Ouachita Stories

Christopher Rice, an executive vice president at Shell, challenged students to pursue purpose over ambition during the 33rd annual Business Administration Day luncheon hosted by Ouachita Baptist University’s Frank D. Hickingbotham School of Business on Friday, March 6.

A 1993 Ouachita graduate, Rice is part of a family with deep ties to the university. Remembering how much his parents valued higher education and the Arkadelphia school’s reputation in the state, Rice noted that 10 of his 11 siblings attended Ouachita.

“We think that the Rice family sent more students to Ouachita than any other family since 1886,” said Bryan McKinney, dean of the Hickingbotham School of Business and professor of business law, during his introduction. “One of the most impressive things to me about our speaker is that he blends an incredible level of technical depth with a warmth and personal connection to the people in his circles.”

In his address to more than 250 students, faculty and business leaders in attendance, Rice emphasized that early-career success depends on discipline, reliability and meaningful relationships alongside technical skills. For long-term growth, he pointed to adaptability, servant leadership and the willingness to lift others. Rice also spoke of the growing role of artificial intelligence in the workplace and encouraged students to embrace it as a tool while continuing to develop the character and judgment that they’ll need to lead in the years ahead.

"Mr. Rice reminded me that impact begins with small acts of service and grows into a lifestyle of leadership,” said Kylee Braley, a senior business administration major from Texarkana, Texas. “His emphasis on service, adaptability and impact challenged me to think beyond achievement and toward significance."

During a Q&A session, Rice spoke candidly about navigating the move from Ouachita’s close-knit campus into increasingly larger professional environments. He encouraged students to name their feelings and work through them, noting that he eventually realized Ouachita had given him a world-class education and everything he needed to succeed.

“You come from a much smaller environment, and sometimes there’s a little bit of impostor syndrome,” Rice said. “Once you figure out you actually have what you need to get there, that changes everything.”

To learn more about studying business in Ouachita’s rich Christian environment, visit obu.edu/business or call the Office of Admissions Counseling at 870-245-5110. 

Lead photo by Joshua Rhine

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