Student Support and Advocacy
Vanderbilt University School of Nursing’s Office for Student Affairs is responsible for the organization and oversight of a comprehensive student affairs program that supports the school’s mission, meets the needs of a diverse population and fosters student engagement. The office coordinates and oversees policies, programs and services that support non-academic student success. Office staff and leadership coordinate and advise all student nursing organizations, develop and monitor protocols that foster and support scholarly activities, coordinate and manage community outreach and advocacy efforts. The Office of Student Affairs holds responsibility for planning and implementation of the Pinning and Commencement ceremonies for VUSN, as well as new student orientation and composite photography
Dr. Feylyn M. Lewis, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs
Feylyn M. Lewis, PhD, is the primary student advocate and referral source in responding directly to non-academic student matters. This role requires knowledge of university resources and familiarity with state and federal regulations pertaining to management of student records, privacy, and safety (e.g., FERPA, Americans with Disabilities Act, Title IX, Campus Safety & Security Act, etc.). She provides communication related to student morale and general welfare to senior leadership. Dr. Lewis works in collaboration with VUSN faculty and leadership, including the Associate Dean for Strategic Enrollment, Associate Dean for Culture and Connectedness, Senior Associate Dean of Academics, and Dean Pamela Jeffries. She is responsible for providing vision, leadership and strategic planning for student affairs programming that delivers support services, student life and community engagement.
Allie Noote, Associate Director, Student Affairs
Since joining VUSN in 2015, Allie Noote, MA, has taken a dedicated role in fostering a robust student life experience. Allie plans the Pinning and Commencement ceremonies and other student affairs events. She provides financial management of the student affairs budget and student organization expenditures. Allie leads the planning of new student orientation and composite photography for graduating students. Allie assists with the programming of student organizations, as well as overseeing the creation of the student newsletter each week.
Melanie Carignan, Student Success Advisor
Melanie Carignan is a dedicated higher education professional with a background in academic advising and student support. A proud graduate of the University of Massachusetts Lowell, she went on to support students in a professional capacity at the same institution, as an Academic Advisor. Melanie guided students through academic planning, goal-setting, and university resources to promote academic success.
At Curry College, Melanie served as the Coordinator of Peer Tutoring and Advising. She developed a Peer Tutoring Program, trained student leaders, and worked closely with faculty and staff to enhance academic support services. Melanie helped foster a collaborative, student-centered learning environment that prioritized engagement and growth.
Passionate about student development, retention, and academic success, Melanie brings a student-first approach. Melanie is committed to creating inclusive and empowering educational experiences that help students reach their full potential.
Melanie now serves as an Academic Success Advisor at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, where she supports students through a holistic approach to advising by addressing academic, personal, and professional development to ensure well-rounded student success.
Dr. Brandon Haskins, Student Success Advisor
Dr. Brandon Haskins currently serves as a Student Success Advisor at Vanderbilt University, School of Nursing, where he leads with vision and strategic direction to enhance student life, engagement, and academic excellence. With over 10 years of progressive leadership in higher education and K-12 environments, Dr. Haskins has established a strong record in student leadership development, retention initiatives, culture and belonging, and student success programming at both the institutional and systems level.
At the heart of Dr. Haskins' leadership is a steadfast belief in the transformative power of student-focused education. Prior to his current role, Dr. Haskins served in multiple leadership positions across student affairs and academic affairs, including his tenure at Tennessee State University where he led first-generation initiatives that significantly contributed to students’ persistence and graduation outcomes. His work spans secondary and postsecondary education, with a specialized focus on bridging access and equity for historically underserved student populations.
His educational development began as a student at Tennessee State University where he majored in Mass Communications. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree, he pursued the Master of Education, Instructional Leadership; both from Tennessee State University. Dr. Haskins earned his Doctor of Education in Leadership and Professional Practice from Trevecca Nazarene University.