The P-PAC Team Expands

The Pre-Professional Advising Center (P-PAC) at Seton Hall University continues to grow, enhancing its ability to guide and support students on their journeys to professional schools. With a commitment to student success, the P-PAC team welcomes Joan Brennan, M.P.A., as the newest pre-health advisor.

Brennan brings more than 25 years of experience in higher education, advising pre-health students. Her passion for working with students, strengthening their academic skills and guiding them toward careers in medicine and other health professions aligns with P-PAC’s mission. She is dedicated to helping students maximize their potential and develop the skills necessary for success in healthcare. Outside of her professional role, she enjoys baking, gardening and spending time with family and friends.

“We are excited to have Joan join our team. Her experience and passion for student success will strengthen our advising services and enhance the overall P-PAC experience,” said Chantal Vergara, director of the Pre-Professional Advising Center. “With Joan on board, we can expand our outreach, offer more programming and provide additional support to our pre-health students.”

Brennan joins a team that includes Vergara, faculty member Brian Nichols, Ph.D., and peer advisors Ayame Ciocoiu, Class of 2027, and Aditya Kasina, Class of 2026. As director and co-chair of the Pre-Health Committee, Vergara oversees the center’s strategic planning, advising services, student outreach and programming. She provides expert pre-professional advising and helps students navigate pre-health tracks, standardized exam preparation and the competitive application process leading to top professional school acceptances.

Nichols, an associate professor in the biology department, advises juniors and seniors aspiring to enter health professional schools. As co-chair of the Pre-Health Committee, he has extensive experience reviewing personal statements and crafting letters of recommendation. Ciocoiu and Kasina provide peer mentoring, office support and social media outreach to keep students engaged with the P-PAC community.

Together, the P-PAC team is committed to helping students explore, prepare and apply to professional schools—building a strong pre-health community while equipping students with the tools to succeed academically and professionally. Students can book individualized advising appointments to develop a strategic plan for their pre-health journey. The team is also available during weekly drop-in hours and application check-ins.

Exciting Growth: Pre-Law Advising Is Coming
As P-PAC expands, so does its impact. Vergara is hiring a full-time pre-law advisor and launching dedicated pre-law advising services this year. This marks a major step toward making P-PAC the centralized hub for both pre-health and pre-law advising at Seton Hall. Stay tuned for the official pre-law advising launch.

Stay Connected with P-PAC
Make an appointment or stop by community drop-in hours. Follow us on Instagram @setonhall_ppac. Sign up for weekly emails and follow us on Engage. We look forward to seeing you at P-PAC!

Categories: Campus Life, Education