• Seton Hall University
• Pre-Professional Advising

At the Pre-Professional Advising Center (P-PAC), we are dedicated to supporting and empowering you on your journey to professional school. Whether you're interested in pursuing a career in healthcare or law, our team provides personalized advising, resources and programming designed to help you  explore, prepare and apply with confidence.

With years of experience guiding students to success, we offer tailored support that aligns with your unique goals. From one-on-one advising to skill-building workshops and networking opportunities, we ensure you’re informed, prepared and equipped to succeed in your professional journey.

We’re here to help you turn your aspirations into reality. Schedule an appointment with us today or stop by during our Community Drop-in Hours - let’s take the next step together.

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Chantal Vergara, M.A., N.C.C.

Director of Pre-Professional Advising Center
[email protected]
(973) 275-2477
Make an Appontment Here

Ms. Vergara serves as the Director of Seton Hall University’s Pre-Professional Advising Center and Co-Chair of the Pre-Health Committee. She leads the development of pre-health advising and oversees all aspects of the center's operations, including strategic planning, advising services, resources, student outreach and programming.

With over a decade of experience in higher education that includes academic, pre-health, pre-law and medical school advising, she is dedicated to guiding students through every step of their journey. Passionate about the holistic development of our future professionals, she provides expert advising, academic coaching and intentional programming. She leverages her extensive experience to successfully navigate students through their pre-professional tracks, standardized exam preparation and the meticulous application processes that lead to top professional school acceptances. She is dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative environment that meets the needs of a diverse student population, implementing targeted support systems and resources to help students thrive and achieve their academic and professional goals.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Ms. Vergara enjoys traveling the world, spending quality time with family and friends and embracing adventurous activities like skydiving and paragliding.

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Brian Nichols, Ph.D.

Faculty Director and Advisor, Pre-Health
Pre-Professional Advising Center
College of Arts and Science
[email protected]
(973) 761-9054
Make an Appointment Here

Dr. Nichols is an Associate Professor in the Biology Department within the College of Arts and Science. As a dedicated member of the Pre-Professional Advising Center (P-PAC), he provides expert pre-professional advising and application preparation for Juniors and Seniors aspiring to enter health professional schools. Dr. Nichols also is the Co-Chair of the Pre-Health Committee. He has extensive experience in reviewing personal statements and crafting letters of recommendation.

In addition to his advising duties, Dr. Nichols leads a research lab on campus, where he focuses on understanding and characterizing virus-host interactions and the mechanisms of viral antagonism of host innate immune responses. His research contributes to the broader scientific community's understanding of viral behavior and immune response.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Dr. Nichols enjoys soccer, martial arts, boxing, motorcycles, playing saxophone/piano, and spending time with wife, four kids and three cats.

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Joan Brenan, M.P.A.

Pre-Health Advisor
Pre-Professional Advising Center
[email protected]
Make an Appointment Here

Joan Brennan is excited to join the P-PAC team as a Pre-Health Advisor. With over twenty-five years of experience working with pre-health students in various advising roles, Joan is eager to support Seton Hall University students and alumni on their pre-health journey as they explore, prepare and apply to health professional schools.

Joan understands that each student’s pre-health path is unique and she takes a personalized approach to advising. She encourages students to make the most of available resources, develop strong study habits and refine their time management skills to balance rigorous coursework, extracurricular involvement and clinical experiences. Dedicated to shaping well-informed and prepared future healthcare leaders, Joan will support students through advising, programming and outreach.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Joan enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, experimenting with new baking recipes, tending to her garden, and immersing herself in a good book.

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Madelyn S Ferrans, J.D.

Pre-Law Advisor 
Pre-Professional Advising Center
[email protected]
Make an Appointment Here

Madelyn Ferrans is thrilled to join the P-PAC team as the Pre-Law Advisor. Madelyn is a lawyer and educator with over 15 years of experience working with pre-law students.  She brings a deep passion for the law and a strong commitment to student success. She has served as both an advisor and a faculty member in higher education, teaching law and government courses and mentoring students inside and outside the classroom.

She is dedicated to guiding students throughout their law school journey, from their first year at Seton Hall through graduation. With a student-centered approach and legal expertise, Madelyn helps students become competitive candidates for law school by focusing on academics, current legal issues, and professional development. In addition to advising on applications, she looks forward to developing and connecting students with events and opportunities that broaden their understanding of the legal field and its impact on society.

Outside of work, Madelyn enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, Jake and Annie. She recently completed her second half-marathon – very slowly - (in Nashville!) and is active in her community, volunteering for organizations including Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) of New Jersey, serving as a pro bono attorney for Kids in Need of Defense, and contributing as a trustee for the Livingston Historical Society. Madelyn is excited to begin her new role at Seton Hall University and looks forward to learning from and growing alongside the students as she begins this new chapter.