LaVada Rice, M.A.

A St. Louis native and graduate of the Normandy High School. First generation college non-traditional college graduate. LaVada holds a BS in Human Resource Management, an MA in Nonprofit Administration, and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Higher Education Administration from Lindenwood University.

LaVada has over 20 years in a wide-range of experiences to include entrepreneurship, nonprofit, leadership in both administration and higher education. I have devoted my personal and professional endeavors to increasing equitable educational access for students particularly for underrepresented students like myself and fostering environments where all students and the team can thrive.

Currently the academic advisor for historically underrepresented students in STEM programs at Truman State University. I am also the Co-Founder of No More Hiding Ministry, orchestrator and presiding President-elect for the Missouri Association for Blacks in Higher Education (MABHE).

I credit my own success to several dedicated higher education professionals who pushed me to become the best version of myself possible as a leader and lifelong learner.

Married to the wonderful Dr. Saint Rice with blended family lifestyle. Complete with 7 adult children and 5 grandchildren. I love chocolate, football (Dallas Cowboys, Tom Brady, & Notre Dame), antiquated dictionaries, and traveling. 

One of my favorite quotes is “You were designed for accomplishment, engineered for success, and endowed with the seeds of greatness.” Zig Ziglar