NSU Horizons Fall 2011

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 Frederick Lippman, R.Ph., Ed.D. Chancellor, Health Professions Division Frank DePiano, Ph.D. Provost and Executive Vice President, Academic Affairs Joanne Ferchland-Parella, M.B.A., M.L.A. Vice President, Institutional Advancement David Dawson, B.B.A. Executive Director, University Relations Richard E. Dodge, Ph.D. Dean, Oceanographic Center Brad A. Williams, Ed.D. Dean, Student Affairs Honggang Yang, Ph.D. Dean, Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences EXECUTIVE EDITOR Mara L. Kiffin Associate Director, Internal Communications MANAGING EDITOR Oline H. Cogdill ART DIRECTOR Susan Hayward Associate Director of Publications/ Senior Graphic Designer CONTRIBUTING EDITORS AND WRITERS Julie Spechler Director, Public Affairs Felecia Henderson Associate Director, Public Affairs Brandon Hensler Associate Director, Public Affairs Andra Parrish Liwag Associate Director, Public Affairs Ken Ma Associate Director, Public Affairs Elizabeth Serioux Coordinator, Public Affairs OFFICE OF PUBLICATIONS Ron Ryan Director of Publications Sheryl Koral University Editor Kymberly Robinson Associate Editor and Copywriter Roberta Harris Graphic Production Manager Send letters to the editor to mkiffin@nova.edu or use our online contact form. H orizon S To the Friends and Family of NSU: This is the first issue of Horizons that I greet you as NSU’s sixth president. It seems only fitting that this issue also is about fresh starts. Horizons is a perfect platform for me to discuss the university’s shared vision, which was adopted by NSU’s Board of Trustees on March 28, 2011. Our Vision 2020 Statement is By 2020, through excellence and innovations in teaching, research, service, and learning, Nova Southeastern University will be recognized by accrediting agencies, the academic community, and the general public as a premier, private, not-for-profit university of quality and distinction that engages all students and produces alumni who serve with integrity in their lives, fields of study, and resulting careers. This vision is the guiding light for all that we do and is reflected in NSU’s eight core values: academic excellence, student centered, innovation, opportunity, scholarship/research, diversity, integrity, and community. The myriad articles in this issue of Horizons showcase that shared vision and are exemplary of our core values. For example, scientists and researchers at NSU’s Oceanographic Center have dedicated their careers to preserving the coral reefs and reef ecosys- tems through new discoveries and by developing cutting-edge scientific data. Their efforts were instrumental in securing the matching grant to build the Center of Excellence for Coral Reef Ecosystems Science Research Facility, scheduled to open next summer. The center will be the country’s largest coral reef research center and will attract top visiting scientists, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students. This issue also shows that NSU is home to nationally known experts on habitual abusive behavior, treatment, or harassment, commonly known as bullying. Our behavioral scientists have made NSU a vital resource for school officials, human resources directors, and law enforcement departments attempting to curb this growing problem that impacts every age group. In addition, Horizons illustrates how NSU’s student educational centers bring facilities to students in order for them to achieve academic excellence and make the collegiate experience accessible to every major Florida metro- politan area. Finally, Horizons will introduce you to outstanding students, faculty members, and distinguished alumni whose accomplishments make us proud and whose efforts will help NSU bring its vision to reality. George L. Hanbury II, Ph.D. President, Nova Southeastern University