HATTIESBURG, MS—Presbyterian Christian School is excited to announce Dr. Keith Rice will be joining the PCS faculty and staff in the new role of Assistant Head of School for Academics under the next Head of School, Mr. Jimmy Messer’s leadership.
Jimmy Messer, the next PCS Head of School, shares, “I’m extremely excited about the addition of Keith Rice to our team. He led UMS Wright to new heights academically just as he has done in a short time at Ascension Episcopal School. Keith mentioned the spirit he sensed among the community during his recent visit and believes that God has some special things in store for PCS. I look forward to seeing the work that he, Norman Rowe, and Scott Griffith can do together as we strive to provide the best possible Christ-centered college preparatory education for our PCS families.“
Dr. Keith Rice earned his Bachelors of Arts (B.A.) degree in Social Science from the University of Montevallo. Dr. Rice earned his Masters of Arts (M.A.) degree, his Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree, and his Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree— all in Secondary Education from The University of Alabama. Dr. Rice is currently serving as Associate Head of School for Curriculum and Academics at Ascension Episcopal School (Lafayette, LA), and prior to this post he served UMS-Wright Preparatory School (Mobile, AL) in several capacities including as Advancement Officer, Academic Dean, and Teacher. Dr. Rice’s deep work in in academics, curriculum, teacher development, advanced placement, academic support programs, and STEM education brings a vast wealth of knowledge to the PCS team.
In this newly constructed role, Dr. Rice will be working on the full development of curriculum scope and sequence for academic excellence and continuity. He will also be investing in teacher training and development. In addition, Dr. Rice will be partnering with the administration on our Elementary and Secondary campuses to build teamwork and academic consistency at critical junctures. His background will be of great help to PCS as he seeks to bring clarity to our Student Academic Services programs to better equip our teachers and serve those of our students who face specific challenges throughout their academic careers. Dr. Rice will be using the academic assessment process to systematically examine performance gaps. He will work to identify and prioritize areas of need in our current academic programs, implement strategies, practices, and evidence-based interventions. Throughout this process, Dr. Rice will also be looking for creative ways to make possible additions to our current academic programming.
Dr. Keith Rice shares, “I am thrilled to have been afforded the opportunity to join the Presbyterian Christian School community as Assistant Head of School. During my recent visit to campus, I witnessed a deep commitment to the mission of the school and to the development of its students. As the recognized leader in college preparatory education in the Pine Belt and south Mississippi, PCS already has a strong reputation upon which to build. The fact that the faculty, staff, and families of the PCS community are passionate about truly preparing students to serve Christ in the world is an inspiration. My wife, Terri, and I look forward to serving the PCS family. Please keep us in your prayers as we make our transition to life in Hattiesburg this summer.”
Dr. Keith Rice is married to Mrs. Terri Rice (MSN, RN). They have two sons. John Rice is a third year student at Mississippi College and is majoring in Sports Management. Joseph Rice is a high school senior this year, and is undecided on where he will attend college, (though his mom and dad both hope he decides soon)!
We expect for Dr. Rice to officially join the PCS Faculty and Staff team this summer.
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PCS is fully accredited by MAIS and Cognia