BIOGRAPHY

Jessica Khalaf, Ph.D., joins the Glasscock School of Continuing Studies as the new assistant dean of finance and administration, bringing a wealth of higher education leadership experience. In this role, Khalaf serves as the chief administrative officer of the school, providing overarching strategic leadership and oversight of finance, human resources, procurement, grants management, compliance and legal coordination across the dean’s office and its affiliated organizations. As a member of Dean Bruce’s senior leadership team, she reports directly to the dean and acts as a vital strategic partner in driving the school's administrative, operational and academic mission forward.

Khalaf oversees the Glasscock School’s shared services model, ensuring that administrative functions remain centralized, efficient and fully aligned with university policy. She advises the dean and program leadership on complex administrative matters, manages a dedicated team of administrative professionals, and represents the school in university-wide forums. A familiar face on the Rice campus, Khalaf previously served as the director of operations and partnerships and the associate director for the Center for Civic Leadership at Rice, and prior to that, as the assistant director for policy and community engagement at The University of Texas at Austin. She holds a B.A. in Political Science from Rice University, as well as a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership, both from UT Austin. In addition to her new role, Khalaf also continues her active campus service as a member of Rice's Staff Council.