Félix Campos ’08 is a living testament to the power of giving back. Stepping into his new role as president of the Rice Engineering Alumni (REA), Campos is bringing his passion and dedication to a community that shaped his own journey. His leadership isn't just about a title; it's about a deep-seated commitment to building bridges and creating opportunities for the next generation of engineers.
For Campos, the mission of the REA is personal. He remembers the overwhelming feeling of navigating his own career path as a student, a challenge that many young engineers face. "That experience stuck with me and is part of why I care so deeply about helping students feel supported and ready to take that next step," he says. This empathy is what drove him to begin volunteering with the REA in 2021, where he immediately made a mark by helping to shape the Summer Engineering Experience program.
His ability to inspire others quickly became clear. Jim Pyke, a previous REA president and now a senior advisor, witnessed this firsthand. "Félix quickly brought his passion and dedication to new initiatives," Pyke notes, adding that Campos is "poised to enhance our culture... and inspire others—including me—to do more."
Campos has a clear vision for the REA. He aims to deepen the lifelong bonds between alumni and the school, while simultaneously expanding professional development opportunities for current students. He believes that by strengthening the board's collaborations with the school's staff and departments, the REA can become a model for other alumni associations. Dean Luay Nakhleh agrees, stating that under Campos's leadership, "the REA is positioned to expand its reach and amplify its impact in the engineering community."
Campos's leadership philosophy is simple yet profound: leading by example. He lives by the words of his predecessor, Ted Adams ’86: "The world is led by those who show up." This belief drives him to empower every board member to build meaningful relationships and foster a sense of belonging. As Campos says, "I want every member of REA to feel connected, supported and proud to be a part of the community."
With his blend of empathy, vision, and a commitment to action, Félix Campos is not just leading the REA—he's igniting a new era of inspiration and connection for the entire Rice Engineering and Computing community.