Staff

Elizabeth V. McAllister
Director

Elizabeth V. McAllister was born in Greensboro, North Carolina, and aside from a five-year stay in Florida, has lived in North Carolina all her life. Elizabeth attended East Carolina University where she received a BS in Communication (Radio & TV Production), in May 1993. In March 1994, she began working in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at ECU. From 1994 – 2005, she worked her way up to Assistant Director of Admissions, where she worked primarily with transfer students. Elizabeth completed her MA in English: Technical & Professional Communication in December 2004. In October 2005, Elizabeth began working as an Academic Advisor for the College of Allied Health Sciences. In May 2010, she became Director of the Pre-Professional Advising Center. Elizabeth advises undergraduate students who are undecided on a major, but know they are interested in a career in dentistry, medicine, or law. Additionally, she serves as the “pre-med,” “pre-dental,” and “pre-law” advisor (which is secondary to the student’s major advisor), and is the faculty advisor for the Pre-Dental Honor Society, Pre-Law Society, Pre-Optometry Club, and the Magnolia Belles. Elizabeth also serves as the President of the North Carolina Health Professions Advisors Association (HPANC).

In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys serving in the music ministry at St. James United Methodist Church, ECU football and baseball, playing on a competitive trivia team, reading, traveling, baking, painting pottery, and spending time with her husband and their family and friends. In April 2019, Elizabeth was recognized by the ECU Advising Collaborative as “Outstanding Advising Administrator,” and in May 2022 she received the “Keating Award of Student Advocacy” from ODK.

Lauren Allen-Joyner
Academic Advisor

Lauren grew up in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. She attended East Carolina University where she received a BS in Child Life in 2015 and an MAEd in Adult Education in 2018. Lauren also has graduate certificates in Student Affairs in Higher Education and Community College Instruction. Previously, Lauren worked for ECU’s College of Education as an interim advisor and at Pitt Community College as a Pre-Health Sciences Advisor.

In September 2023, Lauren joined the Pre-Professional Advising Center as an Academic Advisor. She advises students majoring in Health Information Management, Health Services Management, and Pre-Occupational Therapy. Lauren also serves as the faculty advisor for P-OTSA (Pre-OT Student Association).

In her free time, Lauren enjoys spending time with her wife and children, browsing antique stores, and decorating for all holidays.

Briley Brand
Academic Advisor

Briley grew up in Greenville, North Carolina. She attended University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2013. She completed her Master’s of Arts in Professional Counseling in 2019 from Liberty University.

Before joining ECU staff, Briley worked at Trinity Christian School in Greenville, NC. During her time there, she taught middle and high school computer and math. She was promoted to the administrative office in 2019 where she served as Administrative Assistant, Admissions Officer and Student Academic Advisor.

In January 2023, Briley joined the Pre-Professional Advising Center as an Academic Advisor for the College of Allied Health Sciences. She advises students majoring in Speech and Hearing Sciences, Rehabilitation Services, and Pre-Physical Therapy.

In her free time, Briley enjoys spending time with her family and friends (especially her niece and nephews), traveling, reading, cooking and baking, and playing with her white shepherd, Arya.

Brandon Jones
Academic Advisor

Brandon Jones was born in Greenville, North Carolina. He attended North Carolina Wesleyan University (then, North Carolina Wesleyan College) where he received a BA in English, History, and Religious Studies in 2009. After graduating, Brandon worked in television media, education, and retail before working for the Department of Nutrition Science at ECU, in 2017. Shortly after, Brandon began an MA in Multicultural and Transnational Literature, at ECU, which he completed in May 2020. He also earned graduate certificates in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and TETYC (Teaching English in the Two-Year College).

In August 2022, Brandon joined the Pre-Professional Advising Center as an Academic Advisor. He advises students majoring in Clinical Laboratory Science, Nutrition Science (both the Didactic Program and the Nutrition with Science Concentration), and Pre-Physician Assistant students.

In his free time, Brandon enjoys spending time with his wife, cooking, reading, Korean and Japanese popular music and culture, gaming, and many science-fiction and fantasy television shows and movies like “The Lord of the Rings, “Star Wars,” and “Star Trek.”

Abigail Ormond
Graduate Assistant

Abigail Ormond grew up in Kinston, North Carolina. She attended East Carolina University where she received her BS in Speech and Hearing Sciences and BA in Psychology. After graduating from East Carolina University, Summa Cum Laude, in May of 2022 she began the Clinical Doctorate of Audiology Program at East Carolina in the Fall of 2022. Abigail has worked for the Pre-Professional Advising Center since February of 2020 and during her time here has served many roles. She currently is the social media coordinator for the department, assists with recruitment and admitted students events, and handles other administrative tasks.

In her free time, Abigail enjoys playing tennis, reading, boating, and playing with her 4-year-old pup, Stella.