10BB AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL FRIDAY , OCTOBER 14 , 2016
Johnson & Wales ' Rice Brings Passion and Experience to Presidency
By : Isheka N . Harrison
Dr . Larry Rice
Dr . Larry Rice is the first black president in the history of Johnson and Wales University ( JWU ) and it ’ s an honor he ’ s more than qualified to have . The veteran educator brings more than 20 years of experience to the role – having held posi�ons ranging from faculty member and dean to interim president at the North Miami Campus . Now as the official commander-in-chief , Rice is on a mission to ensure those under his leadership have an educa�onal experience they will never
forget .
“ I see Johnson & Wales as an incredible ins�tu�on and when I think of the level of responsibility that has been placed in my hands I don ’ t take it lightly ,” Rice said .
Known for its experien�al educa�on model , JWU has a range of programs in culinary arts , business , hospitality and arts and sciences . It is home to over 1,700 students and almost 250 faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds – and Rice wants them all to thrive .
“ I want to create an environment where there is caring , sharing , interac�ng and valuing the role of each role player . It ’ s not just about how employees interact with students , but how they interact with each other ,” Rice said .
His philosophy on educa�on includes addressing student needs , enhancing the student experience , promo�ng high order thinking and having faculty and staff be as warm and welcoming to each other as they are to students .
“ The bea�ng heart of an ins�tu�on is the people . It ’ s not the brick & mortar . A strength of our campus has been its warmth , people feeling included and a heightened level of authen�c friendliness ,” Rice said
To maintain a student-centered learning environment that blends theory with prac�ce , JWU launched two new bachelor degree programs in Interna�onal Business and Entrepreneurship . Classes will be taught by industry professionals and students will study abroad and build businesses from concept to frui�on , respec�vely .
Rice said student and industry demand , market satura�on , employability and bureau of labor sta�s�cs are considered when adding new programs . He is committed to innova�on , engagement and ensuring students master essen�al learning competencies .
His biggest challenge : finding ways to retain students who leave school due to life ’ s obstacles . As a JWU alum who was the first in his family to a�end college , Rice fully understands these students ’ plights .
“ I have not personally met a student who comes to campus desiring to fail . Whether affordability , family challenges or industry changes , there is always a reason why a student decides to leave ,” Rice explained . To address these issues , Rice was instrumental in crea�ng more support for students . In addi�on to awarding over $ 22 million dollars in student aid , JWU offers 1Gen and Talent Advancement Programs to ease the transi�on of first genera�on college students and pair vulnerable students with faculty mentors to equip them with tools to avoid pi�alls and be successful .
The campus plans to add more programs designed to enhance the curriculum during its 25th anniversary year in 2017 . Un�l then , Rice con�nues working to inspire everyone at his campus .
“ No one person can accomplish greatness . It ’ s really a team effort . I want to create and sustain an environment where people truly love working here because students are going to feel that and love being here too ,” Rice said . “ In four years , magic occurs . Students transform right before our eyes . It ’ s an honor for us to be par�cipants in wri�ng one of the most meaningful chapters in their lives . I want that to be a great chapter .”
FLORIDA LOTTERY CELEBRATES NEW MILESTONES
Recognizing $ 6 Billion in Sales and $ 30 Billion in Transfers to Education
The Florida Lottery announces its fifth consecutive record-breaking sales year with an estimated $ 6.06 billion in annual sales during fiscal year 2015-16 . In addition , the Lottery anticipates reaching $ 30 billion in transfers to education since 1988 .
Governor Rick Scott said , “ We are working each day to ensure that Florida ’ s students have the resources and opportunities they need to get a great education so they can succeed in their future careers . I applaud the Lottery for their commitment to investing in education and look forward to seeing Florida ’ s students become the leaders of tomorrow .”
“ The Florida Lottery ’ s mission is to maximize revenues for the enhancement of public education . We are extremely proud to be able to transfer $ 1.66 billion to education this year as a result of having reached $ 6 billion in sales . This represents a 10.9 % increase in transfers to education over the previous year , something all Florida students and teachers can celebrate ,” said Florida Lottery Secretary Tom Delacenserie . “ I want to thank our retail partners , loyal players and dedicated employees who work hard every day to ensure the Florida Lottery continues to be among the very best in the nation .”
Over the past 28 years , the Florida Lottery has firmly established itself as a dependable funding source for public education , contributing more than $ 1 billion annually for each of the past 13 consecutive fiscal years . The Lottery ’ s commitment to corporate outreach and its effective business model focuses on the development of new revenue streams , creating a win-win partnership with its retailers and vendors , and benefitting Florida ’ s overall economy . Lottery transfers to education represent approximately six percent of the state ’ s total education budget , and are appropriated by the Florida Legislature and administered by the Florida Department of Education . flalottery . com Must be 18 or older to play . Play responsibly . © 2016 Florida Lottery