Michael McBride Named to Lead Owls Development Efforts
4/7/2025 12:31:00 PM | Owl Club
Will oversee all aspects of development for the Owl Club, including major gifts, annual giving, and capital campaigns.
HOUSTON-Rice Vice President and Director of Athletics Tommy McClelland has announced the addition of Michael McBride to the Rice Athletics leadership team as the Owls' new Senior Associate Athletic Director of Development.
In his new role, McBride will oversee all aspects of development for the Owl Club, including major gifts, annual giving, and capital campaigns. He will work closely with Rice Athletics leadership to ensure the continued growth and success of the university's athletic programs. McBride's expertise in cultivating long-term relationships with donors, managing high-level fundraising initiatives, and driving revenue generation for college athletic programs will be invaluable in advancing the mission of Rice Athletics.
"Michael was the ideal candidate to guide the Owl Club forward as we enter this new era of collegiate athletics," McClelland said. "His wealth of college athletics experience and proven success in leading fundraising efforts for prominent athletic departments will play a crucial role in enhancing our programs and providing our student-athletes with the resources they need to succeed on and off the field."
"I am honored to join the Rice Athletics team and excited to contribute to the continued success of this prestigious department," said McBride. "Rice Athletics has a rich tradition of excellence, and I look forward to collaborating with alumni, donors, and the entire community to elevate the student-athlete experience and ensure the long-term success of Rice's athletic programs. I appreciate the confidence Tommy, Eric, and Kevin have placed in me to deliver their vision and goals through the Rice Owl Club. Houston is my home, and my family and I are excited to be part of the Rice community."
McBride joins Rice University after an impressive career in athletics and the corporate space, most recently serving as Deputy Athletics Director for Revenue Generation, NIL, and Strategic Initiatives at Seton Hall University. In this role, he oversaw and led the Pirate Club, achieving record donor participation and donation levels, in addition to overseeing ticketing, marketing, sales, corporate relations, and communications.
Before that, McBride held various leadership roles in athletics at the University of Houston, Auburn, and UCLA, where he consistently exceeded goals and built lasting relationships with constituents. McBride also has substantial experience in the private sector, having held prominent positions at MGM Resorts International, Turba Sports, and Under Armour.
For additional information about Rice Athletics or to learn more about giving opportunities, please visit riceowlclub.com or contact the Rice Owl Club Office at 713.348.8425.
In his new role, McBride will oversee all aspects of development for the Owl Club, including major gifts, annual giving, and capital campaigns. He will work closely with Rice Athletics leadership to ensure the continued growth and success of the university's athletic programs. McBride's expertise in cultivating long-term relationships with donors, managing high-level fundraising initiatives, and driving revenue generation for college athletic programs will be invaluable in advancing the mission of Rice Athletics.
"Michael was the ideal candidate to guide the Owl Club forward as we enter this new era of collegiate athletics," McClelland said. "His wealth of college athletics experience and proven success in leading fundraising efforts for prominent athletic departments will play a crucial role in enhancing our programs and providing our student-athletes with the resources they need to succeed on and off the field."
"I am honored to join the Rice Athletics team and excited to contribute to the continued success of this prestigious department," said McBride. "Rice Athletics has a rich tradition of excellence, and I look forward to collaborating with alumni, donors, and the entire community to elevate the student-athlete experience and ensure the long-term success of Rice's athletic programs. I appreciate the confidence Tommy, Eric, and Kevin have placed in me to deliver their vision and goals through the Rice Owl Club. Houston is my home, and my family and I are excited to be part of the Rice community."
McBride joins Rice University after an impressive career in athletics and the corporate space, most recently serving as Deputy Athletics Director for Revenue Generation, NIL, and Strategic Initiatives at Seton Hall University. In this role, he oversaw and led the Pirate Club, achieving record donor participation and donation levels, in addition to overseeing ticketing, marketing, sales, corporate relations, and communications.
Before that, McBride held various leadership roles in athletics at the University of Houston, Auburn, and UCLA, where he consistently exceeded goals and built lasting relationships with constituents. McBride also has substantial experience in the private sector, having held prominent positions at MGM Resorts International, Turba Sports, and Under Armour.
For additional information about Rice Athletics or to learn more about giving opportunities, please visit riceowlclub.com or contact the Rice Owl Club Office at 713.348.8425.
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