Dr. Jill Rhea
- Dean of Online, Site, and Graduate Programs
Dr. Jill Rhea joined BVU in 2001 as a professor of communication studies and was named the dean of online, site, and graduate programs in 2013.
Rhea earned her Ph.D. and M.A. in communication and quantitative research methods from Ohio University. Before moving to Storm Lake, Rhea taught both graduate and undergraduate courses as an assistant professor of communication at the University of North Texas.
During her time at BVU, Rhea has chaired BVU faculty senate, directed the service-learning program, chaired the tenure and promotion committee, and co-chaired BVU’s 2012 faculty and staff campaign. After earning a professional certificate in Campus Sustainability Leadership from the University of Vermont in 2011, Rhea lead BVU’s sustainability taskforce which saw the LEED gold certification of the Estelle Siebens Science Center.
Rhea was named BVU’s Faculty/Staff Volunteer of the Year in 2004 and was awarded the Professing Women Award and Mortarboard’s Top Prof Award while in Texas. Rhea has published journal articles in the areas of interpersonal and health communication. She also presents at international, regional, and state conferences and conventions. She has served on various boards and is involved in philanthropic organizations including 100+ Women Who Care.