Written by Maggie Samples // Photo by Jeff Montgomery
Associate professor of Bible Peter Rice was hired as dean of Harding School of Theology in the midst of the campus moving from Memphis to Searcy. His appointment was announced in an email to Harding colleagues Feb. 27.
Rice was a member of the HST academic transition team since its formation in fall 2023. The purpose of the team was facilitating a smooth transition from the Memphis campus to Searcy.
“When the current dean of HST decided not to continue, I got tapped as a possible replacement,” Rice said. “I was hesitant since I knew what a big job it is. But as I thought about it and prayed about it and talked it over with others, I decided I was the right person to lead HST moving forward, and I went for it.”
Rice received his undergraduate degree from Oklahoma Christian University, his master’s in theology from Abilene Christian and his doctorate from Baylor University. Rice said not having been a Harding or HST student comes with limitations but also strengths.
“HST has a rich history full of legendarily faithful and talented people — a legacy I’m stepping into and learning on the fly,” Rice said. “That’s a challenge, but being an outsider can also be a strength for me.”
Rice said he hopes his experience at three other excellent universities will bring something new to the table.
“There’s a cross-pollination effect that I think is good for HST and good for Harding,” Rice said.
As dean of HST, Rice’s responsibilities focus on HST’s academic program, including classes, professors, students, classrooms and budgets.
“I’m also charged to cast a vision for HST’s future, to look forward prayerfully and hopefully and try to shape HST’s path,” Rice said. “It’s a humbling responsibility, and I’m grateful for it.”
Rice said he wants HST to continue being faithful and rigorous. He also wants to continue relationships with churches in Memphis, while building relationships with churches in the White County area as well.
Monte Cox, dean of the College of Bible and Ministry, served as the chair of the HST academic transition team and was in charge of hiring Rice. Cox will also serve as the direct supervisor of Rice in his position as dean.
“He had no Harding connection, and I like that about him,” Cox said. “So many of us went to Harding and then we went to Harding School of Theology. There is, I think, a lot of value in having somebody who had neither of those experiences.”
Cox said Rice has many interests and is well-read in many different fields.
“He’s just really good and raises the bar high, appropriately so, but he can communicate in a way that’s down-to-earth,” Cox said.
Cox said he asked Rice to be a part of the transition team because of untapped administrative talents that Cox perceived.
“Dr. Rice has the right personality and the right gift set to do a really challenging job, and he’s doing really well,” Cox said.
HST student Aidan Broome said Rice is an excellent teacher, and he thinks that will help him serve well as dean.
“Dr. Rice is insightful and humorous in class,” Broome said. “He maintains a lighthearted atmosphere even while discussing difficult and challenging topics. I believe he will bring the same excellence to his role as dean as he does to the classroom.”
