Col Adam Rice

Q: “Tell us about yourself.”
A: “I grew up in New Hampshire and attended Norwich University in the Corps of Cadets in 1987 and graduated in 1991 with a degree in civil engineering. I met my wife my senior year in Burlington, and we settled down in Stowe, VT, and raised a son and daughter here. Our son graduated from Clarkson University in 2023 and is a Civil Engineer in Santa Fe, NM. Our daughter will be a senior in college in Boston and is studying nursing. I enjoy the outdoors, skiing, golfing, hunting, and fishing.”

Q: “Please describe briefly your professional experience and current employment.”
A: “I'm a professional engineer and served in the private sector for about 12 years after college.  I joined the Vermont Air National Guard full-time in 2003 and was the Base Civil Engineer, Mission Support Group Commander, and Vice Wing Commander during our conversion from the F-16 to the F-35 in 2019. I am currently on active-duty USAF orders at Randolph AFB in San Antonio, TX. I advise the Commander of Air Education and Training Command and am his Program Integrator for stand up of the F-35 Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Pilot Training Center (PTC) in Ft Smith Arkansas.”

Q: “What was your motivation for pursuing your degree?”
A: “Achieving a master’s degree in strategic studies has been a personal and professional goal of mine for some time. As a National Guard officer, I was not able to attend the Air War College in-residence, therefore did not obtain a master’s degree. The Vermont National Guard Tuition reimbursement program and Norwich University's willingness to grant me 12 credits toward the 36 credit program for previous distance learning study, allowed be to achieve this goal. I plan to continue to serve as a senior leader in the USAF and/or Air National Guard. Having this advanced degree will allow me to compete for more senior strategic positions in public and private sector defense-related organizations.”

Q: “Why did you choose Norwich?”
A: “I'm an undergraduate alumnus and have stayed involved in many aspects of the university. Several mentors of mine recommended the graduate programs.”

Q: “Did you have any uncertainties with choosing an online program?”
A: “I was originally concerned with the amount of time needed to complete the coursework after not being a student for many years. The program seemed well situated for someone with a professional career and was relatively self-paced.”

Q: “Prior to beginning your courses, what were some of your expectations for an online degree program?”
A: I expected a flexible and self-paced study, with some basic structure and milestones to stay on track. Norwich’s program exceeded my expectations. It was challenging, but there was great support by faculty and fellow students to keep me on pace.”

Q: “What is one piece of advice you would give to future students enrolling into one of Norwich's online programs?”
A: “Don't wait until you're 53 to start the program, but also don't think you're too old to learn and be challenged!”

Q: “How do you plan to use your degree in your career?”
A: “The work I've done has expanded my understanding of global international relations, economics, and the security environment. I hope to be competitive for more senior general officer level positions in the DoD.”

Q: “What has been your biggest personal or professional success since starting your degree?” 
A: “I've gained a heightened level of understanding of the strategic environment. I currently advise a 3-star general on foreign military sales and the strategic environment; the higher level strategic knowledge I've gained helps tremendously.”

Q: “What aspects of your Norwich experience will you carry most strongly with you?”
A: “From a young age as a cadet through my current position now, Norwich continues to remind me how much a privilege it is to lead soldiers and airmen.”

Q: “Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your experiences at Norwich or the impact of Norwich on your life?”
A: “Norwich has been a part of my life since I was 18 and, through contact with alumni, has presented numerous opportunities for employment and advancement throughout my career.”