Born: 1933 (Portland, Maine)
Died: 2017
Biography:
Lois Ann Dickson Fitt Rice (February 28, 1933 – January 4, 2017) was an accomplished American corporate executive, scholar, and education policy expert. Throughout her life, she made significant contributions to the field of education and fought for greater access to higher education for all students. Rice’s groundbreaking work as a lobbyist for the creation of the Pell Grant program earned her the title of the mother of the Pell Grant. Moreover, she was one of the first African-American women to serve on the boards of major US corporations, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations.
Lois Rice was born on February 28, 1933, in Portland, Maine, to Jamaican immigrant parents. Her father, David, worked as a janitor, while her mother held a position as a maid. Rice was the youngest of five children, all of whom went on to attend college. Growing up, Lois displayed exceptional academic abilities and leadership skills. She excelled at Portland High School, where she served as the yearbook editor, student council president, and valedictorian. She was also recognized as Most Likely to Succeed and Most Valuable Female in her class. Rice’s talent extended beyond the classroom, as she became a national debate champion.
Motivated by her parents’ encouragement and a passion for knowledge, Rice pursued higher education. In 1954, she graduated from Radcliffe College of Harvard University with a bachelor’s degree in history and literature. Notably, Rice was one of only three Black women in her graduating class. During her time at Radcliffe, she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and later became a trustee of the prestigious institution. Additionally, Rice was a Woodrow Wilson Fellow at Columbia University and received honorary degrees from Brown University and Bowdoin College.
Rice began her public service career when she joined the College Board in 1959. She became a longtime member of the organization, originally known as the College Entrance Examination Board, and served as an executive in 1972. It was during this time that she advocated for the creation of the Basic Educational Opportunity Grant program, later renamed the Pell Program. The program aimed to provide financial assistance to undergraduate students in the United States. Rice played a vital role in lobbying for the establishment of the Pell Grant, and her efforts were instrumental in its creation.
Due to her tireless advocacy, Rice became widely recognized as the mother of the Pell Grant. The Washington Post acknowledged her significant contribution, stating that the program would not have come into existence without her passionate advocacy. Clay Pell IV, an advocate for education policy, emphasized Rice’s vital role in the Pell Grant’s creation, stating, This program was not inevitable, and it would not have come into existence without her, nor survived in the decades since without her passionate advocacy.
Even after the establishment of the Pell Grant program, Rice continued to champion its cause. She remained the director of the College Board’s Washington Office and served as its national vice president from 1973 to 1981. Throughout her tenure, Rice worked diligently to promote the Pell Grant and ensure its accessibility to students in need.
Beyond her contributions to the College Board, Rice held various leadership positions and participated in numerous organizations focused on education and public service. Her expertise in economic studies led her to become an esteemed scholar at the Brookings Institution, where she concentrated on education policy. Additionally, under President Bill Clinton’s administration, Rice served as a member of the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board, showcasing her broad range of contributions to public service.
Lois Rice’s legacy extends far beyond her professional achievements. As an African-American woman in a predominantly male and white corporate world, her accomplishments shattered barriers and opened doors for future generations of women of color. Her unwavering dedication to education and equitable access to higher learning revolutionized the landscape of educational opportunities in the United States.