01 / Thomas Rice

Driven by purpose.
Grounded by people.

I grew up in North Canton, Ohio, where family, service, and sport shaped how I approach a challenge. Today, I’m studying economics at Tulane and exploring where business, analytics, and technology can take me.

Thomas Rice at NCAA Legacy Lab beside the Tulane emblem
NCAA Legacy Lab · 2026

NCAA Legacy Lab / 2026

A perspective
beyond sport.

I represented Tulane in the inaugural NCAA Legacy Lab cohort, learning alongside student-athletes, mentors, and entrepreneurs.

The experience gave me space to think about personal branding, confidence, and what I want to build beyond my athletic career.

The education

Student-athlete

Tulane
University.

Economics · S.L.A.M. minor
Expected graduation: May 2027
NCAA Division I · Cross country & track

View résumé

The chapters before Tulane

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Previous studies in supply chain management & business analytics

Before transferring to Tulane in fall 2025

Haslam College of Business · Division I distance running

GlenOak High School

High school · Cross country & track

2019–2023

North Canton, Ohio

Eagle Scout / Stark County Humane Society

A project with a personal reason.

My Eagle Scout project began with my grandfather. He had talked about doing something for the Stark County Humane Society before he passed away the year before. I wanted to turn that idea into something useful and lasting.

I visited the site, other shelters, and dog parks to understand where I could make an impact. I settled on a shade structure and designed it, then approached businesses, family, and friends for donated materials and funds to purchase what we still needed.

The construction took two days. The preparation took weeks and months: creating flyers, estimating volunteer turnout, arranging an auger and protective equipment, and making sure everyone would have food, water, and coffee. I brought together my troop, friends, and family to carry out the build.

I had always tried to lead by example. This project asked me to become a supervisor: communicate a plan, organize people and materials, and accept guidance from those with more experience. The finished structure reflects the effort of everyone who helped.

Thank you to Carter Lumber for its donation, and to the volunteers, family, friends, and mentors who helped bring this project to life.

Completed wooden shade structure with a bench at the animal shelter
The finished shade structure at the Stark County Humane Society.
Volunteers assembling the wooden posts and frame of the Eagle Scout shade structure
The build: troop members, friends, and family working together.
Thomas wearing a race medal alongside his family in Tulane apparel
The people behind every chapter.

Family / Service / The outdoors

Home is part of the story.

When I’m back in Canton, my family and I serve meals at Refuge of Hope on Tuesday evenings. It’s a familiar part of being home and a way to spend time together while contributing to our community.

We also make time for hikes and winter ski trips. In the warmer months, I’m happiest near the water—fishing, sailing, water skiing, or spending a day on the lake with friends and family. Those moments give me space to recharge and enjoy the people around me.

Following my curiosity

Learning beyond
the syllabus.

My involvement in AI club gives me a place to explore practical uses of technology with other students. I’m especially interested in how AI and analytics can improve business decisions.

Studying supply chain management and business analytics at Tennessee, then economics at Tulane, has given me different ways to think about how organizations work. I want to keep connecting those perspectives through hands-on experience.

Explore my work

In the news & in conversation

Selected stories

A few outside
perspectives.

The next conversation

Good things start
with a connection.

Let’s connect