Two Colleges Recognized with Dr. John W. Rice Award

The 19^th annual Dr. John W. Rice Award ceremony last month recognized two California community college programs for their outstanding efforts to improve student equity, diversity and student success on campus.

Named after former California Community Colleges Board of Governors member Dr. John W. Rice, the awards honored Santa Barbara City College’s Leaders in Equity, Antiracism and Reparations Now (LEARN) program for Diversity and Equity, and Bakersfield College’s Completion Coaching Communities program for Student Success.

Dr. Rice’s daughter, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, was in attendance and spoke at this year’s event. 

Dr. Rice served on the Board of Governors from 1992 to 2000. He was a strong advocate for all students and believed higher education was the greatest equalizer. The Dr. John W. Rice Awards were established in 2001. Learn more about his life and legacy at the video below.