Dr. Joshua Rice
Dr. Joshua Rice will deliver the commencement address at Lee University’s summer ceremony on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. in the Conn Center.
An alumnus of Lee, Dr. Rice currently serves as provost and dean of the School of Ministry at Richmont Graduate University, which operates campuses in Atlanta, Chattanooga and online. He also serves on the pastoral staff at New Life Church of God in Canton, Ga. and teaches biblical studies and supervises master’s theses in Lee’s online graduate programs.
“Dr. Rice has long been a favorite speaker among our students in chapel and convocation, and we are honored to welcome him back to Lee for this special occasion,” said Lee President Dr. Phil Cook. “As an alumnus, scholar, pastor, and leader, he represents the values we aim to instill in every Lee student.”
In addition to his academic and pastoral roles, Dr. Rice is a partner with Ministry Renewal, a national consulting firm that assists congregations preparing for major construction projects. He is also in the application process to serve as a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserves.
Dr. Rice is the author of three books: “Paul and Patronage: The Dynamics of Power in 1 Corinthians,” “The Jewish Centaur: Adventures in Pentecostal Spirituality,” and “The Patriarch: Essays from the Middle.”
He earned his Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Theology from the Lutheran School of Theology, and a master’s degree from Columbia Theological Seminary, after completing his undergrad at Lee. He is also completing a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling at Georgia State University.
Dr. Rice is married to Johnna, and they have two daughters, Sophia and Evangelia.
Lee’s summer commencement is one of three graduation ceremonies held each year at the university. One hundred and six degrees are set to be conferred in the Saturday morning ceremony.
A hooding ceremony for recipients of master’s and education specialist degrees, along with doctoral graduates, will take place Friday at 4:30 p.m. in The Lee Chapel.
The Voices of Lee, directed by Danny Murray, will present the music at Saturday’s ceremony.
The hooding and commencement ceremonies are ticketed events. For those who wish to view the events online, live streaming will be available at leeu.live.
For more information about commencement exercises, contact the Academic Events Office at graduation@leeuniversity.edu, (423) 614-8117, or visit leeuniversity.edu/academics/graduation-info/.