Dr. Rhea Bentley

Dr. Rhea Bentley has been employed with South Carolina State University 1890 Research and Extension since May 2023. She is the Program Leader for Family Nutrition and Health. Dr. Bentley retired from the University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension in May 2023, where she was employed for over 23 years. She served as the County Extension Coordinator/Department Head and Family and Consumer Sciences Agent in Columbus-Muscogee County. Before serving as County Extension Coordinator, Dr. Bentley worked with the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program as a supervisor. Dr. Bentley also serves as an adjunct professor at Fort Valley State University. Preceding her work with Extension, Dr. Bentley was a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher for seven years in Minnesota.

She received her Bachelor of Science in Home Economics Education from Tuskegee University. A Master of Education in Family Education from the University of Minnesota and a Doctoral degree from Capella University in Educational Leadership and Management. Dr. Bentley has been recognized for her accomplishments by state and national organizations including Administrative Leadership Award, Distinguished Service Award, Continued Excellence Award and Excellence in Research. She is very active in professional organizations statewide and nationally where she has served as VP for Professional Development and Secretary of the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. Most recently, Dr. Bentley served as President of the state chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi Extension Fraternity.

Dr. Bentley is a native of Griffin, GA. Her favorite pastimes are cooking, reading, and traveling. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.