CHARLOTTE, N.C./Sept 9 2026 - Johnson C. Smith University is pleased to announce a leadership transition within the Department of Housing and Residence Life, effective September 14, 2026. Mr. Octavius Rice will begin his tenure as Interim Director of Housing and Residence Life, while Mr. Terry McPherson will transition to the role of Residence Hall Coordinator for Myers Hall.
Rice brings more than 15 years of experience in higher education, student development, mentorship, and youth advocacy to his new leadership role. He currently serves as the Resident Apartment Coordinator for Mosaic Village and has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to supporting the development, success, and well-being of students.
A proud 2010 graduate of Johnson C. Smith University, Rice earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Management before earning a Master of Science in Information Technology Management from Lindenwood University in May 2025. His continued investment in leadership development includes participation in JCSU's President's Emerging Leaders Program in 2025 and the Higher Education Leadership Foundation Inspire Leadership Institute Sigma Cohort in 2026.
Rice's commitment to student success also extends beyond the University. As founder of The Smitty Project and the CIAA & Friends Literacy Circle, in partnership with the CIAA, he has championed literacy, mentorship, college readiness, student success, and the development of the next generation of leaders.
As Interim Director, Rice will lead Housing and Residence Life as the University advances a more intentional residential student success model—one that positions the residence halls as an extension of the student learning and development experience. Under his leadership, the department will strengthen its focus on student learning, community development, leadership development, academic success, belonging, safety and well-being, and meaningful engagement within JCSU's residential communities.
The next phase of Housing and Residence Life will also emphasize greater consistency and accountability in departmental operations; enhanced training and development for Residence Hall Coordinators and Resident Assistants; intentional residential programming with clearly defined student learning outcomes; stronger collaboration with campus partners; and the use of assessment and data to understand and improve the residential student experience.
This direction reflects the broader work of Strategic Enrollment and Retention Management (SERM) to create an integrated student experience in which students' academic, residential, leadership, career, and personal development experiences collectively contribute to persistence, retention, and degree completion.
“Mr. Rice brings to this role both a deep connection to Johnson C. Smith University and a demonstrated commitment to developing students,” said Dr. Angela White, Senior Vice President for Strategic Enrollment and Retention Management. “As a JCSU alumnus, student affairs professional, mentor, and emerging higher education leader, he understands that our residence halls must be more than places where students live. They should be environments where students learn, develop, build community, and become increasingly connected to the University. I look forward to working with Mr. Rice and the Housing and Residence Life team as we strengthen that residential student success experience.”
As part of the transition, McPherson will continue serving the University as Residence Hall Coordinator for Myers Hall, where he will provide direct leadership and support for students within the residential community.
The University appreciates McPherson's service and looks forward to Rice's leadership as Housing and Residence Life enters this next phase of strengthening the residential experience for JCSU students.