For more than two decades, Jessica Rhea has been a vibrant presence at FGCU, impacting students, engaging the community and even leading classes in heels.

“Jessica Rhea has to be one of the most committed staff/faculty members on this campus,” said Ashleigh Droz, Director of Internships and Cooperative Programs. “Everyone knows Jessica Rhea (ray) of sunshine for a reason. She makes it a priority to help everyone feel excited about FGCU, and most importantly, that they belong here.”

Rhea is currently the Senior Director of Experiential Learning and Career Development. Her ties with Southwest Florida run deep, having lived in Cape Coral since she was 5 years old. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education at the University of Florida. 

Upon graduation, Rhea returned to the area and began teaching first grade at San Carlos Park Elementary. Shortly into her career, FGCU opened its doors in 1997. At the time, Rhea taught children of FGCU faculty and staff. Her energy, enthusiasm and passion radiated, and these faculty and staff members knew she’d be a great fit for the university.

“I came in once a week in the evening to teach a required course for incoming freshmen called Styles and Ways of Learning, and I loved it,” said Rhea. “Teaching is still about getting your students excited about learning no matter their age.”

Rhea slowly transitioned to a full-time position. This particular class had a service-learning requirement built in, and that sparked a lot of interest in Rhea. She ultimately became the service-learning director and now is the senior director of experiential learning and career development.

“Service-learning is a type of experiential learning and people learn best by doing; I knew that from teaching at the elementary level,” said Rhea. “It allowed me to take this high-impact teaching/philosophy and put it into action here at the university too.”

Currently, Rhea teaches two classes related to service-learning: Foundations of Civic Engagement and an Honors Service Lab. Rhea is just as passionate for service today as she was nearly 26 years ago when she first stepped foot on campus.

In addition to her passion for service and students, Rhea is also a fitness enthusiast.

Throughout the week, she can be found bright and early at the Rec Center teaching Pilates or Barre. By teaching these classes three times a week, she is also holding herself accountable.

“I decided that in order to make sure I exercise regularly I should get certified as a group fitness trainer. And that is the amount of times I exercise. If I teach three classes in a week then that is the amount of times I work out that week,” said Rhea.

Rhea teaches Pilates on Mondays and Wednesdays at 7 a.m., and Barre Fusion on Tuesdays at 5:15 p.m. But once a month, she teaches a class that is dear to her heart—a Heels Hip-Hop class. 

Rhea is determined to make the most of the nearly 75 pairs of heels she owns.

“The heels class actually started because a sorority had put in a request to have a heels class one time,” said Rhea. “And my boss at the time said, ‘this one’s going to Jessica.’”

The class swiftly became a regular program, but then the COVID-19 pandemic hit. However, that didn’t stop Rhea. She began holding the classes virtually and had students and staff join via Zoom.

“Even while we were confined to our homes, like clockwork I could log in and feel connected. There’s no hesitation on J-Rhea’s part, she just makes it happen,” said Droz.

Now, the Heels Hip-Hop classes typically fall on the first Tuesday of the month. The class starts with a cardio workout to warm up. Then, they move into a dance routine wearing heels.. About 15 to 17 students and staff join Rhea’s class each month. The next one will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 7. Registration is open on the Rec Center’s website.

What captivates Rhea about teaching these classes is that she sees people fuel each other. Students and staff have the opportunity to bond, and most importantly, have a fun time.

In her 25 years at FGCU, Rhea has made an impact both inside and outside the classroom. She strives to help students and her team recognize the potential in themselves, just like someone helped her see her own potential at a young age.

“She sees potential in everyone, and you can’t help but believe in yourself after even just a few minutes with her,” said Droz.