Ronald E. Rice

Ronald E. Rice is a Distinguished Professor and Arthur N. Rupe Endowed Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He has held visiting positions at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore and the University of Amsterdam. His research focuses on environmental communication, public communication campaigns, organizational theory, and digital technology impacts. He has authored/co-authored numerous books, including the Oxford Handbook of Digital Technology and Society.

Education: Columbia University (B.A., English Literature, 1971), Stanford University (M.A. and Ph.D., Communication Research, 1978/1982). Professional roles include Department Chair at UCSB (2013–2015), Co-Director of the Carsey-Wolf Center, and President of the International Communication Association (2006–2007).

Research interests span environmental communication, digital divide analysis, and organizational communication. Recent work examines media multitasking, online misinformation, and pro-environmental behavior drivers. Over 230 refereed articles and book chapters highlight his contributions to media effects and technology studies.

Notable awards include the Honorary Doctorate from Université de Montréal (2010), ICA Fellowship, and Fulbright Scholarships. His research integrates interdisciplinary methods, emphasizing social networks, media affordances, and policy implications.

Advising and grants include leadership in public health communication campaigns and environmental initiatives. Collaborations span global institutions, reflecting his commitment to applied research in digital society challenges.