Dr. Rice joined the UA as the director of the School in 1975, during a time when the field of family and consumer sciences was being transformed into a 21st Century academic discipline. Dr. Rice provided the leadership and vision necessary to carry the school forward into new areas of interest. During his tenure as the director, he established a doctoral program and hired many outstanding faculty members and researchers. Prior to retiring in 1995, Dr. Rice taught interior design for six years.