Allison Ebalo named as College of Nursing's fall commencement marshal

A third generation Auburn graduate and an Auburn native, Allison Holland Ebalo was selected to be a student marshal representing the College of Nursing at the 2023 fall commencement.

As a registered nurse, she recognized how easily she could become complacent in her work and wanted to seize an opportunity for growth. She desired more autonomy and the ability to make decisions alongside the patients in her care.

As a graduate student, Allison was a GTA at the College of Nursing, working with undergraduate nursing students in lab and simulation as well as helping to conduct research with Nourish Wellness. “The faculty at AUCON is very dear to me,” said Allison. “They have continued to encourage me, invest their time in me, and lovingly guide me along the past three years. In addition, they have been the best coworkers during my time as a student!”

Looking back, she would not change anything about her time at Auburn, but if she just HAD to name one thing, she wishes she had gotten the undergraduate campus life experience. “The Auburn spirit is unlike any other and to get to share that spirit with thousands of other students living on campus and being in Jordan-Hare every Saturday during football season would have been special.”

“Allison has shown steadfast dedication to her education throughout her time at AUCON,” said Rachael Sweeney, assistant clinical professor and PCNP program coordinator. “Through a very unexpected turn of events in her personal life, she had to take a short leave from her studies, but never lost sight of her goal. She also worked as a graduate teaching assistant and was able to mentor and guide undergraduate students pursuing a nursing degree. Allison always has a smile to share and an inspirational attitude.”

“Allison was an invaluable part of the Ecuador Medical Mission team in 2022,” said Ann Lambert, associate clinical professor. “She was enrolled in our nurse practitioner program and provided services to women in a rural town near Quito. She oriented briefly with Dr. Dubois and Dr. Pridemore and then saw patients independently for the rest of the week. Allison's gentle spirit and compassion was a blessing to these patients. She and her translator became instant friends and stayed connected. Her husband, Josh, also traveled with our group.”

She is married to Josh Ebalo, who is also an Auburn nursing graduate. They have one daughter, Shiloh, who was born prematurely earlier this year, a whopping 1 pound, 14oz. Together, they enjoy family, Auburn football, traveling, and the community found at Christ Presbyterian Church.

Allison plans to work locally as a nurse practitioner in a functional medicine clinic, addressing the root cause of disease and helping patients achieve true wellness. Her career goal would be to motivate hope in her patients, in a time when most feel anything but hope. She wants patients to know that their bodies are meant to heal and that a better quality of life is attainable.