About Health Professions Advising Office
The largest full-service health professions advising office in Mississippi and in the SEC.
Health Professions Advising Office (HPAO)
Although there are many different kinds of health professionals, they all share two important things:
- a desire to help people
- a willingness to continue education every day of their life!
The Health Professions Advising Office (HPAO) at the University of Mississippi embodies the spirit of those driving passions for health professionals. As the only full-service office of its kind in the state of Mississippi, our mission is to counsel all UM health professions students on available opportunities for a health care career, and advise students toward a competitive application. We take your aspirations and help you to become the best!
Our advisors specialize in tailoring advising to each individual student. We create a customized path designed for you to highlight your strengths and equip you to become the most competitive applicant you can be.
We provide opportunities for students to get involved. Each year, we select students to serve as HPAO Ambassadors, giving our students an opportunity to help fellow students. Ambassadors are selected through an application process and are uniquely suited to give you an inside perspective into the life of a health professions student.
Summary of HPAO Programs and Services
| Year-round personal advising tailored toward your health profession | Assistance locating shadowing opportunities |
| Health professions sections of the university’s freshman orientation course | Programs and activities, such as guest speakers from professional schools, trips to health professional campuses, service projects, health-related clinics |
| Health Professions Fair | Assistance with your application process |
| Cultivating our own personal connections with professional schools | Dedicated class for medical school application preparation |
| MCAT, DAT and GRE Strategy Sessions | Assistance with writing personal statement |
| Connections with health professionals/alumni | Mock interview practice |
| MCAT special coaching sessions that include a simulation of the seven-hour MCAT exam | Placement in intensive summer prep programs across the country |
| Free entrance exam prep materials |
Welcome to HPAO
Although there are many different kinds of health professionals, they all share two important things: a desire to help people and a willingness to continue education every day of their life! Our office embodies the spirit of those driving passions for health professionals. As the only full-service office of its kind in the state of Mississippi, our mission is to counsel all UM health professions students on available opportunities for a health care career, and advise students toward a competitive application. We take your aspirations and help you to become the best! Our advisors specialize in tailoring advising to each individual student. We create a customized path designed for you to highlight your strengths and equip you to become the most competitive applicant you can be.
Sovent Taylor
Director of Health Professions Advising Office
HPAO Leadership and Support
We support the students, staff, and faculty associated with HPAO.
Sovent Taylor
- Director of Health Professions Advising Office
Andrew Bilbo
- Assistant Director of Health Professions Advising
HPAO Staff
Andrew Bilbo
- Assistant Director of Health Professions Advising
Neal Ann Chamblee
- Academic Advisor
Tyler Edwards
- Academic Advisor
Ashley Howard
- Academic Advisor
Kelli Hutchens
- Academic Advisor
Carmen Kennedy
- Academic Advisor I
Sovent Taylor
- Director of Health Professions Advising Office
Danielle Shannon
- Academic Advisor I
Amy Beaty
- Administrative Assistant II (NE)
Health Professions Advisory Committee
The purpose of this faculty committee is to approve all curriculum changes for the Allied Health Studies degree in the College of Liberal Arts. The members advise and make recommendations to the Director of the Health Professions Advising Office on academic matters for the degree program.
2026-27 Committee Members
- Kate Kellum (Interim Program Director Allied Health Studies & Medical Laboratory Science Degrees)
- Carol Britson (Biology)
- Carey Dowling (Psychology)
- Emmy Parkes (Dietetics and Nutrition)
- Gerald Rowland (Chemistry)
Our Community
A Place That Ever Calls
Located 70 miles from Memphis and surrounded by the natural beauty of Northern Mississippi, Oxford boasts thriving music, art, and literary scenes along with great restaurants. UM's athletics provide many opportunities to watch and participate in sports and one of the world's best tailgating parties.
With everything Oxford has to offer, it's no wonder USA Todaynamed Oxford as one of the Top Six College Towns in the Nation.
Come see why.