ONE NSU MAGAZINE Ray Ferrero, Jr., J.D. PRESIDENT, 1998–2010 A distinguished attorney, Ferrero brought a unique blend of experience to the role, having earned a business administration degree with a concentration in accounting from St. John’s University, followed by service in the U.S. Marine Corps and a J.D. from the University of Florida Levin College of Law. His military background taught him the importance of mission clarity and empowering capable individuals while holding them accountable—lessons that complemented his analytical skills. Ferrero revered NSU’s educational innovation but aimed to strengthen community engagement and communication between schools. He organized charity events to spark essential conversations about the university’s future and its role in the state. To further NSU’s standing, Ferrero also became president of the Florida Association of Colleges and Universities—the only body representing all three higher education sectors: state universities, independent colleges, and community colleges. “NSU will be Florida’s university. We’re providing targeted education that’s necessary for that community in those cities. So, in essence, we’re almost living that now.” —Ray Ferrero, Jr. George L. Hanbury II, Ph.D. PRESIDENT, 2010–2024 Hanbury’s three-decade public service career began at age 30 when he became the youngest city manager of a U.S. city with more than 100,000 residents. Ferrero hired him to futureproof NSU, inspired by his success in leading Fort Lauderdale out of recession, securing hundreds of millions in private investment, and transforming downtown with projects like the Riverwalk and Sistrunk Boulevard revitalization. Before NSU, Hanbury earned a Ph.D. in Public Administration from Florida Atlantic University, fulfilling his mother’s wish. At NSU, he applied his budgeting, bond optimization, and land-use negotiation expertise to expand the university’s footprint across Florida and into Puerto Rico. In 2018, NSU’s accreditation was renewed without a single recommendation—an honor granted to only 1 in 55 institutions. Hanbury also restored research as central to NSU’s mission and introduced unanimously adopted core values and vision statements. “It is the convergence of science, technology, and liberal arts that enables critical thinking and allows today’s students to live out the NSU dream.” —George L. Hanbury II 13
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