Tiffany Rhodes

Associate Professor

JWU Faculty Since 2016

Associate Professor Tiffany Rhodes, CHE

Contact Info

Email
tiffany.rhodes@jwu.edu
Phone
401-598-5272
Campus
Providence

Tiffany Rhodes has a unique background that includes the science field, humanitarian volunteerism, and decades of work in the adventure travel industry.

Upon receiving her bachelor of science degree in biology, Rhodes moved to Kenya, Africa, to study abroad as a biologist researching elephant and rhinoceros populations through Boston University. While working and traveling in Kenya and Uganda, she became deeply affected by the vast abject poverty she witnessed. She also became aware of the power of ecotourism to foster and fuel conservation practices and economic growth.

Upon her return to the states, she worked as an educator for an outdoor education program, a public school science teacher, and an adventure guide throughout the continental US. During that time she also completed a doctoral degree in cross-cultural studies with an emphasis on war, peace and reconciliation, and engaged in humanitarian work in war-torn areas including Sudan, Rwanda, Uganda, Bosnia, Croatia, Serbia, and Nicaragua. These diverse experiences confirmed her belief that education and travel are two of the most powerful tools for transforming one’s life and perspective. This belief has motivated her to dedicate her life to using education and travel to change the world.

Through the years, Rhodes’ expertise in the travel and tourism industry has led her to more than 65 countries around the world and throughout the continental US as a leader, manager, and marketer of adventure travel, cultural heritage, and ecotourism expeditions. In addition to traveling the world, she is a certified mountain bike guide, coach and sponsored downhill racer.

Certifications:
Boston University, Certificate in African Ecology and Research
Studied sustainable management of wildlife in the National Parks in Kenya
Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE)
Sustainable Tourism Destination Management Certification 2018, George Washington University
Global Sustainable Tourism Development Certification 2017, Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)

Education

  • Doctorate in Ministry, Cross-Cultural Studies, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
  • M.A., Pastoral Studies, Multnomah University
  • B.S., Biology, Millersville University of Pennsylvania

I’ve done humanitarian work in the Sudan, Rwanda, Uganda. I worked in the adventure travel industry, and in eco-tourism. I started realizing that education changes the world — and that travel/tourism can be a great catalyst.

Teaching Interests

  • Sustainable Tourism Development
  • Adventure, Nature and Sport-Based Tourism
  • Ecotourism
  • Recreation Development

Courses

  • Adventure, Sport and Nature-Based Tourism
  • Special Topics in Adventure Resort Management
  • Ecotourism
  • International Policies of Tourism
  • Dynamics of Tourism and Sustainability
  • Tour Management Operations
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Professional Affiliations

  • Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)
  • Center for Responsible Travel (CREST)
  • Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA)
  • Member of the Education and Research Working Group for the Global Sustainable Tourism Council 
  • Academic Affiliate for the Center for Responsible Travel
  • Advisor on the Rhode Island Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) in 2019
    CERTIFICATION: Certified Hospitality Educator


Q&A with Tiffany

What Is Your Favorite Teaching Moment?

Leading the Familiarization (FAM) International Trips with my students to a unique destination each term in the course TRVL 3035: Tour Management and Operations.Some of the destinations that I have been able to take my students to include: Zimbabwe, Egypt, Ecuador, South Africa, Morocco, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Spain, Portugal, India. Nothing opens our minds more than traveling to a unique destination. (Links to select FAM Trips below.)

What College Do You Teach In?

The College of Hospitality Management


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Adventure Travel Update 2020

"I think the fact that more people are spending time in nature is an unexpected, positive outcome this year. I would highly encourage all of you to get outside at this time and recreate the way that you love and support local business and tourism."

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Tiffany Rhodes

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