Derek Bell, a proud Houston native, holds a bachelor’s degree in general business from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and a master’s degree in student Affairs and Higher Education from Texas State University. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at UTSA, Derek combines academic rigor with over a decade of professional experience in higher education. His expertise spans impactful roles in Residential Life, Student Conduct, and Title IX at institutions such as UTSA, UT Austin, Washington University in St. Louis (WashU), and UT Health San Antonio. In his role at Rice, Derek will oversee conflict of interest disclosure and the policy management process in the Office of Ethics, Compliance, and Enterprise Risk.