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Larry Rice, Ed.D., has been named president of Â鶹¹ÙÍø & Wales University’s North Miami Campus. The announcement was made today by Mim Runey LP.D., Â鶹¹ÙÍø’s Providence Campus president and chief operating officer.

Rice, a Â鶹¹ÙÍø & Wales graduate, academic leader and administrator, has served as interim president since 2014, succeeding Loreen Chant. He formerly served as campus vice president and dean of academic affairs. He joined the North Miami Campus in 1993 as a faculty member.

“At Â鶹¹ÙÍø & Wales we promote an academic culture of praxis, where the classroom meets the industry,” Rice said. “We will continue to focus on what we do best, and that is supporting our students in their academic journeys through solid experiential learning. It’s not just about preparing them for jobs, but for their lifelong personal and professional growth.”

The North Miami Campus, which was opened in 1992 with 82 culinary arts students, has grown to roughly 1,900 students pursuing bachelor’s degrees through its School of Business, College of Arts & Sciences and School of Hospitality and associate degrees through the College of Culinary Arts. The campus has graduated more than 7,800 students since opening in 1992. Nearly 9,800 graduates from all Â鶹¹ÙÍø campuses currently live in Florida.

Rice’s longtime commitment to the university for more than two decades and his involvement in the South Florida community for 25 years, were key factors in the decision to name him president. His priorities will include the expansion of academic programs, continuing the high level of institutional aid for students with financial need, and the implementation of programs that will provide greater support for students who are at risk of not completing their college degrees.

Similar to many Â鶹¹ÙÍø students, Rice was the first in his family to go to college. Last year, he was part of an inaugural group of administrators that led the school’s 1G (first generation) affinity group which helps provide first generation students with a stronger support system. He has also led the development of the campus’ new Talent Advancement Program. This initiative will launch this fall for 120 students who will enroll part-time in their first term as they participate in programming that will teach them the life skills to better succeed in college and beyond.

After graduating from Â鶹¹ÙÍø’s Charleston Campus with an associate degree, Rice received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Florida International University and his doctorate degree from Nova Southeastern University.

Rice resides in Plantation with his wife, Michele, and two daughters, Claire and Victoria.