Rice University Unveils New Chao College Amidst Enrollment Surge

Rice University is excited to announce the establishment of its 12th residential college, the Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao College, which will commonly be known as the Chao College. This significant development comes in light of an impressive enrollment increase that the university has been experiencing. The Chao College is made possible due to the generosity of the Chao family foundation, which is prominently led by Houston business leaders—siblings Dorothy Chao Jenkins, James Chao, and Rice Trustee Emeritus Albert Chao.

A New Home for Students

Chao College is expected to accommodate nearly 300 on-campus beds, contributing to a vibrant community for over 400 undergraduate students when combined with the surrounding off-campus housing. The construction is currently in progress along Entrance 4 on Main Street and is designed to align with sustainable practices. The new complex will feature two residential towers, one standing five stories high and the other ten stories. Additionally, the college will provide a spacious 3,000-square-foot rooftop terrace along with an 11,000-square-foot central quad, enhancing the living and learning environment for students.

Designed by the acclaimed Danish architectural firm Henning Larsen, the creative input for the project also comes from Houston-based Kirksey and general contractor Harvey Cleary. Together, they aim to create an inspiring and welcoming space for Rice’s diverse student body.

The Chao Legacy

The Chao family has a rich history of impactful contributions to the global performance and essential materials sectors, extending beyond their business ventures into civic engagement and philanthropy. The late Ting Tsung (T.T.) Chao made significant strides in his business pursuits in Asia before transitioning to Houston in the 1980s, a journey complemented by the partnership with his wife, Wei Fong. Together, they and their sons laid the groundwork for Westlake Corp, which now stands as a Fortune 500 entity. The legacy of the Chao family in Houston is not only remarkable in business but also in their commitment to community enhancement and educational initiatives.

Rice University President Reginald DesRoches remarked on the significance of the Chao name, acknowledging it as a beacon of leadership, generosity, and the essence of community connection that the residential college system embodies. "Chao College will serve as a lasting tribute to the entire Chao family, and we express our deep gratitude for their remarkable philanthropy," DesRoches mentioned.

The family's support has been instrumental in advancing numerous transformative initiatives at Rice over the decades. Noteworthy among them is the establishment of the Chao Center for Asian Studies, made possible through a $1.2 million grant in 2008. This center has emerged as a stellar platform for scholarship and community outreach. Furthermore, initiatives such as Chao professorships and scholarships, along with support for innovative research organizations like the Rice360 Institute for Global Health Technologies, reflect their ongoing commitment to Rice's mission.

A Unique Educational Environment

The introduction of Chao College underscores Rice University's unique approach to undergraduate education through its residential college system, which has contributed significantly to student life since 1957. Unlike many institutions, Rice does not utilize traditional Greek life or segregated housing for specific student groups. Instead, students are randomly assigned to their residential colleges, fostering rich, lasting relationships throughout their college journey. This structure cultivates community, leadership, mentorship, and enduring traditions within the college.

Each college is centered around a faculty magister and their family, who provide academic guidance and personal support, as well as encouraging student leadership and participation in governing their community. Students take charge of managing budgets, offering academic mentorship, and organizing various cultural and social events, which helps instill pride and identity in every member of the Rice community.

Bridget Gorman, Dean of Undergraduates, emphasized the essential role Chao College will play in accommodating the university's expanding student body, projected to reach 5,200 undergraduates by 2028—an increase of 30% since 2020. The new college will operate alongside the South colleges and will share facilities with the ongoing construction of Lovett College.

A Bright Future for Rice Students

As the university seeks to provide an enriching experience for its undergraduates, the Chao family's generous contribution ensures that Rice can continue to offer transformative educational experiences. "Students will find their home, create lifelong friendships, and learn to lead and serve within the confines of these colleges," Gorman said, underscoring the crucial role of residential colleges in student life.

Chao College will officially open in the fall of 2026, and a ceremonious ‘topping out’ event will celebrate the completion of the highest point of both Chao and Lovett colleges on September 4. The very fabric of Rice University continues to be strengthened through the inclusion of the Chao family name, a gesture that ensures their legacy inspires future generations of students to lead with intention and purpose.