Dr. Rachel Nelson

Biography

Dr. Rachel Nelson joined Campbell University in the spring of 2025 as the Director of Campbell Hallmarks and Character Education. In this role, she leads the implementation of the Educating Character Initiative grant and promotes the Campbell Hallmarks throughout the university.

Dr. Nelson came to Campbell from her alma mater, Appalachian State University, where she served as Assistant Director of Teacher Outreach. There, she managed an educational research grant portfolio totaling over $13 million. With a strong foundation in K–12 education, she is passionate about creating professional learning opportunities for students, staff, and faculty to foster stronger connections across campus. Her research interests include self-directed learning theory, character education, and micro-credentialing.

Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Dr. Nelson has lived across the country but now calls North Carolina home. Her partner, Justin, is a faculty member in Campbell’s Department of Psychology and Sociology. Their daughter, Kennedy, keeps them busy playing outside with their two dogs, Gus and Jerry.