THIBODAUX — Entergy New Orleans CEO Charles L. Rice Jr. will deliver the keynote address for Nicholls State University’s fall commencement. Nicholls will award more than 650 degrees during three ceremonies scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 12 in Stopher Gymnasium.
Rice, who has overseen Entergy’s operations since 2010, is currently coordinating the largest natural gas rebuild effort in the utility industry’s history following pipe damages sustained during Hurricane Katrina.
An attorney who has represented both private practices and corporations, Rice previously served as city attorney and chief administrative officer for the City of New Orleans. He is a member of national, state and local bar associations. In addition, the U.S. Army veteran serves in leadership roles for multiple organizations including Greater New Orleans Foundation, United Negro College Fund Louisiana Leadership Council, University Medical Center New Orleans and New Orleans Business Alliance. Rice holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Howard University, a juris doctorate from Loyola University’s School of Law and a master’s degree in business administration from Tulane University.
Following record-breaking numbers of graduates over the past four years, Nicholls will hold three commencement ceremonies to accommodate graduates and their guests. Ceremonies, which each require a ticket for admission, will begin at 9 a.m. for College of Arts and Sciences, at noon for College of Business Administration and College of Nursing and Allied Health, and at 3 p.m. for College of Education. Nicholls will live-stream all three ceremonies at www.nicholls.edu. The full video of each ceremony will be posted on the Nicholls website the week following commencement.
