Heather-Reneé is the Events and Operations Administrator in the School of Humanities, where she supports the Dean by managing high-level scheduling and facilitating events. Ms. Gooch holds dual undergraduate degrees in Sociology and Psychology, and earned a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration from Sam Houston State University in 2020. Before joining Rice University, she served as a Residence Director for ten years, with roles at Sam Houston State University and Cottey College. While at SHSU, she received the inaugural Inclusive Excellence Award and recognition from the Department of Defense, being awarded the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Award for her work with students in the National Guard.

In 2022, she joined Rice University as the Associate Director of Student Engagement. In this role, she advised the Student Association and provided strategic leadership over campus-wide initiatives such as leadership development, the OwlNest engagement platform, and the support of over 300 student organizations. In 2023, she became a CTIS instructor and teaches during the fall semesters.

 Along with her administrative role, Heather-Reneé is active with community organizations. She is a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, and has served as the Cottey Chair, demonstrating her commitment to women’s education and the enhancement of student life.