2021 NSU Fact Book

42 NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY Historical Highlights • National University provided $520,000 to NSU to start the Sanford Harmony and Inspire programs in Florida. • NSU’s Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) Program was ranked in the Top 50 Best Value Online M.S.N. Programs of 2015 by Value Colleges. • The Alvin Sherman Library received the Broward Family Favorite 2015 Award from Broward Family Life Magazine . 2016 • For the first time, Nova Southeastern University made U.S. News & World Report ’s ranking list of the nations Best Colleges, coming in at 214 out of the more than 4,000 colleges and universities in the country. Additionally, the publication ranked three of the univer- sity’s online programs among the top in country: nurs- ing, criminal justice, and education. • NSU’s first comprehensive fundraising campaign, Realizing Potential, kicked off its public phase in 2016, with the lofty goal of raising $250 million through philanthropy. Research was integral for the success of all three priorities of the campaign, and it also was the focus of the university’s concurrent efforts to raise an additional $300 million in sponsored research, service, and training projects. The campaign would later sur- pass its $250-million goal three years ahead of sched- ule, making it the largest fundraising effort in Broward County’s history. • Groundbreaking research is the cornerstone of NSU’s Center for Collaborative Research, which opened in 2016 after years of anticipation. This 215,000-square- foot, six-story facility is equipped with wet and dry labs; state-of-the-art research equipment, including access to a high-performance computing environment; and other resources. The CCR building has been sub- mitted to the United States Green Building Council for review with the intent of receiving Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) gold certification. The CCR took two years to complete and reflects an investment of nearly $100 million in Broward County. • Community leaders Rita and Rick Case established a scholarship endowment to attract outstanding under- graduate students. In honor of the Cases’ gift and ongoing support, the university officially named its arena in the Don Taft University Center, the Rick Case Arena. The Rick Case Arena will host athletic competi- tions, concerts, shows, the university’s open house, and other internal and external programs. • NSU was designated a Military Friendly School by Viqtory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs , STEM Jobs , and Military Spouse . Military Friendly Schools is a designa- tion established in 2003 to assist service members and their families to select the best college, university, or trade school to receive the education and training needed to pursue a civilian career. Additionally, London-based Times Higher Education ranked NSU as 1 of 20 universities in the world and of only 9 universities in the United States that “could challenge the elite” universities and become globally renowned by the year 2030. • The university community celebrated the grand open- ing and dedication ceremony of the newly expanded Noël P. Brown Sports Center on the NSU University School campus. This 59,000-square-foot facility is the new permanent location for Special Olympics Broward County and includes training and fitness rooms for student-athletes, offices, locker room facilities, and a gymnasium. • The U.S. Department of Education ranked NSU as the second-best college in South Florida in terms of highest-earning graduates. According to the report, NSU graduates earn approximately $12,000 per year more than the national average. This extraordinary news is a testament to the quality education that NSU students receive. • The Craig and Barbara Weiner Holocaust Reflection and Resource Center opened at NSU’s Alvin Sherman Library, Research, and Information Technology Center. • NSU’s AutoNation Institute for Breast Cancer Research and Care opened in the CCR. The NSU Cell Therapy Institute also moved in to the facility. • The NSU Sharks baseball team won the NCAA Division II National Championship, and the NSU swimming and diving teams received three golds at NCAA Championships.