Academic

Nova Southeastern was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida during a time of historic social and cultural change. Looking back, 1964 was the perfect time for a tiny college with a handful of students and some revolutionary ideas to take shape. That tiny college grew up to become Nova Southeastern University – and the rest is history.

In 1964, what was then called Nova University of Advanced Technology was chartered as a graduate institution in the physical and social sciences. Over time, Nova added programs in law, education, business, psychology, computer science, and oceanography.

In 1972, the university introduced its first off-campus course of study in education. Soon, Nova became nationally recognized for its innovative distance education programs. Today, field-based programs are located throughout Florida, in 23 states, and at selected international sites.

While Nova University continued to expand its educational reach, Southeastern University of the Health Sciences was also on a course for expansion. The school was created by osteopathic physicians committed to establishing a college in the Southeast. As a result, the Southeastern College of Osteopathic Medicine, as it was first known, opened in 1981.

From 1987 to 1997, Southeastern added colleges of Pharmacy, Optometry, Allied Health, Medical Sciences, and Dental Medicine. In 1994, Nova University merged with Southeastern University of Health Sciences to form Nova Southeastern University.

Today, NSU is the nation's eighth-largest, not-for-profit, independent university, with more than 28,000 students and 148,000 alumni. We have a sprawling, 300-acre Fort Lauderdale-Davie campus and a presence throughout Florida, the U.S. and nine countries around the world. Through five decades of explosive growth, our reputation for academic excellence and innovation continues to flourish.

NSU has always had an innovative, unique approach to education. Our private, undergraduate college offers a personal, nurturing atmosphere. But we're also an exciting university – young, bold and forward thinking. With so many traditional and non-traditional learning opportunities, NSU is the ideal place to open the door to a brighter future.

NSU Presidents