give a hoot

Rice University again scores top-10 rank in new best college in U.S. list

Rice University, aerial, campus, buildings

The Ivy League of the South once again scored a top-10 rank.

Photo courtesy of Rice University

Rice University has earned yet another accolade worth hooting about.

Niche, an education review and ranking website, has named Rice the ninth best college in the U.S., down from No. 6 last year. The Houston university receives an A+ in nine of the 12 ranking categories, including academics, diversity, and value. It gets an A for the party scene, a B+ for athletics, and a B for safety.

“We’re proud that Niche once again rates Rice not only one of the nation’s top universities, but also one of the nation’s best college values,” university President Reginald DesRoches said in 2022. “This is especially gratifying because Niche reflects the opinions of students and parents who know firsthand what outstanding education opportunities Rice continues to offer.”

Rice regularly ranks highly on lists of the best colleges and universities in the country, including those published by Niche, Forbes, and U.S. News & World Report.

“Rice is an awesome place. I went to Rice because I wanted professors who actually wanted to see their students succeed, and I can confidently say that’s what I found at Rice,” a student wrote in a Niche review. “The classes are thorough but the tests are very reasonable and focus on the material we learned in class.”

Topping Niche’s national list is Yale University, followed by Stanford University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, Princeton University, Columbia University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Dartmouth College.

Rice comes in at No. 12 on Niche’s list of the “best value colleges” in the U.S. and ranks first among the best colleges in Texas. Here are the top 10 Texas schools, including the eighth-ranked University of Houston:

1. Rice University
2. University of Texas at Austin
3. Texas A&M University (College Station)
4. Trinity University (San Antonio)
5. Southern Methodist University (University Park)
6. Texas Christian University (Fort Worth)
7. Texas Tech University (Lubbock)
8. University of Houston
9. University of Texas Permian Basin (Odessa)
10. Baylor University (Waco)

Other Houston-area schools in the Texas ranking are:

University of Houston – Clear Lake (No. 13)
University of St. Thomas (No. 26)
University of Houston – Downtown (No. 39)
Prairie View A&M University (No. 43)

“Choosing where to go to college is easily one of the most significant — and expensive — decisions of a person’s life. Niche’s mission is to ensure that every college-bound student has access to easy, transparent and free resources … to help them find their best fit,” Luke Skurman, founder and CEO of Niche, says in a news release.

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This article originally ran on our sister site InnovationMap.

farmville

Rodeo Houston reveals name, breaks ground on $300M agricultural complex

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo The Farm rendering

Courtesy of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's new agricultural complex will be called The Farm.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has revealed the name of its $300 million livestock and agricultural complex. Dubbed The Farm, which stands for Furthering our Agriculture and Ranching Mission, HLSR also broke ground on the facility, which is scheduled to open in 2029.

The naming process began with suggestions from rodeo volunteers before being narrowed down to finalists, which were shared with the general public on social media. The other possibilities included “Agriculture and Western Heritage Complex,” “Champions Campus,” “Heritage Agricultural Complex,” and “Mission Heritage Park.”

Located about five miles from Relant Park on approximately 350 acres of land that the rodeo owns at the northwest corner of Airport Blvd and Highway 288, the new facility will consist of three, air-conditioned buildings with more than 1 million square feet of space. They’re divided into two large barns (approximately 430,000 square feet each) and a 140,000-square-foot central building. The facility will also include a covered, outdoor cattle yard that will be 105,000 square feet.

Notably, the central building will include a 5,000-seat arena that will host exhibitions, concerts, and other events. The total project is expected to cost approximately $300 million.

"As we move toward our centennial, the groundbreaking of The Farm reflects our commitment to building not only a world-class facility, but a stronger future for Texas youth and agriculture," said Wesley Sinor, chairman of the board of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. "The impact of what begins today will be felt for generations."

During the run of the rodeo, the facility will host events such as the horse show, livestock show, junior and open breeding shows, archery competitions, educational contests, and more. During the rest of the year, the rodeo plans to use the facility for other educational events, fundraisers, and even the occasional concert.

All other rodeo events — including the carnival, cowboy competitions, nightly concert, etc. — will remain at Reliant Park. The rodeo’s transportation committee will operate shuttles for people who are participating in events at both the new facility and Reliant Park.

"With today's groundbreaking and the unveiling of The Farm, we are laying the foundation for the future of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo," said Chris Boleman, HLSR president and CEO. "This facility will serve as a year-round destination for agriculture, education and community, ensuring our mission continues to grow and benefit Texas youth for generations."

Courtesy of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's new agricultural complex will be called The Farm.

rodeohouston houston livestock show and rodeo groundbreaking