William North Rice (1845–1928) was an American geologist, educator, and Methodist minister and theologian concerned with reconciliation of science and religious faith.

His interest in religious ministry began early with an invitation to preach at Grace Church in Boston shortly after his graduation in 1865.

In 1867 after studies at the Sheffield Scientific School of Yale College, he earned the first PhD in the United States to be awarded in the field of Geology.

Early in his career he was ordained as a minister, joining the New England Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

During the early 1870s, Rice undertook zoological research work with Spencer Baird at the newly established laboratory of the United States Fish Commission at Woods Hole, Massachusetts.

Later in 1904, he conducted research in the Grand Canyon and Mexico, and later in that decade he traveled to Alaska to study the glaciers of Yakutat Bay.

Throughout his career he wrote a number of landmark articles and books on the reconciliation of science with religious faith.

[3] Shortly after his last stint as acting president in 1918, he retired from teaching, but continued much of his research and academic work as an emeritus professor.