Horizons Fall 2015

2 NSU HORIZONS To the Friends and Family of NSU: Nova Southeastern University’s Core Values illustrate our commitment to education. And, these values—academic excellence, student cen- tered, integrity, innovation, opportunity, scholar- ship/research, diversity, and community—are put into practice daily at NSU. This issue of NSU’s Horizons magazine—which marks its 10th anniversary—shows how our core values are part of the daily fabric at the university. During this year, NSU undertook a realignment of the academic pro- grams in its colleges. The new structuring, which aligns all degree levels within the same colleges, is reflective of our commitment to our students. Call it an educational collaboration among students, professionals, and faculty members. The national, hot-button issue of athletes who experience concussions is an important part of the research at the university. A Horizons article outlines how NSU researchers have created a unique partnership with the Broward County Athletic Association to educate coaches, school admin- istrators, athletic trainers, and others on the effects of concussions and how to properly monitor athletes before they return to the playing field. Likewise, you can read about how NSU is involved in another national issue with researchers and educators from several of our colleges working to combat addiction through myriad initiatives. NSU also values the arts, and this issue of the magazine looks at the university’s performing arts program, also celebrating its 10th anniver- sary. First-rate theatrical productions are produced by students on the Fort Lauderdale/Davie Campus, while several alumni have gone on to work in professional, regional theaters. A visit to our Miami Campus in Kendall shows how community involvement enhances the academic experience offered by NSU. This issue of Horizons also introduces some of our successful alumni and strong faculty members whose careers embody NSU’s Core Values. Again, I am proud to continue to lead Nova Southeastern University, where our core values are a reality. George L. Hanbury II, Ph.D. President and Chief Executive Officer Nova Southeastern University Horizons is produced by the Office of University Relations at Nova Southeastern University 3301 College Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33314-7796 ADVISORY BOARD George L. Hanbury II, Ph.D. President and Chief Executive Officer Jacqueline A. Travisano, M.B.A., CPA Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Ralph V. Rogers, Ph.D. Executive Vice President, Academic Affairs and Provost Frederick Lippman, R.Ph., Ed.D. Chancellor, Health Professions Division Richard E. Dodge, Ph.D. Dean, Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography Honggang Yang, Ph.D. Dean, College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Brad A. Williams, Ed.D. Vice President, Student Affairs; Dean, College of Undergraduate Studies Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson, Ph.D. Vice President, Advancement and Community Relations Brandon L. Hensler, M.S., APR Interim Executive Director, University Relations Julie Spechler, M.A. Director, Public Affairs EXECUTIVE EDITOR Mara L. Kiffin Director, Internal Communications MANAGING EDITOR Oline H. Cogdill ART DIRECTOR Susan Tischenkel-Hayward Associate Director/Senior Graphic Designer, Office of Publications CONTRIBUTING EDITORS AND WRITERS Bernadette Bruce Associate Director, Advancement Communications Joe Donzelli Associate Director, Public Affairs Jeremy Katzman Associate Director, Public Affairs Vera Mandilovitch Associate Director, Public Affairs Elizabeth Serioux Coordinator, Public Affairs OFFICE OF PUBLICATIONS Ron Ryan Director Sheryl Koral University Editor Carol Reynolds-Srot Associate Editor/Copywriter Roberta Harris Graphic Production Manager Send letters to the editor to mkiffin@nova.edu or use our online contact form. H ORIZON S