Rodriguez was raised in Kilgore, Texas. His father was a chemistry professor.[1]
In 1990, he received a Bachelor of Science in economics from Texas A&M. He earned a master’s in economics in 1992 and a Ph.D. in economics in 1998, both from Princeton University. While at Princeton, he studied under Ben Bernanke, former chairman of the Federal Reserve.[3]
Early in his career, Rodriguez worked as an associate in the Global Energy Group at JP Morgan Chase in Houston.[4]
From 1997 to 2003, he was a professor at Texas A&M University specializing in corruption, globalization, economic development, and social institutions. While there, he was recognized for excellence in teaching and research.[5]
In 2003, he joined the University of Virginia Darden School of Business as a tenured professor.[4] In 2014, he gave the “Last Lecture” at UVA – a tradition that invites distinguished faculty members to deliver a lecture as if it is their final opportunity to do so.[4]
While at Darden, Rodriguez served as senior associate dean for degree programs and chief diversity officer.[6] In 2009, Diversity MBA Magazine included him in their Top 100 Under 50 Executive & Emerging Leaders.[7]
Rodriguez has been featured on Bloomberg Markets as an expert on U.S.-China trade and diversity on Wall Street.[8]
Since joining Rice, Rodriguez launched an online journal that summarizes the school's research for everyday readers.[2] He has introduced several new degree programs, including the first online graduate degree at Rice, the undergraduate business major, and the Hybrid MBA program.[13][14] Under Rodriguez's leadership, Rice has gained national prominence for its emphasis in entrepreneurship. The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur magazine have ranked Rice the #1 graduate program in entrepreneurship for four consecutive years (2020-2023).[15]
In 2017, the Texas Diversity Council recognized Rodriguez for his multicultural leadership.