- M.P.A., University of Vermont, 2021
- B.S. Public Relations, B.S. Entrepreneurship & Emerging Enterprises, Syracuse University, 2011
Community Development and Applied Economics
Area(s) of expertise
Strategic communication, science communication, public relations, program management and administration, multimedia content development, strategic planning
BIO
Rachel Leslie is a communications professional, administrator, and educator with 15 years' experience spanning higher education, global health, and the private sector. As a public communication lecturer in the Dept. of Community Development and Applied Economics, Rachel brings a practice-based approach to teaching centered on storytelling, dialogue, and community engagement.
Rachel began her career in public relations agencies in New York and San Francisco advising biotech and healthcare clients. Later, she managed communications and academic programs at Stanford University’s Center for Innovation in Global Health working to convene and catalyze interdisciplinary teams tackling global health challenges and advancing health equity. Since arriving in Vermont in 2018, Rachel led communications for the UVM College of Agriculture and Life Sciences working to promote university research, education and community impact, and most recently, served as senior project manager strategic initiatives in the CALS Dean’s Office supporting cross-functional efforts to advance college priorities.
Rachel is passionate about storytelling as a tool to shape public policy, spark discourse, and foster human connection. As a lecturer, she finds deep purpose in helping students develop the critical communication skills needed to lead and adapt in an ever-changing world.
Courses
- CDAE 2120: Social Media Theory 2 Practice
- CDAE 2200: Strategic Writing for Public Communication
Bio
Rachel Leslie is a communications professional, administrator, and educator with 15 years' experience spanning higher education, global health, and the private sector. As a public communication lecturer in the Dept. of Community Development and Applied Economics, Rachel brings a practice-based approach to teaching centered on storytelling, dialogue, and community engagement.
Rachel began her career in public relations agencies in New York and San Francisco advising biotech and healthcare clients. Later, she managed communications and academic programs at Stanford University’s Center for Innovation in Global Health working to convene and catalyze interdisciplinary teams tackling global health challenges and advancing health equity. Since arriving in Vermont in 2018, Rachel led communications for the UVM College of Agriculture and Life Sciences working to promote university research, education and community impact, and most recently, served as senior project manager strategic initiatives in the CALS Dean’s Office supporting cross-functional efforts to advance college priorities.
Rachel is passionate about storytelling as a tool to shape public policy, spark discourse, and foster human connection. As a lecturer, she finds deep purpose in helping students develop the critical communication skills needed to lead and adapt in an ever-changing world.
Courses
- CDAE 2120: Social Media Theory 2 Practice
- CDAE 2200: Strategic Writing for Public Communication