Amy Mellor Thompson ’95

Volunteer
BA 1995, Rice University

Get to Know Amy

Executive Biography

Amy Mellor Thompson earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Rice, where she held several leadership roles at Wiess College, including O-Week co-chair, social vice president and Tabletop Theatre director. After graduation, she helped launch Interliant in Houston before moving into strategy consulting at PwC in New York. She later served as director of communications for Asia Pacific at JWT in Singapore. Mellor Thompson has worked with Rice Alumni Volunteers for Admission since graduation and currently supports the Bay Area Alumni Group and the 30th Reunion Committee.

What part of serving on the ARA Board are you most excited about?

First from my parents and later, from the Hutchinsons and Dr. Bill, I learned that the best way to be a part of a community was to roll up your sleeves and volunteer. Through helping, you build meaningful relationships and weave a network of sustainable communities. So, that is what I am most excited about. Once again, rolling up my sleeves and using my professional skills and enthusiasm to help Rice reach its goals while I reinvigorate my friendships within the Rice community.

What is your favorite “Only at Rice” memory or story?

Long before learning and writing centers existed, there was just our college commons. And even though I was a social sciences major, I was wowed when I walked through on my way to the library and saw all the upperclassmen prepping the freshman for their first round of tests in “The Big Three.” Everyone was working together for academic success. The sense of inclusivity *almost* made me want to be a STEM major. Rice has a lot of zany pranks and events, but what really sets Rice apart is the college system — where all majors, backgrounds and interests come together to build a thriving community.

If you could give one piece of advice to Rice students, what would it be?

My advice to Rice students is that academics is not everything. In fact, your participation at Rice through sports, clubs, arts and student government is more likely to shape your management skills, interests and professional career than your academics. I have witnessed history majors become venture capitalists, engineers transform into consultants and anthropology majors found law firms.