More than anything else, Ive come to realize that minority leaders still have a great deal to learn about diversity. Many minorities have based their understanding of diversity on the fact that they are a minority and that they are already sitting on the right side of the table. Its a difficult reality for minority leaders who must accept that we too have prejudices we need to deal with.

It is not easy to discover that our view is just one of many, and that there are many others that are equally valid. As leaders its our responsibility to create a climate that values diversity and fairness. General Motors, for example, has taken an innovative step to reinforce diversity awareness by recruiting senior executives to serve as diversity champions for each major organizational unit. These champions are expected to advocate the importance of diversity as a strategic issue.[1] Leaders must establish the link between diversity and organizational values. The leadership task is to ensure that cultural modifications are made as needed to maintain congruence with the environment and with changes in mission, vision, and strategy.[2]

______________________________________________________

[1] Thomas, R. Roosevelt (1996). Redefining Diversity. New York, NY. AMACOM Books. p. 240.

[2] Thomas, 1996: p. 70.

Kenneth Rice

Originally from Laurens, South Carolina Lieutenant Rice enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve as an Ammunition Technician in 1989 where he completed a tour in South West Asia during the Persian Gulf War. He enrolled at the University of South Carolina in 1992 and graduated in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. He joined the Navy in 1996 and obtained his commission through Officer Candidate School, Pensacola, Florida in February 1997.

Following initial Division Officer Training at Surface Warfare Officer?s School, Newport, Rhode Island, Lieutenant Rice reported for duty as the Electrical Officer in USS ESTOCIN (FFG 15), Norfolk, Virginia in October 1997. During this tour he also served as the Main Propulsion Assistant and completed a Counter Drug Operations deployment. In December 1999 he reported for Department Head Training in Newport, Rhode Island.

In June 2000, Lieutenant Rice reported as the Chief Engineer in USS SAMUEL B. ROBERTS (FFG 58) in Norfolk, Virginia and completed a MED/MEF deployment and a homeport shift from Norfolk, VA to Mayport, FL. From SAMUEL B. ROBERTS, he reported to the staff of Commander, Destroyer Squadron Twenty Two in February 2002 as the Staff Material & Logistics Officer. During this tour he completed a Mediterranean/Arabian Gulf deployment embarked in USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and USS DONALD COOK (DDG 75) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In August 2003, Lieutenant Rice reported to Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia where he received a Masters of Science in Educational Leadership and an Education and Training Management Subspecialty in December 2005. He is currently enrolled in the Naval War College Correspondence Program completing the Joint Professional Military Education Phase I and at Regent University working towards a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership.

Lieutenant Rice?s personal awards include the Navy Commendation (2 Awards) and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal (2 Awards), in addition to several service awards.

Lieutenant Rice is married to the former Marianne McGhee of Beaufort, South Carolina. They reside in Virginia Beach, Virginia with their two children, James (8) and Anir? (4).