About Us

Student Affairs provides programs and services that optimize student learning and leadership; build a safe, supportive, and welcoming campus community; foster the emotional growth and personal development of students; and make a positive contribution to the overall student experience.

Mission: Student Affairs works to foster an environment where all students can achieve their academic and personal goals.

Values: student centrism, integrity, service, excellence, respect, and inclusion.


Faculty & Staff

Amanda Higginson, MD
Interim Associate Dean for Student Affairs, Clinical Sciences
higginsona14@ecu.edu

Dr. Higginson is a native of South Florida and completed her undergraduate and medical school training at Brown University. She did her residency in Pediatrics at the National Capital Consortium/Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD, and served in the United States Navy from 2006-2013, deploying twice. She became an ECU Pirate in 2014, and has served as Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and interim Director of GME Accreditation prior to her current role as interim Associate Dean for Student Affairs; her primary responsibilities are residency/career advising for all years, Match curriculum, and authoring the Medical Student Performance Evaluations. Her clinical and academic interests include injury prevention, oral health, ADHD, quality improvement, and the transition from undergraduate to graduate medical education. In her free time, Dr. Higginson enjoys relaxing and traveling with her husband and their two children. When she’s not at work, she often can be found spinning on her Peloton bike or reading a good book—a self-proclaimed book nerd, her three dogs are all named after characters in Greek mythology: Lovebug Telemachus, Ajax, and Achilles.


Kema Gadson, EdD
Associate Dean for Student Affairs, Foundational Sciences
gadsonl22@ecu.edu

Dr. Gadson is a native of Daytona Beach, FL. She is a proud graduate of Florida State University where she received her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies along with her M.S. in Higher Education and B.S. in Elementary Education. Previously, Dr. Gadson served as the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and Diversity and Assistant Professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Rural Health at the Florida State University College of Medicine. She became an ECU Pirate in 2023. Her primary responsibilities are advising M1 & M2 students, overseeing OSA operations, and collaborating with faculty and staff to implement effective support services and systems. Dr. Gadson’s scholarly interest centers on the educational and professional development of medical students with a focus on first-generation college students, student success and engagement, help-seeking behaviors, DEI, and student well-being while transitioning through the first two years of medical school. Dr. Gadson enjoys watching college football – especially cheering on the Noles, traveling, Karaoke, true crime podcasts, and game nights with friends.


 


 


Lisa Dozier, BSBE
Clinical Course Advisor
dozierl@ecu.edu

Lisa received her Bachelor of Science in Business Education from ECU and is originally from Enfield, NC. Prior to joining the Office of Student Affairs in 2018, Lisa spent 13 years working in variety of settings across ECU including the Registrar’s office, Sociology, Geography, and Nursing. Lisa coordinates M3 and M4 student schedules, including away rotations, and maintains student ERAS and VSLO records. She is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated and stays busy with her two active daughters. On the weekend she tries to find balance—not between work and family, but on her youngest daughter’s hoverboard!


Gaye Tennison, BSBA
Associate Registrar
tennisong19@ecu.edu

As the Brody School of Medicine Registrar, Gaye manages medical student registration, grades, academic records/transcripts, and licensure. She was born in Hollywood, CA, but spent most of her life in Texas and is a die-hard Aggie, having received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance & Accounting from Texas A&M University. Gaye joined the Office of Student Affairs in 2019, having worked in various ECU areas since 2016. She and her husband have three grown sons living across North Carolina; Gaye keeps herself busy by keeping up with details, designing and making modern quilts, and knitting sweaters. A Francophile at heart, Gaye loves French food, scenery, art, and textiles.


Andrew Ledbetter
Student Affairs Support Coordinator

ledbettera18@ecu.edu

Carmilla Oden
Administrative Support Associate

odenc23@ecu.edu


Vacant

Director of Student Affairs



Contact Us

Office of Student Affairs
Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University
600 Moye Boulevard
Room 2S-20
Greenville, NC 27834
252-744-2278
BSOMStudentAffairs@ecu.edu