Student Ambassador: Christie Rice

 

As a lifelong learner passionate about leadership and positive change, I sought a doctoral program that would challenge me intellectually, foster meaningful connections, promote growth, and provide real-world application. I wanted to integrate scholarship with leadership experience and deepen my understanding of how people, organizations, and systems evolve. With over twenty years of experience in workforce development, organizational leadership, and systems change, I have worked across government, nonprofit, healthcare, education, and community settings. My career has been driven by a desire to help individuals, teams, and organizations navigate complexity, build relationships, and create sustainable change. This led me to pursue a doctorate in Organizational and Leadership Psychology with a concentration in Neuroscience at William James College. From my first conversation with admissions to my experiences in the program, I have found the OLP community supportive, collaborative, and engaging. Faculty are invested in student success, and the cohort model fosters meaningful relationships, diverse perspectives, and shared learning. The program challenges me to think critically, lead effectively, and connect theory with practice, transforming my professional work and personal growth. Beyond the classroom, I have served as a Teaching Assistant since my first term at WJC. I am also the Community Workforce Development Liaison and a Student Ambassador. These roles deepen my engagement with the William James College community and let me contribute to initiatives supporting students, workforce development, and leadership across systems. I value the OLP program's focus on leadership in complex systems as well as the relational journey. Whether exploring neuroscience, organizational dynamics, or systems change, I gain insights that strengthen my ability to support leaders and organizations as they serve their communities. Pursuing a doctorate is a major decision, but also an opportunity for growth and transformation. If you are considering the OLP program and want to learn more about the student experience, I am happy to connect and share my journey. I wish you the best as you explore your next steps.