May 14, 2003

Contact:
Jennifer Meriam, Director (954) 262-5355
Mike Laderman, Associate Director, (954) 262-5354
Mara Kiffin, Coordinator, (954) 262-5350

Broward Schools Superintendent Delivers Nova Southeastern University Commencement Address

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL —Franklin L. Till, Jr., Ed.D., superintendent of Broward County Schools, addressed graduates of Nova Southeastern University's (NSU) Health Professions Division (HPD) at its commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 25, 2:00 p.m. in the Office Depot Center in Sunrise. Over 6,000 guests, including family and friends of graduates attended the ceremony.

NSU President, Ray Ferrero, Jr., J.D., and HPD Chancellor Morton Terry, D.O., confered degrees upon 495 graduating students from the colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, Dental Medicine, Optometry and Pharmacy. President Ferrero also confered an honorary Doctor of Pedagogy degree upon Till.

In 1999, the School Board of Broward County tapped Till to lead its schools into the new millennium. The experienced administrator immediately placed a top priority on student achievement; he also provided the leadership needed to ensure positive outcomes for the District as it works with the Governor's A+ Plan. Over the years, Dr. Till worked tirelessly to address such issues as overcrowding; meeting the needs of a highly diverse population; and funding limitations. He introduced the concept of using task forces to help address all the above issues---a strategy he used effectively in San Diego, California, where he worked as the Senior Deputy to the Superintendent of Schools for the San Diego Unified School District before coming to Broward County.

Till earned his bachelor's degree in mathematics/economics in 1969 and a master's degree in curriculum and instruction in 1973 from San Diego State University. He went on to get his doctorate from the University of Southern California in 1980. During a career of more than 30 years, Till worked his way up through the ranks of the San Diego school system where he held numerous positions, including assistant principal and assistant superintendent for educational services.

The College of Osteopathic Medicine awarded 176 Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degrees; furthermore, four of the students received Master of Public Health degrees as well. This year's graduates have accepted internships/residencies at hospitals and universities throughout the country. These include: Broward General Medical Center, Columbia Hospital, Bethesda Naval Medical Center, Brook Army Medical Center, Eisenhower Army Medical Center, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Doctor's Hospital, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Naval Medical Center, Miami Children's Hospital, Palmetto General Hospital, Miami Heart Institute-Mount Sinai Medical Center, Sun Coast Hospital, and White Memorial Hospital.

The College of Pharmacy awarded Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degrees to 124 students. Graduates have been chosen for internships and residencies in numerous hospitals including: Hospice of Palm Beach, Jackson Memorial Hospital, San Juan Veterans Administration Medical Center, North Broward Medical Center, and Memorial Regional Hospital. Other graduates will be working in a community setting in programs offered by CVS, Eckert, Navarro, Publix, and Walgreens Pharmacies.

The College of Optometry awarded 89 Doctor of Optometry degrees, while the College of Dental Medicine awarded 106 Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) degrees. The college is the newest dental school to open in the United States in over 30 years.