Rachel Silverman

Rachel Silverman is an Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator for the Sport and Recreation Management Program at the University of Nebraska Kearney's Kinesiology and Sport Sciences Department. She holds a PhD in Sport Management from Troy University (2024), an M.A. in Kinesiology & Sports Management from the University of South Dakota (2020), and a B.A. in Studio Art and Art History from Brandeis University (2008). Her research focuses on women in sports, sociological, legal, and ethical aspects of sports.

Her educational background includes a B.A. (Cum Laude with Honors in Studio Art) from Brandeis University, an M.A. from the University of South Dakota, and a PhD from Troy University. She teaches courses such as Governance & Ethics in Sport, Sociology of Sport, Legal Aspects of Sport & Recreation, and Research Methods in Kinesiology.

Rachel's research agenda includes studies on SafeSport efficacy, gender dynamics in martial arts, and transgender athlete inclusion in women’s sports. Her work was supported by the COSMA Graduate Student Grant (2022-2023) and the SRLA Student Travel Award (2022). She is a member of the Sport and Recreation Law Association Board and the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation Board.

She has received recognition through Chi Sigma Mu and Phi Kappa Phi honor societies. Beyond academia, she holds a Jiu Jitsu Brown Belt and serves as a Tap Cancer Out Ambassador. Rachel coordinates the Physical Activity and Wellness Lab at UNK.