Horizons Fall 2014

31 HORIZONS For more information on NSU’s regional campuses, visit www.nova.edu/campuses . puerto rico The new NSU regional campus in San Juan offers two much- needed programs, pharmacy and education. The island needs approximately 5,500 pharmacists, but has only about half that number practicing, said Andres Malavé, executive director for the Puerto Rico Regional Campus. Puerto Rico has a particular need for community pharma- cists to work in low-income and remote areas, added Malavé. Often in these assignments, the role of the pharmacist, as first contact, is to educate patients and their caregivers on how to use medications for the best results. NSU pharmacy students conduct clinical work at many sites including the University of Puerto Rico’s teaching hospital. The campus also has a significant need for exceptional student education, instructional technology, and distance education, said Malavé. It offers master’s and doctoral degree programs—with specializations in mathematics and science education, educational leadership, and instruc- tional technology—in a mix of face-to-face, video, and online instruction. The new, 37,400-square-foot, four-story Puerto Rico Regional Campus includes 200 pharmacy students and 150 students in the education program with approximately 25 full- time administrators, instructors, and staff members. The new building includes $7-million worth of state-of-the-art technology on its two teaching floors, and students have a seamless connection with other NSU campuses. The building contains classrooms, labs, study rooms, conference rooms, and a fitness center. jacksonville At the Jacksonville Regional Campus, students’ and faculty members’ commitment to NSU’s Core Value of community results in numerous fund- raisers to benefit local causes and provide health care services to nursing home residents and underserved communities in the area. One group of students from the regional campus traveled last summer to Nicaragua on a medical mission trip. The physician assistant master’s degree is one of the premier programs at the Jacksonville Regional Campus, said Cynthia Farmer, the assistant director of student recruitment and enrollment. Graduates provide health care in hospitals and private practice, including specialized areas such as pediatrics, dermatology, emergency room, and psychiatry. Students gain their clinical experience at the nearby Mayo Clinic and other area hospitals. The program is in high demand, with about 1,300 applications received for only 56 seats, said Farmer. The Jacksonville Regional Campus serves about 1,000 students from seven northeast Florida counties and parts of Georgia; it offers programs to accommodate professionals balancing work, family life, and studies. Programs include bachelor’s degrees and advanced degrees in business, computer science, education, counseling, criminal justice, health science, and psychology. Many of the programs are available online. n Top and center: NSU’s newest regional campus in Puerto Rico offers a pharmacy program for 150 students. Bottom: The Jacksonville Regional Campus serves about 1,000 students.