Rachel Tierney Papers
Rachel Tierney
Rachel Allen was born on September 25, 1941 in Fall River, MA to Peg and Elmer Allen. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts with degrees in Nursing, B.S., Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, M.S., and finally a PhD in Public Health Policy and Management. Dr. Tierney enjoyed an important career spanning over 40 years, notably as Professor of Nursing at UMass Amherst. Dr. Tierney was a leader, initiator, and innovator in her field of nursing including implementing new roles and programs, moving the nursing profession forward, and the first to advance nurse practitioners on the board of registration of nursing. She was the recipient of several prestigious awards including the Living Legends in Massachusetts Nursing Award, the Outstanding Alumni Nursing Education Award, and the Elvira Whiting Ball Award for Improving the Lives of Older Adults. Rachel also had a full life outside of her professional obligations actively serving on several community groups including the Alzheimer’s Association, Pioneer Valley Chapter, the West Springfield, MA School Committee, and the Pioneer Valley Area Health Education Center Advisory Board. She was a longtime member of P.E.O. International, a sisterhood of women who are purposeful and passionate about celebrating, supporting, and motivating women.
The Rachel Tierney Papers consist of one small box containing “The Kids” typewritten newsletter from UMass School of Nursing (1962); School of Nursing publications, memory books, correspondence, and notes; and “Nurses’ Attitudes about Caring for Patients with AIDS” dissertation (1990), published as Rachel Chandler.