Dr. Jill Rhea Chosen as Graceland University's Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA)
Lamoni, IA (07/02/2018) — After a national search, assisted by Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) and Dr. Richard F. Geise, Dr. Jill Rhea has been chosen as Graceland University's Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) and Dean of the Faculty effective July 1.
Dr. Rhea earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Public Address with a minor in Management from University of North Texas and attended summer session at London School of Economics in International Marketing and Management through the University of Southern Mississippi. She went on to complete a Master of Arts in Interpersonal Communication and a PhD in Organizational Communication (Quantitative Research Methods) from Ohio University.
Dr. Rhea comes to Graceland with experience in both traditional liberal arts undergraduate education and in overseeing online, adult on-site and graduate programs. Prior to coming to Graceland, Dr. Rhea served in several capacities at Buena Vista University in Iowa as dean of online, site and graduate programs; professor of communication studies: associate professor of communication studies; and director of service-learning from 2001-13. She has also taught at Oklahoma State University, University of North Texas and Texas Woman's University. Serving as chair of the Faculty Senate at Buena Vista, Dr. Rhea was an active member of the President's Council and the Dean's Council.
Dr. Rhea's areas of specialization include: organizational communication, conflict management, intercultural communication, health communication, gender and communication, interpersonal communication, quantitative research methods, business communication, forgiveness communication and managing workplace diversity.
Dr. Rhea has earned many honors and awards, been involved in numerous professional organizations and activities, published many writings for multiple publications, given scores of presentations and holds several additional certifications.
"I am excited about Dr. Rhea being part of the Graceland team and am confident she will be a great leader of the academic program at our university," commented President Draves.
Graceland welcomes Dr. Jill Rhea and her invaluable experience.
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Brooke Sutherland, 641-784-5342, brooke.sutherland@graceland.eduShare this Story
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