LEXINGTON, Va. June 8, 2026 — Virginia Military Institute has named Maj. Alison Burke, assistant professor in the Department of Biology, as the Institute’s health professions advisor, assuming the role vacated by Col. Wade Bell upon his retirement last year.

The health professions advising program helps cadets navigate pathways to a variety of healthcare careers. Through one-on-one advising, professional development workshops, networking opportunities, clinical experiences, research opportunities, and mentorships, cadets build competitive applications while developing the leadership and resilience expected of future healthcare professionals. Burke assists with academic planning, course selection, experiential learning opportunities, standardized test preparation, personal statements, interviews, and the professional school application process. She also works to expand opportunities for cadets through partnerships and articulation agreements with professional programs and healthcare organizations. VMI maintains relationships with institutions offering medical training including Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University, Virginia Commonwealth University, Mary Baldwin University, and Texas A&M University’s Military Medicine Program.

Approximately 10 cadets per year enter a healthcare profession, and Burke believes the qualities developed through the VMI experience makes them particularly well-suited for careers in the field. “Healthcare professionals must be leaders, problem-solvers, effective communicators, and lifelong learners. The discipline, resilience, integrity, and commitment to service that cadets develop at VMI provide an exceptional foundation for success in health professions,” she said.

Burke has been a faculty member in VMI’s biology department since 2020. A molecular microbiologist by training, she earned her doctorate from Virginia Tech and brings extensive experience in microbiology, molecular biology, virology, and cell biology to her advising role.

Additional information on health professions advising at VMI may be found here.