Dr. Dean A. Rice - DVM 1974

Western Veterinary Conference 2005

Dr. Dean A. Rice

MANHATTAN --Dr. Dean A. Rice, Phoenix, Ariz., was selected to receive a 2005 Alumni Recognition Award from the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. The award is in recognition of the time and effort he has devoted to advancing the profession of veterinary medicine and being an exemplary role model for future alumni.

The award was presented during the K-State alumni reception at the Western Veterinary Conference on Feb. 21, 2005 at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nev.

Rice earned his degree in Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from K-State in 1974. He then worked as an intern in Honolulu, Hawaii. "I had never been out of the state of Kansas, so I went as a free trip to Hawaii," Rice recalled. He said it was a fun experience although he didn't realize he would be required to work 80 hours or more a week.

Not only is Rice a successful veterinarian, but he also has an astute business sense, having established five clinics during the past 20 years. He built the clinics, hired young veterinarians to run them, and later sold the clinics. He currently owns and works part time at the Animal Clinic at Mountain Park Pavilions in Phoenix, Ariz.

Rice encourages young veterinarians to get involved in veterinary organizations so they can have a say in the laws affecting the field. Rice's advice comes from experience. He has been involved in numerous professional organizations including the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Arizona Academy of Veterinary Practice. He served as director of the Western Veterinary Conference from 1994 to 1997. His community service includes serving as board chairman and director of the Arizona Boys Ranch, chairman for the Phoenix Zoo Animal Health Committee and on serving on the board of directors of the Arizona Animal Welfare League.

Rice and his wife, Kenda, have two daughters: Chalice works in politics in Washington, D.C., and Jessica is married to a professional baseball player.

Rice decided at the age of five to become a veterinarian, and said he never wanted to do anything else. "I still enjoy what I do just as much as when I started 30 years ago, it's a great profession."