Educational Background
2009 – MA, Educational Leadership, University of Northern Colorado
2003 – BA, Women’s Studies, University of Minnesota
Professional Background
Rachel's career in higher education has been defined by her commitment to fostering authentic connections and building pathways for student success. As an undergraduate, Rachel gained early experience as a student advising and teaching assistant at the University of Minnesota. Since joining Aims in 2005, she has led transformative initiatives that bridge academic advising, career and leadership development, and student transitions. As the Executive Director of Student Success, Rachel is focused on aligning student advising and transition supports to create cohesive, impactful experiences that guide students from arrival to success. Her leadership is anchored in the idea that people thrive when they feel seen, heard and valued - a belief summed up in her guiding mantra: "Come as you are; what matters to you matters to me."
Personal Interests
Outside of Aims, Rachel finds joy in the company of her family and friends and is happiest in pajamas, lost in a binge of dark comedies, crime shows, and medical dramas, taking two years to finish a paint-by-numbers, chasing the satisfying flow of good cleaning session, and enjoying meals made with love.