Horizons Fall 2014

2 HORIZONS H orizon S To the Friends and Family of NSU: Protection of the environment is among today’s most important and pressing issues. How we, as a society, act as good stewards of our environment—for us and for future genera- tions—is one of the most significant challenges facing us today. As Nova Southeastern University continues celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, we reflect on how the environment continues to be one of our key priorities. Since it first opened its doors in a houseboat at the Fort Lauderdale marina, NSU’s Oceanographic Center has focused on research and education, leading the charge to protect the environment and the ocean floor. Contributions of the center’s researchers include under- standing the importance of high-latitude coral reefs, restoration and repopulation of dead or injured corals, and learning how reefs have been influenced by ocean conditions. NSU’s response to environmental concerns has been wide-ranging and impactful, involving students, researchers, and staff members not only from the Oceanographic Center, but also from each of our colleges and centers, as illustrated in Horizons ’ main story. Our respon- sibility to the environment spans from academic classes to commu- nity projects to research. The university’s recycling program and energy-efficient building strategies are just two examples of NSU’s environmental consciousness. NSU’s core values of academic excellence, student centered, and community involvement are reflected in our approach to the environment. Our commitment to these values is also illustrated throughout the stories in Horizons . The new clinic in our Department of Audiology makes this respected program even more significant to the students and the community. Further illustrating our dedication to the community is the unique partnership between NSU and the Broward Sheriff’s Office, selected by the U.S. Department of Justice as a nationwide model for how law enforcement agencies and researchers can cooperate. And, as in other editions, Horizons showcases our exceptional students, talented professors, and successful alumni—all of whom continue to make me proud to lead Nova Southeastern University as we begin another milestone—the next 50 years. 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, Oceanographic Center Honggang Yang, Ph.D. Dean, Graduate School of 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 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 Joe Donzelli Associate Director, Public Affairs Jeremy Katzman Associate Director, Public Affairs Vera Mandilovitch Associate Director, Public Affairs Elizabeth Serioux Coordinator, Public Affairs Bernadette Bruce Associate Director of Advancement Communications 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.