As the executive director of news and media relations in Rice University’s Office of Public Affairs, Chris Stipes leads a dynamic team of media relations specialists, writers and editors who elevate the university’s global brand awareness through strategic media engagement and storytelling. Together, they produce impactful communications, including newsletters such as Inside Rice, Rice News, Dateline Rice and @Rice. His team issues timely news releases, expert alerts and media advisories and responds to media inquiries to enhance the university’s public image. Stipes joined the university in 2023 and serves as a media spokesperson and is also a member of the Crisis Management Team.
Previously, Stipes was the senior director of media relations at the University of Houston from 2016 to 2023. In this role, he significantly increased positive media coverage for the university, producing innovative internal and external communications across multiple platforms. He spearheaded the production of UH’s national commercial and led the successful public relations campaign for the launch of Houston’s first new medical school in nearly 50 years.
Before transitioning to higher education, Stipes spent 18 years as an award-winning TV news anchor, reporter and sportscaster, working in Toledo, El Paso, Austin and Houston. His journalistic career earned him more than 40 professional accolades, including three Emmy Awards, two Edward R. Murrow Awards and 15 Associated Press Awards.
Stipes holds a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from Bowling Green State University in Ohio.
BEAT
- Academic Affairs
- Admissions
- Budget
- Crisis Management Team
- Development and Alumni Relations
- Finance and Administration
- General Counsel
- Government Relations
- Human Resources
- Information Technology
- Investments
- President’s Office
- Program in Writing and Communication
- Provost’s Office
- Public Affairs
- Research
- Rice Management Company
- Rice Thresher
- Rice University Police Department
- Strategic Initiatives and Digital Education
- Oversees all beats for stories and expertise that have potential interest to national and international media