Rate My Professor Rachael Carson

Rachael Carson is the Deputy Head - Pastoral and Wellbeing at Salmond College, a residential college of the University of Otago. In this capacity, she oversees the wellbeing of residents, with a particular emphasis on supporting Residential Leaders who form a crucial part of the college's pastoral care framework. Carson is deeply engaged in the sporting, cultural, and event activities at Salmond College, while also providing academic support to residents. She is typically available on campus during afternoons and evenings, often accompanied by her border collie, Maverick. Since joining Salmond in 2024 after six years at Studholme College, her enthusiasm for inter-college competitions and community events has significantly impacted the college community. Under her influence, Salmond achieved its best results ever in the Inter-College Competition, securing first place in Cultural activities, second in Sports, and second in Games.

Carson brings extensive experience in education and student support. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Government, and Economics, along with a Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resources Management, from the University of Otago. She further obtained a Diploma in Secondary School Teaching and a Master of Education in Teaching and Learning from Massey University. Before transitioning to university residential life, Carson served as a secondary school teacher and Head of Department for Social Science at John Paul II High School from 2013 to 2017. At Studholme College, she held positions as Senior Tutor and Deputy Head of College from late 2017, and later as Deputy Warden, where she demonstrated exceptional responsiveness in student welfare situations, such as promptly recognizing symptoms of meningitis in a resident in 2021 and coordinating emergency response. Additionally, Carson is a prominent figure in regional sports, coaching the Otago Women’s Hockey team as head coach.