Presidential Scholars Impacting the NSU Community

The Presidential Scholars program at Nova Southeastern University features a prestigious group of diverse students who represent academic excellence and are engaged inside and outside of the classroom. Over the past two years, Saul Sztam, Assistant Dean for the College of Undergraduate Studies, has developed a new vision for our Presidential Scholars and as a result the program has been further defined as well as evolved to create additional avenues to impact the NSU community. In May 2021, Emilio Lorenzo, Director of Student Success, joined the team and has helped expand and implement this vision.

At the start of the Fall 2021 semester, Presidential Scholars were tasked with participating in new avenues to impact students and the campus culture. These initiatives included their involvement in the Student Success Mentorship program and the launch of the Presidential Scholar committees. Through the mentorship program, Presidential Scholars and Razor’s Edge students were matched with incoming freshman students (Student Success Scholars) to provide avenues for mentees to transition into college life, overcome obstacles, and reach desired goals.

In addition, to their role in mentoring other students, Presidential Scholars serve on one of five committees, each with its own focus area that aims to impact the NSU community.

Committee #1: Presidential Scholars Landing Page & Premier Program Recognition

This committee created the Presidential Scholars Program landing page in order to recognize outstanding students and to highlight the achievements of Premier Program Scholars.

Committee #2: Newsletters & Social Media Outlets

This committee maintains a quarterly newsletter and manages the Presidential Scholar social media accounts to highlight the accomplishments and events of Premier Program Scholars.

Committee #3: Public Outreach & Advisory Board

Members of this committee compose a student advisory board that seeks to reach key university partners to promote the role of the Presidential Scholars Program.

Committee #4: Transformational Leadership & Campus Impact

This committee focuses on identifying areas of improvement on campus and works towards creating and implementing strategies to make positive changes within the student body. This committee is currently collaborating with Student Government, Nature Club, and the Green Sharks Club to host a Carnival event to promote sustainability and creating a more environmentally friendly local community.

Committee #5: Prospective Students & Families Support

This committee represents the Presidential Scholars in their efforts to connect with prospective students and parents through both on and off campus events, such as Shark Preview Weekends, Hometown Sharks, targeted outreach campaigns, and additional programs.

The efforts made by our Scholars through these new initiatives showcases their passion to impact the NSU community and the pride they take in representing the values of the university. To learn more about the impact made by our Scholars, follow our Instagram page at @presidential_scholars_nsu.

Posted 01/30/22