Michael Koenig

Michael Koenig joined Rice University in 2017 as the associate dean for innovation initiatives at the Jones Graduate School of Business and holds a joint appointment as executive director of Executive Education. In this dual role, he combines technology and transformative business education, both within the institution and beyond.

As the associate dean for innovation initiatives, Michael is responsible for bridging the gap between technology and business education, fostering innovation and driving change across Rice Business. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this role, with a focus on aligning technology and growth with educational and institutional strategic goals.

In his capacity at Executive Education, Michael spearheads program and business model innovation. His vision is centered on expanding and enhancing the portfolio of technology-driven programs that drive local, national and global impact.

Before joining Rice Business, Michael held the position of senior assistant dean for degree programs and was the inaugural executive director of program innovation at the Darden School of Business at University of Virginia. During his tenure there, he played a pivotal role in shaping and implementing innovative educational programs and expanding the Darden School’s global reach. 

Michael's career also boasts an intimate connection with the startup ecosystem. He was an integral part of Logictier Inc., a Silicon Valley-based Internet infrastructure company, where he served as employee No. 4. In this capacity, he orchestrated a national staffing initiative that expanded the company's workforce from four employees to 220 in under two years spanning the west to east coasts.

Prior to his role at Logictier, he held the position of senior manager for professional education at the Stanford Center for Professional Development, where he spearheaded the growth and reach of Stanford Online.

Michael holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Miami University of Ohio and a master's degree in international political affairs from the University of Kentucky. Outside of the academic and professional realm, he has a deep passion for soccer. He played Division I soccer during his time at Miami University and dedicated almost three decades to coaching youth soccer, sharing his love for the sport with the next generation.

Michael, along with his wife Jacqui and their two children, Connor and Elsa, relocated to Houston from Charlottesville where they soon added Rona, their Covid rescue dog, to the family. Elsa is currently an undergraduate at Rice University.