Ronald Rice

Ronald Rice is Professor and Chair of the Department of Communication at the University of California, Santa Barbara, holding the Arthur N. Rupe Chair in the Social Effects of Mass Communication and serving as Co-Director of the Carsey-Wolf Center.

He earned a B.A. in Literature from Columbia University and M.A./Ph.D. in Communication Research from Stanford University.

His research spans communication science, public communication campaigns, computer-mediated communication systems, organizational theory, information systems, bibliometrics, and social networks, with significant contributions to understanding internet health communication and social effects of mass media. His work integrates methodological rigor with practical applications in organizational innovation and media systems.

• Fellow of the International Communication Association (2010)
• Fulbright Award to Finland (2006)
• Honorary Doctorate from University of Montreal
• Best Dissertation Award (American Society for Information Science)
• 8 Best Paper Awards (ICA, NCA, Russian CA)
• Health Communication Book Award (ICA)
• 2 Best Paper Awards (Academy of Management)

Dr. Rice serves as Associate Editor for Human Communication Research and MIS Quarterly, and previously held distinguished professorships at Rutgers University and visiting positions at Nanyang Technological University. His corporate background includes systems analysis, banking operations, and statistical consulting.