent**: https://business.rice.edu/

We believe you belong here — but don’t just take our word for it. Hear from our students and alumni about why Rice Business was right for them.

## Why Rice Business?

Marcia Lee chose to get her MBA at Rice Business because she understands the power of an MBA and the Rice Business reputation!

[Why Rice Business](https://business.rice.edu/rice-mba/why-rice-business)

## Interest in Rice Business?

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## Our Podcast

Up Next

### [Houston Loves Risk Takers feat. Dean Peter Rodriguez](https://business.rice.edu/owlhaveyouknow/houston-loves-risk-takers)

Dean Peter Rodriguez reflects on a decade of transformation at Rice Business, sharing the lessons he’s learned guiding a rapidly growing business school, his take on AI and the evolving energy landscape, and details on the school’s new building.

Pivot

### [The Future of Elite Sports Training feat. Scott Deans ’22](https://business.rice.edu/owlhaveyouknow/future-of-elite-sports-training)

Scott chats about BeONE Sports, his startup combining AI and motion-capture technology to help athletes elevate their performance and prevent injuries.

Pivot

### [How An AgTech Investment Banker Found His Focus feat. David Verbitsky ’10](https://business.rice.edu/owlhaveyouknow/how-agtech-investment-banker-found-focus)

The Rice MBA spring boarded David into a career in investment banking with a special focus on agriculture and food. Now he's applying his industry expertise to his own investment banking firm.

[All Episodes](https://business.rice.edu/alumni-podcast-old)

Phil Reiser
Professional MBA

[Profile](https://business.rice.edu/news/exponential-growth)

## Getting Ahead

“Over just one year in the MBA program, I transitioned to a new role, developed a model that is being implemented for business analytics questions within ExxonMobil, trained business analysts for the other regions of the U.S., and just recently got a promotion. I have no doubt that the coursework and experiences at Rice contributed to both my accomplishments and promotion.”

[Read More](https://business.rice.edu/news/exponential-growth)

## Get To Know Students

Student Stories

### [Learning to Lead Through Business](https://business.rice.edu/news/learning-lead-through-business)

Kyle Neff, Hybrid MBA

Student Stories

### [Personalize Your Experience](https://business.rice.edu/news/personalize-your-experience)

Emily Brown, Professional MBA

Student Stories

### [Gain a Lifelong Network](https://business.rice.edu/news/gain-lifelong-network)

Mark Yang, Professional MBA

Student Stories

### [Transform Your Life With an MBA](https://business.rice.edu/news/transform-your-life-mba)

Denise Buckley, Executive MBA

Student Stories

### [Community and Career Growth](https://business.rice.edu/news/community-and-career-growth)

Colton Larsen, Professional MBA

Student Stories

### [Meet New Challenges, Achieve Your Goals](https://business.rice.edu/news/meet-new-challenges-achieve-your-goals)

Vanilla Alumanah, Hybrid MBA

## Students and Alumni in the News

School Updates

### [Women in Leadership Conference passes torch to next generation](https://business.rice.edu/news/women-leadership-conference-passes-torch-next-generation)

The 26th annual Women in Leadership Conference (WILC) welcomed hundreds of women to Rice Business’ McNair Hall for a day of networking, learning and inspiration for climbing the ladder in their careers. This year’s theme was “Pass the Torch: Together, We Will Carry the Flame.”

In The Media

### [Real Humans of Bain & Co.: Sameera Bhamidipati ’24](https://www.clearadmit.com/2026/02/real-humans-of-bain-co-sameera-bhamidipati-rice-business-mba-24-consultant/)

Sameera Bhamidipati ’24 shares how she achieved a successful career transition and landed at Bain & Company.

School Updates

### [Veteran-led team formed in Rice entrepreneurship program acquires national leadership development firm](https://business.rice.edu/news/veteran-led-team-formed-rice-entrepreneurship-program-acquires-national-leadership-development)

An all-veteran ownership team, Summit Point Leadership LLC, which launched through the Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University and its Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) Lab, has acquired the business of LDR Leadership LLC, a nationwide leadership, management and supervisory training firm.

[View All News](https://business.rice.edu/news-events)

### Ready for the Next Step?

[Request More Information](https://business.rice.edu/request-information)