Rice Named Director of Diversity and Inclusion
Dr. Saint Rice has been selected to serve as the director of Truman’s Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI).
Throughout his career, Rice has been a passionate advocate for education and has a track record of directing instructional programs to meet the needs of students and organizations. He has more than 15 years of experience in administrative leadership in the fields of higher education and criminal justice, including six years as a trainer and facilitator of diversity, equity and inclusion curricula.
“I was excited about the possibilities after meeting with President Thomas, Vice President Stoskopf and other Truman State University colleagues and students,” Rice said. “My wife and I left the campus feeling diversity and inclusion are not separate issues on a list of objectives that must be accomplished. Diversity, inclusion and belonging are strategically infused on all levels, and I look forward to adding my experience and knowledge to the next level of success.”
Rice has experience in higher education through various roles with multiple institutions including Lincoln College, the University of Phoenix, Harris-Stowe State University and St. Louis Community College. During his time at Lindenwood University he served as the assistant dean for Accelerated Degree Programs where he contributed to academic planning, enhancement of programs, curriculum, scholarship, professional accreditation, recruitment of faculty, faculty development and evaluation, student recruitment, advising, budget development and allocation of resources.
“My professional experiences in higher education and the criminal justice system give me a different perspective on the issues related to diversity, equity, social justice and the need to create a more inclusive society,” Rice said. “I have learned diversity and inclusion are more than a conversation about race or gender. In addition, conversations centered on topics of diversity are not simply about societal differences and how to celebrate those variances. Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging require healthy working relationships built on trust, mutual respect, mindfulness, and open and honest communication.”
Rice earned his doctor of education from Maryville University with a concentration in higher education leadership and administration. He also has a master’s degree in criminal justice administration and a bachelor of arts degree in communication, both from Lindenwood University.
As the director for the CDI, Rice will be responsible for serving the University community by supporting diverse groups academically, emotionally and socially. He will also serve as a resource for campus departments regarding training and programming needs and play a key role in providing oversight for the implementation of the Strategic Plan for Diversity and Inclusion, which is currently in development.
The CDI offers students assistance in the areas of identity development, intersectionality, inter-group relations and justice to develop a consciousness for the common good and the global community. More information about the CDI is available at diversity.truman.edu.
Rice will officially join the Truman community and begin his duties May 24. In the interim, he will devote a number of hours per week to Truman in an effort to familiarize himself with University programs, students and colleagues.
Throughout his career, Rice has been a passionate advocate for education and has a track record of directing instructional programs to meet the needs of students and organizations. He has more than 15 years of experience in administrative leadership in the fields of higher education and criminal justice, including six years as a trainer and facilitator of diversity, equity and inclusion curricula.
“I was excited about the possibilities after meeting with President Thomas, Vice President Stoskopf and other Truman State University colleagues and students,” Rice said. “My wife and I left the campus feeling diversity and inclusion are not separate issues on a list of objectives that must be accomplished. Diversity, inclusion and belonging are strategically infused on all levels, and I look forward to adding my experience and knowledge to the next level of success.”
Rice has experience in higher education through various roles with multiple institutions including Lincoln College, the University of Phoenix, Harris-Stowe State University and St. Louis Community College. During his time at Lindenwood University he served as the assistant dean for Accelerated Degree Programs where he contributed to academic planning, enhancement of programs, curriculum, scholarship, professional accreditation, recruitment of faculty, faculty development and evaluation, student recruitment, advising, budget development and allocation of resources.
“My professional experiences in higher education and the criminal justice system give me a different perspective on the issues related to diversity, equity, social justice and the need to create a more inclusive society,” Rice said. “I have learned diversity and inclusion are more than a conversation about race or gender. In addition, conversations centered on topics of diversity are not simply about societal differences and how to celebrate those variances. Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging require healthy working relationships built on trust, mutual respect, mindfulness, and open and honest communication.”
Rice earned his doctor of education from Maryville University with a concentration in higher education leadership and administration. He also has a master’s degree in criminal justice administration and a bachelor of arts degree in communication, both from Lindenwood University.
As the director for the CDI, Rice will be responsible for serving the University community by supporting diverse groups academically, emotionally and socially. He will also serve as a resource for campus departments regarding training and programming needs and play a key role in providing oversight for the implementation of the Strategic Plan for Diversity and Inclusion, which is currently in development.
The CDI offers students assistance in the areas of identity development, intersectionality, inter-group relations and justice to develop a consciousness for the common good and the global community. More information about the CDI is available at diversity.truman.edu.
Rice will officially join the Truman community and begin his duties May 24. In the interim, he will devote a number of hours per week to Truman in an effort to familiarize himself with University programs, students and colleagues.
