Lasting Impressions | Summer 2016

NSU COLLEGE OF DENTAL MEDICINE x 15 Message from the Chancellor NSU has been undergoing a trans- formation related to the realignment of various academic programs. This realignment has created an ancillary benefit, allowing the Health Profes- sions Division (HPD) colleges to look into establishing new baccalaureate and certificate programs that can help channel new students into the graduate and first-professional degree programs. Currently, about 80 percent of NSU’s undergraduate matriculants are biology majors, with many seeking opportunities to gain preliminary exposure within the HPD to our pedagogy, labs, and research methods. As a result, the soon-to-be eight HPD colleges are working diligently to establish these types of opportunities. In an effort to provide additional educational opportunities to first-time college students, there are a number of bachelor’s degree programs that are being proposed and developed within the HPD colleges in a variety of areas, such as nutrition, medical education, and public health. The establishment of new certificate programs that will enhance the educational mix, such as one for pharmacy technicians, is also being considered. After reviewing some recent admissions data regarding students who matriculate into the HPD programs, it has become evident that they know our university is going through a positive academic realignment. Many of these students have also expressed to our admissions teams that they believe NSU is a holistic and interprofessional academic entity. NSU is at an exciting point in its history. As we continue to enhance our educational offerings and enrich our reputation, the significance of these advancements will be of tremendous value to us in the future. As a result, we will attract exceptional students to our programs and recruit additional, first-rate faculty members and researchers to teach and prosper in our colleges. Frederick Lippman, R.Ph. , Ed.D. Chancellor, Health Professions Division