Undergraduate Admissions Nova Southeastern University Horvitz Administration Bldg. 3301 College Avenue Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33314 admissions@nova.edu
(954) 262-8000 (800) 338-4723
Contact Undergraduate Admissions
Interim Executive Dean of Undergraduate Admissions and Dean of International AffairsPhone: (954) 262-8000Denapoli@nova.edu
Fluent in Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and French
Degree: B.A. in Secondary Education and Spanish, M.S. in Foreign Language Education, Ed.D. in Educational Leadership
“Families should be proud of the university’s commitment to diversity and multiculturalism and to its role in ensuring that all NSU students graduate with the global skills they need to compete in an interdependent world."
Assistant Dean of Undergraduate AdmissionsDirect: (954) 262-8007, Cell: (954) 496-1788Craig.Futterman@nova.edu
Degree: B.S. in Mathematics
“Whether you are attracted to NSU for its academics, athletics, clubs and organizations, or scholarships, you will find a multitude of possibilities that will help you succeed not only in the classroom, but in your career and beyond.”
Craig is from Long Island, New York but has spent the last 30+ years in South Florida. He earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University at Albany, State University of New York. Craig’s favorite tradition at NSU is Sharkapalooza, a memorable welcome-home event that serves as a networking opportunity where you can meet the members of all the clubs and organizations at NSU. Sharkapalooza also features music, performances, great prizes, activity booths, and great food. Craig serves as support to the Dean of Undergraduate Admissions, providing data, insight and historical context to new emerging strategies.
“I believe in the wealth of opportunities that Nova Southeastern University provides to our students. Whether you are attracted to NSU for its academics, athletics, clubs and organizations, or scholarships, you will find a multitude of possibilities that will help you succeed not only in the classroom, but in your career and beyond.”
Executive Director of Undergraduate AdmissionsDirect: (954) 262-7951; Cell: (954) 599-0076Bridget.Varisco@nova.edu
Counsels students from: Oregon and Hawaii
Degree: B.S. in Human Sciences, M.S. in Criminal Justice
“NSU offers a diverse catalog of majors and programs that allows students to gain a level of experience in their field unlike any other. Our experiential-based learning presents our students with the capability to involve themselves in research projects, internships, and other 'learn-by-doing’ activities outside of the classroom."
Bridget is a South Florida local and has been for most of her life. She received a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University in human sciences and a master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University in criminal justice. Her passion for NSU stems from the enhanced learning experiences that Nova Southeastern University provides its students.
“NSU offers a diverse catalog of majors and programs that allows students to gain a level of experience in their field unlike any other. Our experiential based learning presents our students with the capability to involve themselves in research projects, internships, and other learn by ’doing’ activities outside of the classroom. These are the experiences that prime our graduates for future success and great achievements.”
Director of Undergraduate AdmissionsDirect: (954) 262-8137; Cell: (954) 298-4918Liza.Romansky@nova.edu
Counsels students from: Louisiana, Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C.
Degree: B.A. in Mass Communication, M.A. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution
"No matter what area of study you plan on majoring in, there is something at Nova Southeastern University where real world experience is occurring and the greater community is benefiting from it."
Originally from Northeast Pennsylvania, Liza left the snow behind in search of the great outdoors in South Florida, especially the endless amount of waterways where she enjoys kayaking, camping and fishing. She spends a lot of time on the beautiful 314 acre NSU campus, while cheering on the athletic teams - especially the 2016 National Champion Baseball team. Liza earned a bachelor's degree in mass communication from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania and a master's degree in conflict analysis and resolution with a Graduate Certificate in College Student Personnel from NSU.
Why does Liza love it so much at NSU? "No matter what area of study you plan on majoring in, there is something at Nova Southeastern University where real world experience is occurring and the greater community is benefiting from it." Just look at Liza's three-year-old daughter, who is a student at the Mailman Family Center preschool and getting special instruction from the speech language and pathology undergraduate and graduate students on campus.
Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions - Marketing and CommunicationsDirect: (954) 262-8048; Cell: (954) 253-6830Bradley.Bartlett@nova.edu
Counsels students from: Minnesota
Degree: B.A. in Interpersonal and Public Communication
“You won’t find many schools with small class-sizes where ALL professors have the highest credentials in their field. Add the perks of tickets to Miami Dolphin home games and resort-like facilities on campus, and NSU will feel like a great (sunny and tropical) new home."
Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions - Premier Programs and Shark Preview WeekendsDirect: (954) 262-8059; (954) 257-2991Crysta.Diaz@nova.edu
Fluent in Spanish
Counsels students from: Arizona, Nebraska, Oklahoma, North Texas and Utah
Degree: B.A. in English Literature, M.S. in Higher Education Administration
“My favorite part about NSU is that our location offers students experiential learning opportunities that few other institutions can.”
Crysta Diaz is a Miami native with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Florida International University and Master of Science in Higher Education Administration from the University of Miami. She truly enjoys living in South Florida and takes full advantage of the art and culture in the surrounding area.
“My favorite part about NSU is our location. South Florida offers students experiential learning opportunities that few other institutions can due to the blossoming and diverse environment."
Associate Director of International AdmissionsDirect: (954) 262-8005; Cell: (954) 661-5101Alexandra.Hartmann@nova.edu
Fluent in German and French
Counsels students from: Asia, Europe, Middle East, and Oceania, plus students living in the U.S. with foreign citizenship Last Name A-J
Degree: B.S. in Biology, M.S. in Higher Education Administration
"Students and their families should take advantage of the Premier Programs that NSU has to offer, including Dual Admission and Razor’s Edge Scholars."
Alexandra is originally from Germany but grew up in France, and she spent eight years in Boston before moving to South Florida. She came to the United States to study at UMass Amherst, where she received a B.S. in Biology and, later, a Master of Science in Higher Education Administration from Northeastern University.
She is very happy to be part of the friendly and dynamic Nova Southeastern admissions team in sunny Florida. Alex loves traveling around the world and telling students and their families about the amazing Dual Admission options and the Razor’s Edge Scholars programs at NSU.
Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions - Transfer StudentsDirect: (954) 262-8016, Cell: (954) 471-6188Clyde.Lewis@nova.edu
Counsels students interested in: Transferring or Online - Last name A-G; Last name S-Z
Degree: B.S. in Social Work, M.S. in Human Resource Management
"What makes NSU unique is the attention paid to detail in designing the academic curriculum. Input is often solicited from employers with the intent of producing graduates who meet their professional expectations."
Clyde Lewis is originally from the twin island nation of Trinidad and Tobago and has been living in South Florida since 1997. He is currently working on a doctoral degree in education at Nova Southeastern University. His education also includes an M.S. in Human Resource Management from Nova Southeastern University and a B.S. in Social Work from Florida Atlantic University. Prior to joining the world of higher education, Clyde held roles as an advocate for the elderly, chaired an international charity organization and worked as a human resources manager.
Clyde’s take on what makes NSU unique is the attention paid to detail in designing the academic curriculum. Input is often solicited from employers with the intent of producing graduates who meet their professional expectations.
Clyde conducts monthly visits at Miami Dade College and is eager to assist you on your path to the joining the NSU experience.
Assistant Director of Undergraduate AdmissionsDirect: (954) 262-7476; Cell: (954) 235-5889Matt.Adams@nova.edu
Counsels students from: Palm Beach County Florida, Conneticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont
Degree: B.A. in History
"Students have the opportunity to volunteer for a Habitat for Humanity service trips or enroll in a study abroad program, along with countless other things. They are ecouraged to challenge themselves to go outside of their comfort zone."
Matt loves going to the beach. He enjoys the warm, South Florida weather after his move from the cold weather of Massachusetts. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in History from Keene State College in Keene, New Hampshire. Matt believes that NSU provides students an innovative learning environment with intimate class sizes, enabling students to develop a personal relationship with the faculty and staff.
Assistant Director of Undergraduate AdmissionsDirect: (954) 262-8018; Cell: (754) 610-5144Carlos.Chueca@nova.edu
Counsels students from: Alabama and West Florida
Degree: B.A. in International Relations
"NSU is unique because of its focus on the quality of education through experiential learning. Every student is encouraged to get engaged on campus so they can leave a legacy that will last past their undergraduate years."
Assistant Director of Undergraduate AdmissionsDirect: (954) 262-8111; Cell: (954) 257-1840Jessica.Perez@nova.edu
Counsels students from: Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties Florida
Degree: B.A. in Psychology, M.S. in Higher Education Administration
“From engaged learning environments to interactive on-campus experiences, NSU supports its students and encourages them to reach their full potential.”
Jessica is a South Florida native who completed her undergraduate studies from The Honors College at Miami Dade College and The Honors College at Florida International University. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in psychology and shortly after completed her master’s degree in higher education administration from Florida International University. Jessica also holds a graduate certificate in academic advising and enjoys meeting new students.
“What drew me to Nova Southeastern University is its Premier Programs: Dual Admission and Razor’s Edge. These programs give NSU students the opportunity to challenge themselves academically and enhance their skills for their future careers. In addition to that, NSU is all about its students. From engaged learning environments to interactive on-campus experiences, NSU supports its students and encourages them to reach their full potential.”
Assistant Director of Undergraduate AdmissionsDirect: (954) 262-8017; Cell: (954) 756-2778Scarlett.Schiraldi@nova.edu
Counsels students from: East and Central Florida
Degree: B.A. in Graphic Design
“NSU's best feature is its small class sizes. There is no subsitute for the 1-1 attention students get from professors here, and participating in something like the Farquar Honors College can make your classes feel even smaller!"
Scarlett holds a B.A. with a concentration in Graphic Design from the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, where she learned about college admissions and served as a tour guide and oerientation leader. As a native South Floridian, she is happy to once again call Fort Lauderdale home. She loves to cook, knit and to spend time with her dog, Salty.
"NSU's best feature is its small class sizes. "There is no subsitute for the 1-1 attention students get from professors here, and participating in something like the honors college can make your classes feel even smaller!"
Assistant Director of Undergraduate AdmissionsDirect: (954) 262-8168; Cell: (954) 647-5892Lauren.Siwek@nova.edu
Counsels students from: Broward County Florida
Degree: B.S. in Business Administration
“Here at NSU, you are not a number. You become part of the Shark Family. NSU offers small class sizes and provides hands-on experience to help students build real relationships for today’s competitive world."
Assistant Director of Undergraduate AdmissionsDirect: (954) 262-8036; Cell: (954) 257-6251Ryan.Donahue@nova.edu
Counsels students from: Alaska, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington and Wyoming
Degree: B.S. in Political Science, M.S. in Higher Education Administration
“With an average of 17 students per class, you really have time to make that personal connection. Your professors get to know your interests and can recommend steps that will help advance your education and career.”
Ryan is from Torrance, California and earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of California, Los Angeles. After moving to South Florida, he received his master’s degree in higher education administration at the University of Miami.
What he likes most about Nova Southeastern University is how the small class sizes allow students to build a relationship with their professors. “With an average of 17 students per class, you really have time to make that personal connection. Your professors can get to know your interests and can recommend steps that will help advance your education and career.”
Assistant Director of Undergraduate AdmissionsDirect: (954) 262-7184; Cell: (754) 610-2187Mahia.Valle@nova.edu
Counsels students from: Arkansas, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico and South Texas
"There is so much to look forward to at the university, especially the exponential growth of NSU’s health-care programs"
Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in New York, Mahia earned her B.S.B.A from Franklin Pierce University in New Hampshire and is pursuring an MBA with a concentration in Complex Health Systems at NSU.
With seven years of experience in the health-care industry, Mahia is most excited about the exponential growth NSU’s health-care programs are experiencing!
Assistant Director of Undergraduate AdmissionsDirect: (954) 262-8004; Cell: (954) 256-4242Katie.Chin@nova.edu
Counsels students from: Delaware, Western New York and Pennsylvania
Degree: Bachelor of Fine Arts
"My favorite part about NSU is the unique premier programs that are offered, such as the Razor’s Edge Scholarship that is based on student interest as opposed to most merit-based scholarships."
Assistant Director of Undergraduate AdmissionsDirect: (954) 262-8314; Cell: (754) 610-2068Carrie.Loveless@nova.edu
Counsels students from: Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee
Degree: B.S. in Pre-Clinical Health Sciences, M.A. in Higher Education and Student Personnel
"NSU provides the perfect environment for each student to find academic, professional and personal growth, through experiences both inside and out of the classroom."
Carrie was born and raised in Hagerstown, Maryland. She received a B.S. in Pre-Clinical Health Sciences from the University of Central Florida. Soon after, she served as an Educational Leadership Consultant (ELC) for Alpha Xi Delta National Women's Fraternity and found her passion for working with students to help them realize their potential through the collegiate experience. Following her time as an ELC, she received an M.A. in Higher Education and Student Personnel from The University of Mississippi.
Having been largely involved in numerous student organizations during her time in college, Carrie believes that NSU provides the perfect environment for each student to find academic, professional and personal growth, through experiences both inside and out of the classroom.
Assistant Director of Undergraduate AdmissionsDirect: (954) 262-8064; Cell: (954) 256-4782Trisha.Meier@nova.edu
Counsels students from: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri
Degree: B.A. in Communication and Mass Media
“I love watching students get involved and embrace the Shark culture while they chase their dreams and become the best versions of themselves on NSU’s campus.”
Originally from Southeast Michigan, Trisha obtained her bachelor’s degree in communication and mass media from Heidelberg University in Tiffin, OH. She maximized her collegiate experience with athletics, clubs and a study abroad to Salzburg, Austria.
Assistant Director of Undergraduate AdmissionsDirect: (954) 262-8012; Cell: (954) 257-1603Jessica.Garnica@nova.edu
Counsels students from: Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia and Wisconsin
Degree: B.S. in Biological Sciences
“I love the experiential learning opportunities offered to students at NSU, which enriches their academic journey and helps them reach their professional and personal goals”
Assistant Director of Undergraduate AdmissionsDirect: (954) 262-8028, Cell: (954) 599-2280Stephanie.Bottfeld@nova.edu
Counsels students from: New Jersey
Degree: B.S. in Marketing
"NSU Sharks constantly stand out because we not only dominate in academia, we dominate in the work force."
Assistant Director of Undergraduate AdmissionsDirect: (954) 262-8276; Cell: (754) 703-0496Brooke.Stevens@nova.edu
Counsels students from: New York City - Five Boroughs, Long Island, Rockland and Westchester Counties
Degree: B.S. in Psychology, M.A. in Higher Education Administration
"My favorite thing about NSU is the well-rounded experiences students will gain from their time here. Students will learn a great deal both inside and outside the classroom regardless of their field of study."
Assistant Director of International AdmissionsDirect: (954) 262-8126, Cell: (954) 398-4118Juliene.Alvarado@nova.edu
Counsels students from: Africa, Canada, Caribbean, Latin America, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands and Territories, plus students living in the U.S. with foreign citizenship Last Name K-Z
Degree: B.S. in Marketing, Master of International Business Administration
"My favorite NSU tradition is an event called 'Sharkapalooza.' This event is at the beginning of the fall semester, when NSU's clubs and organizations introduce themselves to students"
Juliene holds a B.S. in Marketing with a minor in International Business and an Master of International Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University. As a student at NSU, she completed an international business in Scuola Lorenzo de Medici, Italy. As a proud alumna, her mission is to provide incoming students with the same experience of diverse opportunities that she had. One of her most transformativeNSU experiences was when she studied abroad in Florence, Italy. She was able to expand her horizon through the eyes of other cultures by understanding their ways of learning the aspects of business.
Her favorite NSU tradition is an event called “Sharkapalooza.” This event is at the beginning of the fall semester, when NSU's clubs and organizations introduce themselves to students. New students get to know each other while playing games, eating yummy food and dancing to the beat.
Assistant Director of Undergraduate AdmissionsDirect: (954) 262-7539ARussell1@nova.edu
Counsels students interested in: Cardiovascular Sonography, Health Science, Medical Sonography and Respiratory Therapy
Degree: B.A. in Communication Studies
“NSU offers not only a great location but also an enhanced learning environment of knowledgeable educators with tenured expertise in their fields of work."
Anastasia is a South Florida Native who earned her bachelor's degree in communication studies from Florida Atlantic University. She is passionate about NSU and has seen its growth firsthand during her time living in South Florida. She believes that NSU offers not only a great location but also an enhanced learning environment of knowledgeable educators with tenured expertise in their fields of work. The desire to cultivate successful and passionate professionals in their chosen fields is evident and does not end with the work put into the classroom.
"There are various community outreach, student leadership and civic engagement opportunities that I would encourage students to participate in that will foster consciousness of impartiality and tolerance for your fellow classmates, local neighborhood and society as a whole."
Assistant Director of Undergraduate AdmissionsDirect: (954) 262-8011Kate.Barfield@nova.edu
Counsels students interested in: Entry Level Nursing - Last name A-K
Degree: B.S. in Business Administration, Master of Business Administration
"NSU is an institution that values students and makes a commitment to personal attention and professional growth."
Kate is a native Floridian who loves the South Florida area for the melting pot of opportunity. Kate earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Florida and is also a proud NSU Shark alumna with a Master of Business Administration.
From personal experience, Kate believes NSU is an institution that values students and makes a commitment to personal attention and professional growth. The faculty and staff at Nova Southeastern University are dedicated to the same goal of student success.
Assistant Director of Undergraduate AdmissionsDirect: (954) 262-8223KTanesha@nova.edu
Counsels students interested in: Entry Level Nursing - Last Name L-Z
Degree: B.A. in Communication
"My favorite part about NSU is being able to see my new students embark on their journey and embrace the culture and values of the university."
Assistant Director of Undergraduate AdmissionsDirect: (954) 262-8176; Cell: (954) 651-0977Dacia.Essensa@nova.edu
Counsels students interested in: Transferring or Online - Last name H-R
Degree: B.F.A. in Mixed Media
"Having an average class size of 17, students really get to know the faculty and each other. Also, you can't beat having the Miami Dolphins as your college football team!"
Dacia recently moved to South Florida from New Hampshire, having previously worked an as admissions counselor for the New Hampshire Institute of Art and Montserrat College of Art. Dacia has her B.F.A. from Montserrat College of Art, where she focused her studies on mixed media painting and fused glass sculpture. She was a resident assistant and also did a travel study trip to Paris while attending college. She enjoys the beautiful beaches and warm weather with her two dogs here in South Florida.
Dacia's favorite aspect of NSU is the small class sizes and extra curricular activities. "Having an average class size of 17, students really get to know the faculty and each other. Also, you can't beat having the Miami Dolphins as your college football team!"
Assistant Director of Undergraduate AdmissionsDirect: (954) 262-8026Judith.Perkel@nova.edu
Counsels students interested in: Nursing - RN-BSN or RN-MSN
Degree: B.A. in Communication and Education, M.S. in Conflict Resolution and Mediation
“As a student at NSU, you are automatically a member of the NSU Art Museum in Ft. Lauderdale, which opens up a wide range of cultural events to include in your schedule.”
Judith holds a bachelor's degree in communications and education from the University of Miami and a master's degree in conflict resolution and mediation from Nova Southeastern University. She wants future students to know that our beautiful campus is a great environment to accomplish your academic and personal goals. Our average class size is 17 students, which encourages strong engagement in classroom discussion and the opportunity to get to know fellow students and faculty.