BIOGRAPHY
The Assistant Dean for the Rice Center for Education takes a leading role in the development of ideas and concepts that further support the strategic goal of the University's PreK-12 educational outreach programs and mission. The Assistant Dean provides leadership and strategy for the Center for Education, including managing all Center for Education PreK-12 program team members and directing the creation of new programs or enhancement of existing offerings related to the Center for College Readiness (CCR), School Literacy and Culture (SLC), Summer Pre-College, and Education department programs. The incumbent will oversee the campus wide integration and the comprehensive branding of the University PreK-12 programs. The Assistant Dean will teach, as needed, across the Center for Education portfolio. Additionally, the position will serve as one of the primary Rice representatives for external PreK-12 partners as well as the co-lead GSCS contact person for potential funding opportunities.
Dr. Rangel has over 25 years of experience working in Texas’ traditional public school systems and open-enrollment charter schools. Her experience includes serving as Chief Academic Officer of a rapidly expanding, award-winning public charter school system; Houston ISD area director, performance and continuous improvement manager, principal, bilingual teacher; and charter middle and high school principal.
Brenda is engaged in the Houston community, mentoring emerging leaders through a group she founded, Latina Leaders Learning Group. In addition, she volunteers with the Texas Council of Women School Executives, Texas MS Foundation, and Mariachi Festival Foundation and is a former board member of the Association of Hispanic School Administrators and the YMCA Houston.
Rangel was born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley, TX. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Spanish from Sam Houston State University, a Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction from Houston Baptist University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership & Policy from the University of Texas at Austin.
When not at work or participating in community outreach, Brenda enjoys walking her dog Suki, cycling, and supporting her two children, Miranda, who lives and works in D.C. as a congressional legislative director, and Noah, in his second year of college.