A Maryland woman attending Rice University in Houston as a junior was found dead in her dorm room Monday, the school’s president said in a letter to the campus community.

Andrea Rodriguez Avila, 21, died in an apparent murder-suicide, according to authorities in Texas, who said a man also found dead in her dorm room had a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The man, 22, was not a student. Both were found after police responded to a welfare check called in Monday.

Rice University officials said Tuesday afternoon that Avila was from Nottingham in eastern Baltimore County. She transferred to the school in the spring from the Community College of Baltimore County, where she participated in the multicultural student association, the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society, a mentor program and the collegewide student programming board.

Rice University spokesman Chris Stipes said Avila was majoring in political science and was pre-law. According to Stipes’ email Tuesday, Avila served as deputy parliamentarian of the Rice Student Association, as a peer academic adviser in her residential hall and as a member of the school’s Honor Council.

“Andrea’s family arrived in Houston this morning and is receiving support from the university’s leadership team during this profoundly challenging time,” Stipes said in an email. “They have requested privacy as they mourn their loss but are deeply appreciative of the outpouring of thoughts and prayers from the community.”

Stipes said Houston Police were handling the investigation. The agency said Tuesday that the two were in a “dating relationship.” Anyone with additional information is asked to call 713-308-3600.

A spokesman for Baltimore County Schools said a student named Andrea Avila graduated from Perry Hall High School in 2021.

The Community College of Baltimore County remembered her as a “beloved member of the CCBC Class of 2023.”

“Andrea was a passionate leader, an exceptional scholar, and a mentor to many,” said Hope H. Davis, CCBC’s spokeswoman. “Her infectious smile and unwavering determination inspired all who knew her. The CCBC community extends its deepest sympathies to Andrea’s family during this difficult time.”

Classes were canceled Tuesday, while the Rice University campus remained open for students and teachers to “come together as a community” and “spend time with each other to mourn.”

“This is a heartbreaking, devastating incident, and it is important to recognize that this loss will affect our close-knit community in the days and weeks ahead,” DesRoches wrote in the letter. “Tonight, I want our students, parents and Rice community to know that our campus is safe, that there is no further threat and that we are wrapping our arms around you with care and concern.”

Rice University Police Chief Clemente Rodriguez said in a news conference that police are still investigating the relationship between Avila and the man. He said that they knew each other and officials believe she gave him access to her room.

The chief said a note written by the man, whom he called the suspect, was recovered by police and it detailed a “troubled relationship.”