Jacob Rey is the Director of Esports and Associate Professor of Economics and Business at Brazosport College. As the architect of one of Texas’ most comprehensive collegiate esports programs, Rey is on a mission to give a new generation of students — many of whom never felt at home in traditional higher education — a reason to show up and build a future.
Could you introduce yourself and describe how you came to be involved with esports education?
I lead our competitive teams, facilities, student production team, and academic pathways at Brazosport College. I’m also President of Aura Fury, a nonprofit building positive gaming communities. Watching gaming open real doors for people inspired me to create a structured program where students can compete, create, and turn their passion into careers.
Tell us about your esports program and the initiatives you’re offering.
We’ve built a complete ecosystem — competition, production, academics, and events. Our teams compete across titles like Overwatch, Apex, and Marvel Rivals in a three-tier structure for all skill levels. Our student casting team handles live broadcasts and event coverage. We’re also launching an AAS in Esports Business and Multimedia Management in Fall 2026, with dual enrollment pathways from high school and transfer agreements with Northwood University.
What are your objectives when shaping future professionals?
Success isn’t just wins — it’s students gaining real experience running events, producing broadcasts, and building portfolios. The industry needs far more than players. It needs organizers, broadcasters, marketers, and managers. Our goal is to develop well-rounded professionals who graduate ready to step into the esports workforce or launch something of their own.
What inspired the development of your program?
Students were the true inspiration. There’s a group that feels like they don’t belong in higher education — and their parents would tell me, “my kid just has no interest in school.” Then you mention esports and everything changes. You can see a dream coming back to life. We looked at institutions integrating esports into academics rather than treating it as a club, and built from there — keeping hands-on experience and community at the center.
What have been the tangible benefits of your ESTA membership?
The most valuable thing has been connecting with others building esports education programs — exchanging ideas, comparing curriculum structures, and getting feedback that has genuinely shaped our degree. Building this kind of program can feel like you’re in the wilderness alone. ETA gave me a community of people who care about the same things. That sense of shared purpose has been just as important as any practical resource.
