A native of Goldsboro, NC, Stephen G. Rea ("Steve") was a student at North Carolina State University during the 1970s and 1980s. He majored in Mechanical Engineering, and he received his BS in 1980 and MS in 1987. While at NC State, Rea played on the soccer team. He was a letterman in his Sophomore, Junior, and Senior years, and he was All Academic ACC in his Junior and Senior years. He served as Student Body Treasurer in Student Government during the 1980-1981 academic year. He also headed the student chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). He was a member of Golden Chain.
