David G. Rice IV

Arizona State University, W. P. Carey School of Business

“I am always reliable, sometimes cautious, and never lazy.”

Hometown: Scottsdale, Arizona

Fun Fact About Yourself:  I am a newlywed as of August 01, 2020

Undergraduate School and Major: W.P Carey School of Business, BS in Supply Chain Management

Most Recent Employer and Job Title:  United States Army, Company Commander

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of the school’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? The MBA program at Arizona State compliments my progression as an acquisition officer in the United States Army. I chose it among many because I felt that W. P. Carey provided me the best set of tools to bring a unique perspective into military operations. The passion of the administration and ambassadors that I worked with was very motivating and is something that I would like to carry over to future teams that I lead throughout my career.

Arizona State is renowned for its innovation. How have you seen innovation in the philosophy, curriculum, or researches at W. P. Carey? W.P. Carey does not accept the status quo.  I find it very inspiring to see collaboration among the different colleges across the Arizona State campus and the real-world projects they implement. Business is more than an individual’s success, but the success of the surrounding community. ASU does an outstanding job incorporating valuable experience through its professors and guest speakers while promoting new ideas and relevant action that provides intrinsic value to society.

What club or activity excites you most at this school? I am really looking forward to joining the Golf Club and participating in intramural sports with my classmates in order to build long lasting relationships and acquire new skills.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Serving in the military both at home and abroad has provided me with many unique opportunities. My biggest accomplishment so far has been commanding my team during a severe thunderstorm to assist in executing a rescue mission that saved the lives of over 70 Afghan men, women, and children. All of the hard work and training leading up to the mission enabled us to succeed.

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career? Having been selected as an acquisition officer in the US Army, an MBA will provide the necessary tools to excel in the acquisition branch.

What other MBA programs did you apply to? I applied and got accepted into the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey California and the University of Alabama, Huntsville. Arizona State University was my first choice by far though!

What was the most challenging question you were asked during the admissions process? The case study question was the most challenging and interesting question asked during the interview process. It forced me to apply critical thinking skills, crucial to the success in this MBA program, to real world dilemmas. I enjoyed solving the problem that was presented and enjoyed applying things that I learned at W. P. Carey in the past as well as what I have picked up throughout my career.

What was your defining moment and how did it prepare you for business school? A defining moment for me was the real-life application of “business is personal.”  While deployed in Eastern Europe, I spent additional time to assist the incoming unit. Upon meeting the mobility officer of that unit, he was extremely thankful for my efforts and introduced me to a key staff member who was responsible for all of the United states Logistics in Europe. Through this connection, I was able to facilitate the acquisition of critical equipment for the success of my unit. It was through the personal connection that I had made with the incoming unit mobility officer that made this possible.

What is the most important attribute that you are seeking in an MBA employer? I am seeking an employer who values integrity, service, strong work ethic, but above all family. An employer that values family will also appreciate and support their team to promote the success of the organization.

DON’T MISS: Meet Arizona State’s MBA Class of 2022