In 2011, NSU forged a new path for the future, fortified by a new
vision, eight core values, and a restated mission. As we embark
on our journey toward Vision 2020, we are seeking clarity and
transparency regarding what we are as an institution, where we are
going, and how we plan to get there. With Vision 2020 as a beacon
and a clear course laid out on the path ahead, NSU’s envisioned
future appears eminently achievable.
Scholarship and research is one of NSU’s eight core values. As such,
I am deeply committed to research and its potential to enhance
our academic mission and foster innovation, as well as promote the
concept of universities as “knowledge-based industries.” Research is
particularly vital to the academic health of a university and the rigor
of its programs. Through their research, our faculty members and
students continue to make significant contributions in their fields.
At the same time, they collaborate with other colleagues in disparate
disciplines, helping NSU’s research capacity to continue to expand.
Research conducted at universities typically is undertaken by faculty members to further their individual and
collaborative disciplines. However, most institutions of note also have a healthy institutional research enterprise in
which the focus of study is the institution itself—its faculty members, students, alumni, programs, operations, and any
number of other areas of interest to institutional decision makers. NSU is no exception. We recognize that informed
decision making is vital to our institutional strength and stature and have adopted measurement and analysis regarding
NSU as a primary activity. This past year, we have significantly expanded the application of metrics in examining
our progress and status as an institution. We have built a variety of electronic dashboards to facilitate this ongoing
institutional self-study and to more readily illustrate the scope of our accomplishments, as well as highlight areas
identified for improvement.
Chock full of data and information, this
Fact Book
is a testament to the importance of metrics. Each new edition of the
Fact Book
reflects enhanced institutional quality and the hallmarks of our success. The
Fact Book
provides new insights
into this large, diverse, and innovative institution whose footprint on higher education is undeniably impressive.
I invite readers to explore these pages to learn more about NSU and why I continually reaffirm, “I Believe in NSU!”
George L. Hanbury II, Ph.D.
President and CEO
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Message from the President