Lasting Impressions | Winter 2014

Uchin believes that dentistry has “matured” as a profession. “That means we need educators who understand new technology plus those who are doing the research in the laboratory to produce new materials and equip- ment. The College of Dental Med- icine continues to push forward in this area,” he said. The Center for Collaborative Research is key to NSU’s growth. The $80-million, 215,000-square- foot training and research facility will have full-service laborato- ries—a vital part of Vision 2020, the shared vision for Nova South- eastern University presented by George L. Hanbury II, Ph.D., pres- ident and CEO of the university. Vision 2020 lists research as one of its missions. It is also listed as one of NSU’s Core Values. Hanbury’s goal is to increase grant funding at NSU from the current $82 million to $300 mil- lion by 2020. NSU’s expansion plans also include Hanbury’s concept for the Academical Village, inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s plan for the founding of the University of Virginia, (which Jefferson called his Academical Village). In the “Jeffersonian concept,” scholars and professionals are brought together with students to blend theory with practice in an aca- demic setting. The $500-million, mixed-use project would trans- form 30 acres that the university now occupies at a shopping center on University Drive into a high-tech research/office park with retail space and residences. The project, currently in devel- opment, will add handsomely to NSU’s existing $2.6-billion economic impact in the state of Florida. “We have to continue the enthusiasm that the College of Dental Medicine was founded upon and continue our progress. There are dental schools all over the world, but they aren’t all great dental schools. NSU has the pioneering spirit and the respect for the profession to con- tinue to make this school one of the top schools for dental medi- cine,” said Oliet. And while a first-rate faculty and technologically advanced facilities are of primary impor- tance, Niessen said it is the stu- dents that will make the difference. “We’re looking for smart, talented individuals who want to pursue a career in dentistry. We’re also looking for people with a heart. We’re a health care profession, and we need people who want to give back. NSU’s College of Dental Medicine develops dentistry lead- ers who want to participate in their community, and who have the competitive advantage and skills to make a difference.” ◆ LEFT: Oscar Padilla, D.D.S., takes care of patient Kevin Cordova at the clinic at NSU’s Mailman Segal Center for Human Development. BELOW: The planned Center for Collaborative Research is a vital part of Vision 2020, the shared vision for NSU presented by George L. Hanbury II, the university’s president and CEO. RIGHT: The college fosters interdisciplinary opportunities, dual degrees, and research, such as that conducted by Cristina Garcia-Godoy, D.D.S., clinical research director. NSU COLLEGE OF DENTAL MEDICINE x 15