Rachel Hirschey named Beerstecher-Blackwell Distinguished Term Scholar

Associate Professor Rachel Hirschey, PhD, RN, FAAN, has been appointed the Beerstecher-Blackwell Distinguished Term Scholar, effective July 1, 2026.

The Beerstecher-Blackwell Distinguished Professorship Fund was endowed to memorialize Carol Ann Beerstecher-Blackwell, BSN ’71, a pediatric nurse and lecturer at the School of Nursing, and to recognize Carolina Nursing faculty whose accomplishments and careers are determined by their colleagues to be highly significant to the discipline, the University and the School.

Hirschey is nationally recognized for her research to improve cancer prevention, screening and survivorship through community-engaged and implementation science approaches. She serves as a Multiple Principal Investigator on several federally funded initiatives, including the CDC-funded Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network (CPCRN) and Scaling What Works (SWW) program, as well as the NCI-funded Cancer Center Implementation Science (CCIS) initiative.

Her research also includes the NIMHD-funded Physical Activity Centers Empowerment (PACE) study, a community-engaged physical activity intervention for colorectal cancer survivors developed in partnership with survivors. She serves as a scientific consultant to the Angelic Warrior Foundation for PROJECT GRACCE (Getting Real About Colorectal Cancer Early-Onset Education), a community-led initiative to increase colorectal cancer awareness and prevention among young adults.

Beyond her research, Hirschey is an exceptional educator and mentor whose students have advanced to tenure-track faculty positions, fellowships and professional programs. Her leadership across Carolina Nursing, the University and the community — including service with the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Angelic Warrior Foundation — reflects her commitment to advancing nursing science while improving the health of the communities she serves.

“Her scholarly excellence, transformative community engagement and dedication to mentorship and service make Rachel exceptionally deserving of this distinction,” said Dean Valerie Howard. “We are proud to recognize this achievement, and grateful for her lasting contributions to Carolina Nursing, the advancement of nursing science and the health of communities across North Carolina and beyond.”