Jessica Kelso, associate director of health professions advising at Rhodes College, has been elected as the new president of the Southeastern Association of Advisors for the Health Professions (SAAHP), after serving as vice president since 2023. The two-year term began this month.
SAAHP is comprised of colleges and universities in the Southeastern U.S. focused on students preparing for postgraduate health-related programs and professions, including allopathic and osteopathic medicine, dentistry, optometry, podiatry, physician assistants, nursing, pharmacy, chiropractic, and medical technology. It is one of three organizations that comprise the National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions.
Kelso’s role as president includes ensuring SAAHP maintains financial stability, enhancing member engagement, promoting the organization’s policies and governance, and implementing strategies to achieve future success.
“As SAAHP president, I look forward to collaboration opportunities and advocating for students on a national level, which will in turn provide additional perspectives, resources, and partnerships that directly enhance the preparation of our pre-health students,” said Kelso.
Rhodes graduates have acceptance rates into medical and other health professions schools above the national average, and its Health Professions Advising Office creates an environment of support and opportunity through advising, programming, and campus and community partnerships.
Kelso joined the Rhodes staff in 2019, bringing more than nine years of pre-health advising experience from The University of Memphis.