Jeff Falk leads Rice University's efforts to share news about the university with the world and currently serves as interim vice president for public affairs. He is a strategic communications and public affairs leader with extensive experience, achieving results in higher education and research, government and policy, and consumer sectors.

Falk joined Rice in 2012 as associate director of national media relations. He became director of national media relations in 2019 and moved into the role of director of news and media relations in 2022. In this position, he oversees a talented 10-person team of writers and editors that issues news releases and expert alerts and media advisories, responds to media queries, and produces Rice News, Dateline Rice and @Rice. He serves as the university’s principal media spokesperson and also is a member of the Crisis Management Team, assisting with emergency notifications to students, staff and faculty.

Prior to his service at Rice, Falk was assistant director of the University of Minnesota’s central media relations office from 2010 to 2012. He began his career in communications and public relations in government, serving as deputy press secretary to Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty from 2003 to 2005 and as communications director for Minnesota State Auditor Rebecca Otto from 2007 to 2008.

Falk earned his bachelor’s degree from Macalester College and a master’s degree in strategic communication from the University of Minnesota. Born in Bremen, Germany, he is a dual citizen of the United States and Germany.

BEATS

Academic Affairs
Admissions
Budget
Crisis Management Team
Development and Alumni Relations
Finance and Administration
General Counsel
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