NSU Horizons Spring 2013

“Students are enlightened when they find out that many of the disciplines work together. This experience advances their plans for professional success,” said Rosenblum. BIG SCHOOL, PERSONAL ATTITUDE Large university facilities paired with a small college atmosphere became the deciding factor for Ferrell Cooper, a sophomore from New Jersey who is majoring in legal studies and international business. “When I saw what NSU offered, my mind was made up. I don’t feel like I am just a number here.” Sports also were a draw for Cooper, who is on the men’s track and field team, one of 17 NCAA Division II intercollegiate teams at NSU. “There are not many schools where the president knows your name,” said Lesly Viera, an Undergraduate Honors Program student. She also is one of the undergraduate members of the President’s 64, a group of student leaders who serve as ambassadors at university events and provide feedback to NSU’s president, who established the group. Building the under- graduate population is at the top of NSU’s Vision 2020 Statement that Hanbury instituted when he became the school’s sixth president and chief executive officer in July 2011. “It’s a priority across the board,” said Hanbury. NSU is unusual in its student makeup, having begun as a graduate insti- tution. Today, approximately 20 percent of the school’s popula- tion is undergraduate and 80 percent is graduate and professional, an inverted structure among universities that generally have large undergraduate populations. However, the undergraduate population is growing. In fall 2012, there were 5,739 students enrolled in NSU’s under- graduate degree program, quite substantial since the undergraduate pro- gram began in 1982 with only 29 students. Small class sizes cou- pled with an assurance 11 HORIZONS top : Ed Fitzpatrick, performing and visual arts facilities coordinator at the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences, works with alumni Jonathan Sanz (left) and Ashley Cruz. left : NSU’s high- ranking athletics programs are a draw for student-athletes. below : The Dual Admission Program allows undergradu- ates to start early on their career path. below , left : NSU students take pride in their academics and school spirit.