About Dr. Rachel Carpenter
HIGHER EDUCATION CONSULTING & COACHING
I've spent my entire career helping people discover what they do best and creating environments where those strengths can flourish.
What started as a natural inclination to support others has evolved into a leadership philosophy that bridges academic rigor with genuine human connection.
After nearly 25 years in higher education, working with both administrative and academic leaders, I understand the unique pressures leaders face in our field that shapes my approach to higher education consulting and coaching:
The constant juggling of crises and competing priorities.
The challenge of advocating for resources while maintaining team morale.
The isolation that often comes with leadership positions, especially when you're trying to lead authentically in systems that sometimes reward conformity over innovation.
And now I’m bringing all of my expertise and years of experience to you as you navigate your own leadership journey.
My journey to coaching began in 2015 when I became a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach. What started with designing workshops and retreats for university divisions quickly expanded as faculty began inviting me into their classrooms to integrate strengths-based leadership into their curriculum.
Over the years, more than 6,000 students and employees have experienced leadership and strengths-based workshops with me — from regional sorority organizations and Greek Life national offices to student affairs divisions across multiple institutions. I've trained leadership teams to continue this work independently, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond our initial time together.
How I got here
Growing up as a military kid shaped my approach to leadership in ways I'm still discovering.
Moving every 18 months across the U.S. and overseas taught me to read new environments quickly, adapt to different cultures, and find common ground with people from vastly different backgrounds. These skills have proven invaluable in higher education, where building relationships and navigating complex dynamics are essential for success.
I earned my doctorate in business with a concentration in management, focusing my dissertation research on how effective leaders successfully integrate team members others might label as "difficult" or "negative." This research reflects my core belief: every person brings unique talents to the table. The key lies in understanding those talents and creating conditions where they can contribute meaningfully to shared goals.
Today, I serve as VP of Student Affairs and Dean of Students while building my higher education consulting and coaching practice.
This dual role keeps me grounded in the daily realities of higher education leadership while allowing me to support leaders facing similar challenges across institutions.
My partner and I are also planning something that reflects my belief in living boldly: extensive travel starting in 2030, including a journey on the Pan-American Highway from Alaska to Chile. This adventure represents more than wanderlust. It embodies the same principle I bring to leadership development: we don't have to wait for "someday" to design lives that reflect our values and priorities.
I work with leaders who want to grow without losing themselves in the process.
My higher education consulting and coaching services combine the analytical rigor that higher education demands with the strengths-based, relationship-centered approach that actually moves people forward.
Whether we're working on team dynamics, strategic planning, or personal leadership development, my goal remains consistent: helping you build the clarity, confidence, and practical skills to lead authentically while achieving meaningful results.
My Recommended Reading List
The books on my nightstand reflect my curiosity about human potential, organizational effectiveness, and intentional living. Here are a few favorites that shape my approach:
Let’s Connect
If you're ready to explore how strengths-based coaching can transform your leadership approach, I'd love to hear about your current challenges and goals. Every conversation starts with understanding where you are and where you want to go.