Category: Health Care

Make Arts, Culture the Focus of Growth in Downtown Fort Lauderdale

This opinion piece appeared in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel on May 15.

By Francie Bishop Good

In early April, Nova Southeastern University Art Museum Fort Lauderdale hosted the first ever international summit “Codaworx: Experience.” The conference brought together hundreds of creatives, civic leaders and technology companies whose fusion of art and technology create phenomenal civic projects. These projects foster economic development, promote civic engagement and drive tourism. The two-day event included an evening display of an awe-inspiring animated artwork projected via advanced laser projection technology onto the museum’s modernist building facing Las Olas Boulevard.

Francie Bishop Good

NSU Art Museum was the fitting location for this cutting-edge event. For over 60 years, the museum has remained a premier mainstay and driver of the cultural blossoming of downtown Fort Lauderdale. NSU Art Museum is the central meeting point (literally and figuratively) in South Florida, representing a crossroads of culture. It has an extensive permanent collection of artworks and has produced world-class art exhibitions that have featured such renowned artists as Frida Kahlo, Frank Stella, Keith Haring, Kehinde Wiley, Anselm Kiefer, Renoir and Picasso, while still being dedicated to showcasing and nurturing the work of local artists.

NSU Art Museum is on par with the finest museums in the world. Since its merger in 2008 with Nova Southeastern University, one of the largest private research universities in the United States, NSU Art Museum has actively fostered a strong community through the arts where families can build memories and art enthusiasts connect with the international art world. Its popular free school field trips and art workshops bring over 3,000 Broward County youth from low-income families to the museum annually, and its free Teen Arts Council provides teens with exciting career training in the arts.

Thriving arts and cultural organizations are what make cities vibrant and iconic. There are no great cities without great museums. Sustained growth is fueled by a sustained culture and varied types of interesting elements from visual arts to performing arts to museums and beyond. Since 2010, Fort Lauderdale has seen a 43% increase in downtown population of 25-to-44-year-olds, according to the International Downtown Association.

The museum is a connector in that it is more than just a place to see art. It is a place to build relationships with others through exhibitions and family programming. Its mission is to make art and learning accessible, no matter the circumstances. NSU Art Museum partners with the city of Fort Lauderdale to provide all its residents with free admission the last Sunday of every month, and thanks to the support of Broward Health, the popular Free Starry Nights have returned, providing all visitors free admission on the first Thursday of every month. All children ages 12 and under always receive free admission, as do families receiving food assistance (SNAP). These initiatives are generously supported by the museum’s volunteer Board of Governors, corporate and individual donors and local foundations, including the Community Foundation of Broward and Funding Arts Broward.

To its core, NSU Art Museum embodies all the things necessary to make a solid cultural and art base and platform to grow a flourishing and culturally rich community. As we continue to expand as a city, connection and celebration of the arts should remain a focus for strategic and sustainable growth of Fort Lauderdale.

Francie Bishop Good is chair of the Board of Governors of NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale.

Posted 05/17/22

Occupational Therapy Alumna Receives Sunflower Award

Marilyn Tyre

NSU occupational therapy alumna, Marilyn Tyre, Dr.OT., M.P.H., OT/L, C/NDT, a member of the neonatal bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) team at the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital (JDCH), who recently received the Sunflower Award from JDCH in Hollywood, Florida.

“The Sunflower Award is a recognition program that honors and celebrates the skillful, compassionate care that our JDCH employees provide every day. The award was designed to thank our non-nursing staff for their compassion, integrity, and leadership that our patients, their families, and our staff recognize as an outstanding role model.

Tyre was nominated by two of her colleagues for this prestigious award. The nomination highlighted her recent contributions to the NICU department for submitting and receiving a 12K grant to purchase developmental equipment and educational resources, her commitment to collaboration with her team in how to use the grant funding, and her creation of the “Shaping the Lives of Little Ones Checklist” that they now use in the NICU setting.

The Sunflower Award reads, “For your wonderful work you do at the bedside we wanted to show you are appreciated and thank you for being committed to our mission: ‘Heal the body, mind and spirit of those we touch.”’

Congratulations, Marilyn Tyre!

Posted 05/11/22

Halmos Alumnus Publishes in Journal of International Students

Zhiwei Wang, Ph.D., graduate of the doctoral program in the Department of Conflict Resolution Studies at Halmos College of Arts and Sciences and Guy Harvey Oceanographic Research Center

Zhiwei Wang, Ph.D., graduate of the doctoral program in the Department of Conflict Resolution Studies (DCRS), in the Halmos College of Arts and Sciences and the Guy Harvey Oceanographic Research Center (HCAS) has published an article in the Journal of International Students. The article is titled, “Conflict Resolution Skills of Chinese Students in the U.S.: An Interpretative Phenomenological Research Study.” His co-authors include Qijun Zhu, St. Thomas University, and Dong Ke, University College London.

Wang is an assistant professor at Shenzhen Polytechnic University, China. His major research interests include Cross-culture Studies, Mediation, International Student Management, Media and Conflict, and Student Services. In addition to his NSU degree, Wang has an M.S. in International Relations from Northeastern University and an M.A. in Mass Communications from Murray State University.

Of his time at NSU, Wang expressed his appreciation for the education he received:

I firmly believe that my most crucial growth took place at NSU, under the help and guidance of Professor McKay, Professor Cooper, Professor Katz, and Professor Zanko. In 2017, Professor Katz offered me a chance to work in his research team, in which my understanding of research skills had greatly enhanced. In 2018, Professor McKay taught me an important lesson about teaching students. She said one of the keys to being a good teacher is not to teach students but ask your students questions and raise their interests. They will find answers by themselves if you can trigger their interests and talents. In the same year, I won the Art of Peace scholarships, which enabled me to study peace through the lens of arts. In that research project, Professor Cooper inspired me a lot, encouraging me to proceed with my target. Professor Zanko was on my dissertation committee, illuminating my thoughts and sharpening my ideas in many ways throughout my dissertation writing process. For me, the impact of education at the Department of Conflict Resolution is a lifetime long.

Thus, I feel like I am fortunate to get into this program with many knowledgeable, student-centered, and world-class professors. If I could choose my doctoral program in conflict resolution again, I would still choose here, Department of Conflict Resolution at Nova Southeastern University.

For more information about Wang’s article, please see Conflict Resolution Skills of Chinese Students in the U.S. | Journal of International Students (ojed.org)

Published 05/11/22

Alum Crowned Miss Florida Plus America 2022

Raquel King

On Saturday, March 26, 2022, Raquel King, M.S. CCC/SLP, an alum of the Masters in Speech-Language Pathology was crowned Miss Florida Plus America 2022 at this year’s Pageant.

Raquel King is an author, speech-language pathologist, encourager, and mother. Raquel is the author of “The Loss of My Wedding Ring,” where she provides encouragement and strategies for the divorced to feel free and loved.

The Miss Plus America Pageant is a faith-structured organization for plus size women that has been in existence since 2003. King is excited to compete at the national level and represent Florida. She also hopes to inspire others to get involved in competitions and forums that highlight body diversity and representation.

The Department of Speech-Language Pathology wishes her the best of luck on this inspiring Journey!

Contributed by Tambi Braun, SLP.D., CCC/SLP, an associate professor and NSSLHA mentor in the Department of Speech-Language Pathology.

Posted 05/08/22

 

Professor, Alumna Will Be Honored Mental Health Work

Thomas Smith and Sheryl Zayas of Care Resource Community Health Centers Inc. are being honored by Mental Health America of Southeast Florida for their positive impact on the mental wellness of others in South Florida during their 26th Annual Epic Awards on Wednesday, May 25.

The Exceptional People Impacting the Community (EPIC) awards are presented to members of the community who have exhibited exceptional service through their actions, advocacy, leadership or service delivery to the most vulnerable in our community.

Zayas attended medical school at Nova Southeastern University and received a medical degree in osteopathic medicine. Smith also serves as an adjunct professor at Nova Southeastern University at the Center of Psychological Studies at the Broward, Palm Beach, and Hillsborough County campuses.

Honors Alumna to Deliver Undergrad Commencement Address

Farquhar Honors College alumna Desiree Kennedy is an accomplished political professional dedicated to making a positive impact in the world. Since graduating from NSU in 2014 with a dual bachelor’s degree in political science and legal studies, she has led a robust career working in the political sector to influence change. This May, she returns to NSU to address the class of 2022 as this year’s undergraduate commencement speaker, an honor reserved for eminent individuals who inspire the graduating class as they enter the next stage of their lives.

Alumna Desiree Kennedy

Reflecting on her own time as an NSU student, Kennedy is grateful to the professors and mentors who supported her and the many opportunities she had to travel and explore her interests. Even as an undergraduate, she was committed to excellence and well-versed in turning her ideas into actions. Along with being an Honors student, she founded and led the highly accoladed Model UN team (NIRA) and served as co-captain of the Mock Trial team, both of which continue to thrive today. She also served as an Honors Advocate in the college, representing her fellow Honors students to improve the Honors experience, a sentiment she carries on today as a member of the Honors College Alumni Advisory Board.

“Honors built a community that I was really grateful to be a part of, and offered so many opportunities to branch outside of your majors/immediate interests to learn and experience new things,” said Kennedy, who was named the Farquhar Honors College Student of the Year in 2014. “Honors created new opportunities for me to learn and expand beyond my comfort zone, something that I think is an essential part of the college and, honestly, life experience.”

After furthering her education with a master’s degree in political management from George Washington University, where she graduated at the top of her class, Kennedy went on to lead an equally impressive professional career. She recently became Chief Operations Director for Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragán of California’s 44th Congressional District, ensuring the efficiency and potency of the Congresswoman’s activities. Before assuming this role, she spent seven years working for a medical device company called Elekta, where she worked in government affairs and later assumed a leadership role managing the legislative and political strategy for the company.

In her commencement speech, Kennedy hopes to share the valuable lessons she’s learned throughout her professional journey and empower the next generation to also follow their dreams.

“It is such an honor to be chosen as this year’s commencement speaker!” said Kennedy. “My time at NSU really was invaluable to me, my growth, and helping to shape my future. I still remember my own commencement vividly. It is such a big day for graduates and their families, and to be able to play a role in the celebration of this year’s graduates is really outstanding. I’m very excited.”

Moving forward, Kennedy hopes to continue to create positive change and serve the various communities she’s part of, including the NSU community. Look out for her speech at this year’s commencement on Monday, May 2, in the Rick Case Arena in the Don Taft University Center.

Posted 04/28/22

Halmos Alumna Lands Prestigious Job at Arizona College

Michelle Cromwell, Ph.D.

Michelle Cromwell, Ph.D., graduate of the master’s and doctoral programs in the Department of Conflict Resolution Studies (DCRS) in the Halmos College of Arts and Sciences and Guy Harvey Oceanographic Research Center (HCAS), has been named the inaugural Vice President for Inclusive Excellence and Belonging at the Southwest College for Naturopathic Medicine (SCNM) in Tempe, Arizona.

Prior to SCNM, Michelle served as Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the State University of NY-Plattsburgh, the Associate Vice President for Inclusive Excellence at Regis College in Weston, Massachusetts, and as the Chief Diversity Officer at The School for International Training in Brattleboro, Vermont.

In 2018, Cromwell was named as one of NSU’s Distinguished Alumni. In addition to Cromwell’s NSU graduate degrees, she received a B.Sc. in Social Work from the University of the West Indies in Trinidad where she was born.

According to Cromwell, “The work of inclusive excellence is about getting institutions to shift their status quo and engage in intentional actions that position the needs of community members in particular the needs of marginalized and minoritized community members at the core of the institution’s existence.”

Cromwell is a yoga master and teacher and enjoys creating whole-food plant-based recipes inspired by favorite foods from a West Indian childhood. She has been a featured presenter for The Social Justice Roundtable housed in DCRS.

Posted 04/24/22

Psychology Professor Received Distinguished Professor Honor

Jaime Tartar, Ph.D.

Jaime Tartar, Ph.D., the College of Psychology Professor of the Year, was awarded the NSU President’s Distinguished Professor of the Year.

This Award of Excellence recognizes superior professional achievement and encourages the ongoing pursuit of excellence. The award is conferred upon faculty who have achieved prominence and have earned a distinguished reputation through significant contributions to research and scholarship and exceptional instruction.

After joining NSU, Tartar chaired the psychology undergraduate major, after which she established and directed the behavioral neuroscience undergraduate major, renamed to neuroscience. This new program filled an important need. The U.S. Department of Labor Statistics projects a high demand for occupations related to neuroscience. As director of research and the neuroscience program, she grew enrollment and helped recruit strong faculty to the college who are highly engaged in teaching, mentoring, and research.  Many of our neuroscience majors have gone on to medical school and other health professions, research, and related careers.

Tartar presents regularly at NSU, to national conferences, and to the community (e.g., Society for Neuroscience, NSU Convocation and Commencement, Ambassadors Board, Planned Giving Council, Circle of Friends, Rotary Club, Shark Chats, etc.) to high marks.  She is an excellent collaborator, who brought together faculty from other disciplines and co-founded the Society for NeuroSports, an academic society.

This effort has attracted national attention, bringing faculty, practitioners, and students together to their annual conference. Collaborations led to creation of The Journal of The Society for NeuroSports (https://nsuworks.nova.edu/neurosports/.

Posted 04/27/22

Halmos Alumna Named Finalist for Teacher of the Year

Elizabeth Fahy

Broward County Public Schools annually recognizes teachers for outstanding service in education, and this year, Halmos alumna Elizabeth Fahy was selected as a finalist for the prestigious Teach of the Year award. Fahy has been employed at New River Middle School for the past 17 years and is the head of the school’s marine science department.

While at NSU, Fahy worked as a graduate research assistant at the National Coral Reef Institute (NCRI) on the Oceanographic Campus.  Her research with the NCRI took her to Belize and the Galapagos as well as numerous places in between.  Fahy uses experiences gained in these research opportunities to help foster and develop the next generation of ocean conservationists.

Posted 04/27/22

College of Dental Medicine Collaborates to Donate Services

Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine had a special opportunity to collaborate with Remote Area Medical on March 26-27 at Joseph C. Carter Park in Fort Lauderdale. More than 180 patients were treated for more than $100,000 in donated dental services.

Remote Area Medical is a major nonprofit provider of free pop-up clinics. Its mission is to prevent pain and alleviate suffering by providing free, quality healthcare to those in need. They do this by delivering free dental, vision, and medical services to underserved and uninsured individuals. They have provided care across the world at more than 1,500 events.

The founder of Remote Area Medical was the late Stan Brock. His vision for Remote Area Medical developed when he suffered a personal injury while living among the Wapishana Indians in Guyana, South America. When he left Guyana, he vowed to find a way to deliver basic medical aid to people in the world’s inaccessible regions. So, in 1985 he established the non-profit, Remote Area Medical or as most people know us – RAM™. RAM is the way he has kept that promise, not only to the Wapishana Indians, but to thousands around the world in similar conditions.

The Remote Area Medical Clinic care was provided in special treatment tents at Carter Park in Fort Lauderdale. The team was led by Dr. Mark Schweizer, Assistant Dean of Community Programs and Public Health and following faculty and residents: Drs. Juan Velasco, Aryia Amini, Leo Shushner, Romeo Luo, Victor Cellis, Ray Fan, Matt Kelley, Veronica Alfonso, and Mauro Mesko.

Oral health care was provided by D1, D2, D3, and D4 students in respective capacity with amazing success to transform the lives of patients in our community.”

To put into practice the College of Dental Medicine’s commitment to inclusivity and service, the college has partnered with several community organizations to provide opportunities for student-dentists to build a lifelong enthusiasm for community outreach.

 

These outreach experiences provide an opportunity for dental students to:

  • Develop a broad understanding of the community and social responsibilities they will have as Dental Professionals.
  • Treat a diversity of patients with a variety of oral health care needs.
  • Enhance their clinical skills.
  • Participate in inter-professional learning experiences.

 

Posted 04/10/22

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