Dr. Rachel E. Nelson, a veteran in professional development of educators at both the K-12 and university level, was named Director of Hallmarks and Character Education at Campbell University, the university announced this week.
This new position will oversee Campbell’s efforts to implement the hallmarks of character, initiative and calling into the undergraduate learning experience in ways that align with the university’s mission, context and culture.
Nelson will begin her role on March 31.
“Extending this work more broadly across our campus community, the director will play a key role in the integration of the hallmarks into our institutional culture,” said Borrée Kwok, associate provost for administration and academic success. “With her experience in higher education and expertise in curriculum development, instruction and educational leadership, Dr. Nelson is uniquely qualified to serve the university in this role.”
Prior to coming to Campbell, Nelson was an adjunct professor, professional learning coach and assistant director for teacher outreach at Appalachian State University, where she earned her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership in 2022. She also served for nearly two years as adjunct professor for Campbell’s School of Education & Human Sciences from 2019 to 2021. At Appalachian State, she managed the implementation of a $12 million Education Innovation and Research grant and a $1 million National Science Foundation Grant.
Nelson earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and teaching from Concordia University-Wisconsin in 2009 and her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Grand Canyon University in 2013.
Campbell became one of 29 schools to receive an Institutional Impact Grant from Wake Forest University’s Educating Character Initiative in August 2024, in an effort to enable institutional leaders, faculty and staff to infuse character education into their curricula.
Core goals of the project at Campbell include:
- Embedding those hallmarks strategically in curricular programming,
- Providing professional learning opportunities and resources on character education for faculty and staff,
- Establishing an office that supports work on the hallmarks of character, initiative and calling, and
- Articulating the hallmarks consistently to describe and embody the mission of Campbell University, thereby integrating them into the school’s culture.
The project at Campbell is led by Kwok and Rev. Faithe Beam, vice president for student life and Christian mission.