Kris Cortez is the Senior Assistant Director for Recreation Programs and Student Development. He also directly oversees the Rice Outdoor Programs and Education (ROPE) and the Outdoor Adventure Center which provide outdoor adventure trip and equipment to the university. Additionally, he supports all Rec Center student employment, the (Re)Discover Your Wild Side adventure program, and counselors-in-training for the Summer Youth Activity Program. 
 
The most well-rounded of our staff, Kris joined the Recreation Center in 2016 following a two year fellowship in Europe investigating transcultural European outdoor recreation. He also studied music performance, Italian language and culture, and university student affairs. Kris grew up across the United States, but considers Grand Rapids, MI his home base. Although he prefers to spend his time out of doors, he also enjoys cooking, a good bottle of wine, and a night of games with friends. In addition, he is a secret gamer who gets up way too early to play StarCraft 2 with his international group.