The East Lobby is the main point of entry from the Rice campus to the east. Directly east of the Shepherd School of Music is the Jesse J. Jones School of Business and the James Baker Institute for Public Policy. The East Lobby, furnished with leather couches and cube tables, this lobby serves as a gathering place for Shepherd School students between classes.

The lobby also provides a secluded area for private receptions of up to 75 people.. The entrance to the John H. Wright Administrative Suite is in the East Lobby.