Q&A with Rachel Brackins

Spotlight on CAC’s new communications director

Tell us about yourself.

I grew up in a military family and we were blessed to live in many different places. We settled in Prattville, Alabama, when my father retired and now claim it as home. I have an older brother, a sister-in-law, a younger brother, a younger sister and a sweet dog named Daisy. They are my best friends, my support system and my comedy club. I have never laughed harder than I do when I am surrounded by my family. I graduated from Harding University with a degree in public relations. I spend a lot of my time exploring in nature and listening to The Avett Brothers.

Tell us about your experience in communications at Harding.

In college I had the opportunity to serve as the copy editor for Harding University’s student newspaper, The Bison. It was in that office that I learned the true meaning of the word “community,” and I have been changed for the better ever since. I also interned with Bikers Against Child Abuse, a nonprofit group dedicated to helping empower children who have been abused. That experience opened my eyes to see how a group of people with different personalities can work together to create a safe and effective community for others.

How did you come to be at CAC?

Katie Ramirez, the faculty advisor for The Bison, mentioned to me that CAC had a communications position open and encouraged me to look into it. I spoke with Chad Tappe and my interest grew from there.

What stood out to you most about CAC while you were interviewing for the position?

One of the most important lessons I learned in college was the need to create and work to make your community better. From the very first conversation I had with Chad, to the people I met and the feel of the campus, I could see that everyone was genuinely interested in cultivating a community at CAC. I was sold.

What do you look forward to most about joining the CAC family?

I’m looking forward to finding community, learning new things, meeting incredible people and cheering on the Mustangs. I miss high school sports and I’m excited to be part of that environment again.

Tell us about the camp you worked at this summer and what you were doing there.

For the past three summers I have had the opportunity to work at Camp Shiloh in upstate New York. We work with children from the Bronx, Brooklyn, Harlem, Queens and Bridgeport, Connecticut. It is the most amazing and absolutely ridiculous place that has blessed me with growth and love that I do not deserve. This summer I was the head female counselor, which is just a fancy way of saying I got to pour into and encourage 10 amazing young women as they counseled campers.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

I would live in a treehouse if given the chance. No questions asked.

What do you hope to contribute to the CAC family?

I hope to contribute a new perspective, hard work and a lot of corny jokes.