Condoleezza Rice stands as one of the most prominent figures in American political history. A distinguished political scientist, diplomat, and academic, she made history as the first African American woman to serve as the United States Secretary of State. Throughout her career, Rice has played key roles in national security, international diplomacy, and higher education. Decades after rising to global prominence, many still ask: what is Condoleezza Rice doing now? This article explores her current roles, recent contributions, and how she continues to influence both policy and education.
Early Life and Academic Foundations
Condoleezza Rice was born on November 14, 1954, in Birmingham, Alabama. Her upbringing in the racially segregated South shaped her lifelong commitment to education, policy, and social equity. A gifted student, she earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Denver at just 19 years old.
She continued her academic journey with a master’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and a Ph.D. in political science from the Graduate School of International Studies at the University of Denver. Specializing in Soviet and Eastern European affairs, Rice quickly became a recognized expert in international relations.
Her academic foundation would later form the basis for her influential roles in government and policy advisory.
Rise to National Prominence
Condoleezza Rice began her public service career under President George H. W. Bush, serving as Director and then Senior Director of Soviet and East European Affairs in the National Security Council. Her expertise in Cold War geopolitics made her a valuable advisor during the collapse of the Soviet Union.
She later returned to academia but re-entered public service in 2001 as National Security Advisor under President George W. Bush. Following the September 11 attacks, she became a central figure in shaping U.S. foreign policy during one of the most critical periods in modern history.
In 2005, Rice was appointed as the 66th United States Secretary of State, becoming the first African American woman to hold the post. Her tenure included diplomatic efforts across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, and her advocacy for democratic reforms became a hallmark of U.S. foreign policy at the time.
What is Condoleezza Rice Doing Now?
Since leaving public office in 2009, Condoleezza Rice has remained highly active in academic, corporate, and civic spheres. She continues to influence policy, education, and leadership development in meaningful ways.
Director of the Hoover Institution
Condoleezza Rice currently serves as the Director of the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, a public policy think tank focused on research related to economics, political science, and international affairs. She assumed this role in 2020, becoming the second woman and first Black woman to lead the institution.
In this capacity, Rice oversees a wide range of policy research initiatives and engages in thought leadership related to global affairs, democracy promotion, and constitutional governance. Her work at Hoover reflects her deep commitment to intellectual rigor and public service.
Professor at Stanford University
Alongside her leadership at the Hoover Institution, Rice is a professor at Stanford University, where she teaches courses in political science and public policy. She also serves as a Senior Fellow on Public Policy at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies.
Her continued involvement in academia allows her to mentor future leaders, educate students on the complexities of global politics, and conduct scholarly research. Rice remains a powerful advocate for civic education and national security awareness.
Author and Public Speaker
Condoleezza Rice is also a best-selling author, having written several books on foreign policy, leadership, and her personal journey. Her works include:
- No Higher Honor: A Memoir of My Years in Washington
- Democracy: Stories from the Long Road to Freedom
- Extraordinary, Ordinary People: A Memoir of Family
These books offer insight into her worldview, professional experiences, and reflections on democracy and global leadership. As a speaker, she appears regularly at national conferences, universities, and leadership forums, where she discusses geopolitics, civil rights, and public service.
Role in Corporate Governance
Rice also plays an active role in the corporate sector, serving on the boards of major companies. Her positions have included:
- Board member of Dropbox
- Former board member of Chevron Corporation
- Advisory roles in sports and investment organizations
Her presence on these boards reflects both her strategic acumen and the growing recognition of her leadership beyond politics. She brings a global perspective to corporate governance and ethics.
Involvement in College Sports and the NCAA
Rice has also taken a unique role in college athletics governance, showcasing her diverse interests. She was a member of the College Football Playoff selection committee from 2013 to 2016, helping determine rankings and playoff eligibility.
In 2021, she joined a commission on the future of college sports to address athlete compensation and NCAA reform. Her contributions help shape policy in the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics and student-athlete rights.
Advocacy for Education and Global Democracy
A consistent theme in Rice’s work is her unwavering belief in the power of education and democratic governance. She often highlights the need for inclusive institutions, robust civic education, and accountable leadership.
Through the Hoover Institution and her writings, she promotes global democracy, rule of law, and economic opportunity. Her initiatives often focus on equipping the next generation with the knowledge and tools needed to uphold democratic values and global cooperation.
Personal Life and Public Image
Condoleezza Rice has chosen a private personal life, never marrying or having children. She is known for her love of classical music—an accomplished pianist, she has even performed with renowned musicians and orchestras.
Her disciplined and principled lifestyle has earned her respect across political lines. She is often admired for her intellect, composure, and trailblazing career. Her reputation as a dedicated public servant and scholar remains strong, particularly among young women and aspiring leaders.
Legacy and Continuing Influence
Condoleezza Rice’s legacy is multifaceted. As a trailblazer in U.S. foreign policy, she helped shape America’s response to post-9/11 threats and promoted diplomacy on a global scale. As an educator and thought leader, she continues to shape policy conversations and support intellectual discourse on issues affecting national and global stability.
Her influence extends across academia, politics, business, and civil society, making her one of the most respected figures in contemporary American public life.
Conclusion
So, what is Condoleezza Rice doing now? She remains deeply engaged in policy research, education, corporate leadership, and democratic advocacy. As the Director of the Hoover Institution and a professor at Stanford University, she is shaping the next generation of leaders while remaining a vital voice in national and international affairs.
Her post-government life reflects a commitment to intellectual excellence, public service, and principled leadership. Whether advising global companies, mentoring students, or writing on democracy, Rice continues to make a lasting impact on the world.
FAQs
What is Condoleezza Rice doing now?
Condoleezza Rice is the Director of the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, a professor, author, and board member of major corporations. She continues to contribute to policy, education, and democratic governance.
Is Condoleezza Rice still involved in politics?
While not serving in government, Rice remains active in policy advisory roles, public speaking, and academic leadership that influence political discourse.
What role does she have at Stanford University?
She serves as both Director of the Hoover Institution and professor of political science and public policy.
Does Condoleezza Rice sit on any corporate boards?
Yes, she has served on the boards of companies like Dropbox and Chevron, offering strategic and governance expertise.
What books has Condoleezza Rice written?
She has authored several best-selling books, including No Higher Honor, Democracy, and Extraordinary, Ordinary People.
Has Condoleezza Rice returned to government service?
No, she has not returned to a formal government role but remains a trusted advisor and public intellectual.