Dean’s Student Advisory Board Members

Madison Swallow - Advisory Board President
Madison Swallow- Student Advisory Board Chair

Hometown: Rockingham

Classification: Junior

Reason for joining the Board: As the Dean's Student Advisory Board Chair at UNC Pembroke's Thomas College of Business and Economics, I am passionate about helping students transition smoothly into university life, boosting awareness of resources and opportunities, and making UNC Pembroke's Thomas College of Business and Economics the best Business College in the Southeast! I help plan and promote professional development events with the Dean's Student Advisory Board, creating enriching experiences to prepare fellow students and me to learn how to have successful careers. By listening to student feedback, I strive to continue fostering an exceptional academic environment that empowers everyone to thrive.

For questions and more information about the Student Advisory Board, contact Madison at: MVS008@bravemail.uncp.edu

“The type of person you are is usually reflected in your business.
To improve your business, first improve yourself.”

― Idowu Koyenikan, Wealth for All: Living a Life of Success at the Edge of Your Ability
Kiarra Payton- Student Advisory Board Secretary
Kiarra Payton- Board Secretary

Hometown: Fayetteville, NC

Classification: Senior

Reason for joining the Board: I am Kiarra Payton and I am currently a co-chair on the Pembroke Activities Council here on campus. I am interested in being on this advisory board because I have never been presented with an opportunity like this to be able to have a say in things that affect me directly. Rarely, ever do we as students get to sit down and talk to the Dean of our schools while he sits and listens and that is something I'd like to be a part of. 

Sonia Gonzalez- Co Vice Chair
Sonia Gonzalez- Co Vice Chair

Hometown: Youngsville, NC

Classification: Junior

Reason for joining the Board: I would love to serve on the School of Business Advisory Board to have the opportunity to bring new ideas and suggestions to make the School of Business a better, student-driven, and encouraging environment for our Business students. I would love to be part of the student advisory board as much as possible to leave a mark in this school as it will leave a mark in my educational journey as a Business major. 

Jordan Majette- Co Vice Chair
Jordan Majette- Co Vice Chair

Hometown: Durham, NC 

Classification: Senior

Reason for joining the Board: I believe that my multi-faceted experiences during my matriculation at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke makes me an ideal candidate for the School of Business Student Advisory Board. I bring a perspective that encompasses that of a transfer student and continuing student. I believe it is important to highlight and celebrate successes while making room for transparent conversations on opportunities for enhancements and growth.

Joana Rebollar-Baltazar
Joana Rebollar-Baltazar

Hometown: Youngsville, NC

Classification: Junior

Reason for joining the Board: Joana Rebollar-Baltazar, Business Administration in Management, Raleigh, NC, I wanted to be in the Dean's Student Advisory Board because I want to make sure students are being heard and that their opinions and feedback are being implemented through any changes the Dean can help make. I want to know that when I graduate these changes will be implemented and the School of Business will be a building every individual would like to be at.

Abigail Combs
Abigail Combs

Hometown: Fayetteville, NC

Classification: Senior

Reason for joining the Board: Since joining this lovely campus and, more importantly, this field of study, I have had the ability to learn about how my personal passions and the occupation of business can intertwine into a future career that is both personally fulfilling and success driven. I currently speak English and French, but I do also have a fundamental knowledge of Spanish, and even know some Norwegian, Micronesian, and Tagalog. With these skills combined, I feel as though I would not only provide useful insights but also help form a bridge between students and the school as an entity. 

Armani Jones-Elliot
Armani Jones-Elliot

Hometown: Raleigh, NC

Classification: Junior

Reason for Joining the Board: I participate in Black Student Union, secretary of Economics Club, secretary of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, NPHC member, Beta Gamma Sigma member, and I also work for the New student Program office as a mentor and a student assistant. I would like to be on the student advisory board because I work with business students, and they give me insight on the classes/staff. I want to be able to make connections with the faculty/staff and get the questions I have answered.  

Monica Franklin
Monica Franklin

Hometown: Wilmington NC

Classification: Senior

Reason for Joining the Board: I joined the board because we at UNCP have amazing resources and professors, and many of our students do not have the knowledge on how to take advantage of them. 

Elizabeth Hunt
Elizabeth Hunt

Hometown: Lumberton N.C

Classification: Senior

Reason for joining the Board: I am Elizabeth "Liz" Hunt; I currently serve as the president of W.O.M.A.N 501C3, I am also a general body member of NASO. This year I had the opportunity to serve as an Orientation Leader for the 21'-22 school year, with my experiences, I believe I can positively contribute helpful suggestions; to benefit our students. 

Peter Welch
Peter Welch

Hometown: South Mills, NC

Classification: Senior

Reason for joining the Board: I joined the student advisory board because I believe I can make a positive difference for the students at the Thomas school of business 

Maria Lazaro
Maria Lazaro

Hometown: Washington, DC

Classification: Junior

Reason for joining the Board: I am Maria Lazaro, a junior Accounting major in the Thomas School of Business. I enjoy being involved on campus. I joined the Dean's Student Advisory Board to provide perspective as an accounting student, help student voices have a seat at the table, and play a role in the School of Business achieving great things.

Jonathon Moore
Jonathon Moore

Hometown: Hope Mills, NC

Classification: Second Degree

Reason for joining the Board: I feel I can efficiently provide insight on ways we as a group can improve and enhance the students' experience in the School of Business. As an older student taking online courses and pursuing a second Bachelor's degree, I feel I can provide information in how to fulfill this mission from the viewpoint of all types of students: young and old, face-to-face and online, secondary degree seekers, students who are parents, students who are employed, and students who are seeking a change in their career.

Jordan Redmon
Jordan Redmon

Hometown: Raeford NC.

Classification: Junior

Reason for joining the Board: I'd love to be a part of the advisory board because I enjoy representing the student body, more specifically our business majors here at UNCP. I am honored to be a part of the business program here and quite proud of how well I've performed academically so far. 

Zion Sellers
Zion Sellers

Hometown: Charlotte, NC

Classification: Senior

Reason for joining the Board: As a business major it’s important to take the time to analyze our department in order to maintain structure, graduation rate, and how it benefits students in the long run. Here at UNCP we have a board designed to ensure students are learning at a high level but also developing necessary skills to be successful leaders in their industries post-graduation. I wanted to be on this board to carry out this vision. I am a great representation of what UNC Pembroke encompasses. I want to help implement new policies and strategies to help make our Thomas School of Business more competitive compared to other schools and make sure we are constantly improving in every aspect.

Brandon Glenn
Brandon Glenn

Hometown: Salisbury, NC

Classification: Junior

Reason for joining the Board:  I want to be able to work with other business students to make the business school an even better place for everyone. I think it is great that students will be able to have their voices heard, especially for a new building that will most likely undergo many changes. I want to have a lasting impact on the university, helping create an environment that current/future students can perform their best in.

Billy F. Thomas III
Billy F. Thomas III

Hometown: Laurinburg, NC 

Classification: Freshman

Reason for joining the Board: Billy F. Thomas III is from Laurinburg, North Carolina. A highly motivated and dedicated financial professional with 5 years of extensive work experience in the field and a proven ability to direct, strategize, problem solve and overcome complex challenges. Billy F. Thomas III is precise and a visionary licensed life insurance agent with demonstrated experience in financial services. He possesses a sound foundational understanding of business processes, with the ability to assess levels of execution and identify risk, trends and control improvement. Someone who excels at handling multiple projects and meeting tight deadlines, embraces change and adapts to new technology quickly. He brings a unique set of skills and perspective.