Category: SharkBytes

Law College Alumna Teaches Others to Become Empowered

Kara Vaval, Esq.

Kara Vaval, Esq., graduate of NSU’s Shepard Broad College of Law (SBCOL) is known as The Laptop Lifestyle Lawyer ®. She is an author, keynote speaker, business development coach, and the President of Vaval Law, a personal injury law firm.  She is also the CEO of the InPowerment Institute, LLC, an educational and empowerment platform geared toward delivering courses, training, and coaching services to students.

Vaval subscribes to the belief that “when you do what you love, you never work a day in your life.”

According to Vaval, the path to where she is today began when she was very young. She was always a “talker” but not just talking for the sake of making noise. Rather, she was witty and very logical, always making good, solid points, even when they were unpopular. She grew up hearing that she had what it took to be a good lawyer and feels that she internalized those projections. After Vaval’s father was brutally murdered in Haiti in 1996 (she was only 14 and he was only 42), with justice still not having been served 25 years later, being a voice for the voiceless and righting injustice forcefully pulled at her. Adding to the mix was her insatiable desire to make her father proud by making something significant of herself with the principles, foundation, and discipline he had imparted onto her during the years she had the honor of journeying with him around.

Vaval took a very different and exciting path to success that has allowed her to combine both her passions for law and helping others. Her days consist of a workload split between the practice of law and her Laptop Lifestyle Lawyer® students. She also has a very robust schedule including networking functions, Lunch and Learn events to provide lawyers with an opportunity to learn how to change their lifestyle, hosting virtual events, conducting discovery calls and guest speaking engagements.

In 2016, Vaval was the recipient of the Beacon of Hope and Achievement Award presented to her by The Consulate of the Republic of Haiti in Miami. Also, in 2016 she published her book “28,000 Days…Make Yours Count! An Inspiring Perspective for Living Your Best Life!” In 2019, Vaval won a $2.1 million jury verdict for her minor client while working from the comfort of her pool!

Vaval chose Nova Southeastern University’s SBCOL because it was the most reputable law school in the South Florida area when she moved down from New York in 2005. She graduated in 2008 and is licensed to practice law in Florida. Her advice to our current SBCOL students is to remember that law school will get your foot in the door of the world of law. But it’s hustle, grit, resourcefulness and outside the box thinking that will make you a fortune with a JD in hand. Also, remember that there will be no “right” way to do this thing. Just find YOUR way.

Posted 01/16/22

Education Alumna Named Georgia 2022 Superintendent of Year

Noris Price, Ed.D.

Noris Price, Ed.D., graduate of NSU’s Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice was named Georgia’s 2022 Superintendent of the Year at the Georgia School Superintendents Association conference in Atlanta on December 2.

Since 2014, Price has led the Baldwin County School District. Under her leadership, the Baldwin County School District has implemented instructional initiatives and strategies that have resulted in improved student performance and the high school graduation rate increasing from 66% to 88%. Additionally, Price has been successful in obtaining more than $5 million in grant funds for Baldwin County Schools and leading the school district through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools/Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS/CASI) district accreditation process.

Price has received numerous awards throughout her tenure in the education field. In 2019, she was given the national “All in for Students” Award by Communities in Schools. She has also received the Georgia School Superintendents Association President’s Awards, the Whitney M. Young Award, Johnnie V. Cox Leadership Award from the University of Georgia, and was named a Georgia PTA Outstanding Principal, among other distinctions.

Price earned a Doctor of Education in educational leadership with NSU in 2006 and was honored with the Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice Distinguished Alumni Award in 2017. She also served as the College’s 2021 Commencement Speaker.

Price will go on to represent Georgia and compete for National Superintendent of the Year, in February 2022 at the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) National Conference.

Posted 12/16/21

College Spotlights NSU Alumna and Educational Leader

Theresa West, Ed.D.

Theresa West, Ed.D., is an educational leader, author, researcher, and speaker. West is a first-generation college graduate and is a force of passion, hard work, resilience, and goodwill. Her mother and grandmother were her biggest inspirations in pursuing her higher education degrees and pursuing a career in education. Without them, she wouldn’t be living her dreams. They taught her the importance of creating her own opportunities. Most importantly, they encouraged her to believe that she can do the impossible.

In 2019, she earned her Doctor of Education in Instructional Technology and Distance Education degree from the Abraham S. Fischer College of Education and School of Criminal Justice (FCE&SCJ) in 2019, and she also earned her Educational Specialist in Technology Management and Administration from FCE&SCJ in 2014.

West currently serves as the Business Technology Southern Region Chairperson within the Technical College System of Georgia. In addition to serving the Technical College System of Georgia, she serves on the curriculum standards administrative committee which she oversees the updating, revising, and promotion of the National Standards for Business Education as necessary and facilitate the development of additional K-14 curriculum materials as directed by the National Business Education Association Executive Board.

Under her leadership, five students received first, and second-place awards at the Phi Beta Lambda of Georgia’s 60th Annual Leadership Conference, and three students were placed in the top ten at the 2008 Phi Beta Lambda National Leadership Conference. To date, more than 200 students received associate degrees, almost 500 diplomas, nearly 150 technical certificates of credit, roughly 85 career placements, and about 50 Microsoft Office Specialist certifications. Also, Business Technology and Business Healthcare Technology are among the largest programs at Albany Technical College. Similarly, in 2017, Online Colleges recognized and honored business programs at Albany Technical College for excellence and achievement in online learning.

West said that attending NSU and receiving both her degrees from FCE&SCJ have prepared her for a growing career. It has opened many doors and helped leverage her career as a leader in education. FCE&SCJ allowed her to collaborate closely with faculty and staff to facilitate education programs and initiatives, celebrate diversity, promote multiculturalism, and develop a global mindset.

As an educational advocate for business and distance education, West regularly presents and contributes to scholarly publications at various conferences. She has received many recognitions for her publications, including the best conference paper from the Florida Distance Learning Association. West is currently working on a new book for those in higher education. West now lives in Albany, Ga., and enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and watching Tampa Bay Buccaneers play! Fins up to you, Theresa and for all your hard work.

Posted 12/15/21

Razor’s Edge Student Honored at Biomedical Conference

Grace Waldron

Grace Waldron, a senior majoring in Biology with a minor in Research Studies as a Razor’s Edge Research Scholar in the Darwin cohort, was one of 42 awardees in the Cancer Biology category out of 138 presenters at the 2021 Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS).

Waldron’s passion for cancer research strengthened when she was accepted into the independent study program at the Rumbaugh-Goodwin Institute for Cancer Research at NSU in the Fall of 2020. Since that time, she has been able to conduct and participate in research involving treatments for lung and breast cancer, including an upcoming contribution in a manuscript publication regarding current breast cancer research. Her primary mentor is Appu Rathinavelu, Ph.D., and her lab mentor is Umamaheswari Natarajan, Ph.D. In addition to presenting at the 2021 ABRCMS, Waldron has participated in the 2021 Life Science Symposium at Florida International University, and the 2021 NSU Undergraduate Symposium.

Waldron is thankful for the opportunities the Rumbaugh-Goodwin Institute for Cancer Research and all the research associates have provided her with. She plans to attend graduate school pursuing a Ph.D. degree in Cancer Biology.

Posted 12/12/21

Education Doctoral Student Receives 2021 ALAS Scholarship

Patricia Trejo

Patricia Trejo, doctoral student, at NSU’s Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice is the recipient of the 2021 the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS) Scholarship, sponsored by Curriculum Associates. Through the scholarship, Trejo will receive $10,000 toward her doctoral degree in educational leadership at NSU, which helps support the professional advancement of Latino administrators.

“We are thrilled at the opportunity Curriculum Associates proMasvides by funding a $10,000 scholarship for an ALAS member,” said Maria Armstrong, executive director of ALAS. “This year, Mrs. Patricia Trejo is a deserving recipient as she pursues her education in earning a doctoral degree. As a cofacilitator of our Linking Latina Leaders Network, she coordinates and promotes webinars that connect our ALAS members on topics of relevance and advocates for all children, with an emphasis on historically marginalized youth. ALAS is proud to have a member as dedicated to ALAS and her home state affiliate as she is.”

Trejo is an accomplished educator who graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a minor degree in mass communications, and then from Nova Southeastern University with her master’s degree in educational leadership in 2003. She has served in several roles throughout her 23-year career in public education, including teacher, learning team facilitator, assistant principal, and principal.

Posted 11/03/21

Halmos Alumnus Accepted Into NYU Theatre Writing Program

Nico Raimont

B.A. in Theatre alumnus Nico Raimont is one of 30 students recently accepted into the Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program in the NYU Tisch School of the Arts. Raimont, who graduated from the Halmos College’s Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts in 2021, will join composers, lyricists and book writers for the intimate and unique program that is the only one of its kind in the world emphasizing craft, the art of collaboration, rewriting, storytelling, and developing an original voice.

“He is a developing musical theatre composer bringing his experiences growing up in SoFlo to the Musical Theatre genre,” said Bill Adams, professor and program director for Music and Theatre in the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts. “In New York, he will rub elbows with all kinds of artists and expand his voice in the birthplace of the American musical.”

During his time as a Theatre major, Music minor and Razor’s Edge Shark Talent Scholar, Raimont appeared in NSU Theatre productions such as “Little Shop of Horrors,” “DNA,” and “She Kills Monsters,” and he participated in “The Mayfly: A 24-Hour Theatre Project” as an actor, director and writer. He also co-hosted the Shark Talent Showcase twice.  These experiences helped prepare him for this next chapter, he said.

“The Theatre students are hungry for something new,” Raimont said. “Whether it be the Mayfly or fanfiction-turned-stage play, the Theatre department is a hub for people who aren’t afraid to be creative in new and imaginative ways. I found myself connecting to students and faculty who shared my point of view and wanted to explore theatre the same way I do.”

As a Theatre major, Raimont produced original works such as “Shadow Infenety: Volumes 1 & 2” and “Como Correr: A Hip-Pop Musical.” Since graduating, he has continued to create original music and content for stage and the screen, he said.

“The Theatre program at NSU helped me by giving me tons of opportunities to put myself out there, not only as a writer but as an actor and director as well,” he said.

Learn more about the B.A. in Theatre program.

Learn more about the B.A. in Music program.

Posted 10/31/21

College Spotlights Education Alumna Patrice Farquharson

On March 26, 2021, Patrice Farquharson, Ed.D., welcomed Vice President Kamala Harris at the West Haven Child Development Center as part of the Biden administration’s “Help Is Here” campaign. The Child Development Center, founded in 1978, is expected to receive funding for teachers and classrooms to further support the care and education of our children. After a period of distance learning, the center, reopened on July 6, 2020. It offers full- and part-day childcare services for infants and children up to age five. While it was closed, the center serviced families remotely by providing diapers and information to access food.

Patrice Farquharson, her daughter Julia, and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Farquharson is a lifelong resident of West Haven, Connecticut, and is committed to providing a quality, research-based early childhood experience for the children of her city. She is currently in her 43rd year at the West Haven Child Development Center, serving as the executive director. Farquharson also holds the following appointments: Associate Professor of Early Childhood and Child Studies at Post University, the former Dean at the Core Faculty at Charter Oak State College, appointed by the Connecticut Board of Regents, where she teaches Psychology of Play.

Farquharson is active in the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). She has presented many scholarly papers on increasing social-emotional competence in young children at risk and, most recently, leadership in early childhood education. She is also an active interdisciplinary member of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP).

She is respected in both organizations for her expertise and leadership abilities. In 2010 she received NAPNAP’s President’s Award for her collaborative work in health and education. Farquharson is always on the cutting edge of new ideas and innovations in education and practice. Her record of funding from so many foundations for these projects is evidence of her success in achieving her goals.

Farquharson has faced many challenges throughout her career. However, one of her biggest challenges was educating the public about the importance of the work that is being done in early childhood education. Adding various forms of technology into preschool classrooms is a relatively easy task. However, fully integrating technology into the curriculum is much more complicated. She came up with a way to assist the teachers to feel comfortable with technology and consider using a variety of technology tools when planning the curriculum for children.

Farquharson received her Doctor of Education in Child and Youth Studies from the Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice in 1995. She also holds a Master of Science in Early Childhood Education from Southern Connecticut State University and a Bachelors from the University of Connecticut. She says the most exciting thing about child studies is the combination of psychology, sociology and child development. She is a mother of two girls and was even a cheerleader for the New England Patriots cheerleading team.

Speech-Language Pathologist Publishes Parent Guide

Araine McWhinney, M.S., CCC/SLP, a practicing clinician, understands that everyone benefits from positivity and opportunity.

TrueVoice Speech founder, Araine McWhinney, M.S., CCC/SLP, 2012 alumnus of the Masters in Speech-Language Pathology in the Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences, recently published, “The Parent’s Guide to Successful School Meetings” (eBook). This guide is specifically curated to positively change the experience and working relationships between parents, families, advocates, teachers, and school administrators, she says.

McWhinney’s passion stems from working with children in early intervention programs, teenagers, adults, and the geriatric population. Her TrueVoice company is a certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE).

Fischler College Spotlights Alumna Latonya Peterson

Latonya Peterson, Ed.D.

Latonya Peterson, Ed.D., first graduated from the Abraham S. Fischer College of Education and School of Criminal Justice (FCE&SCJ) in 2005 with her master’s degree in Criminal Justice with a Specialization in Behavioral Criminology. In 2010 she received her Doctorate of Education in Organization Leadership. Latonya also holds a bachelor’s degree from Albany State University.

Peterson is also an adjunct instructor for Baker University, teaching MBA & CJ courses. This past April, she was appointed to the Faculty Senate for Baker University, and she is the first female African American to hold that position!

She wants to remind future students to remember to keep in touch with their close family and friends. Keeping your support system close is essential while going through school, she says. There will be times when your program will feel overwhelming, and it will be vital to have someone to lean on and help you through the tough days.

Peterson began working in her father’s law office at the age of 16 and realized that working in criminal justice was one of her passions. Since earning her degrees, she has been teaching criminal justice courses in higher education for 15 years. She currently works as an online instructor for American InterContinental University and as an adjunct professor for other schools teaching criminal justice, leadership, and management courses. She enjoys writing and peer-reviewing journal articles, and in 2016 she co-authored the course textbook called “Victimology: Understanding the Victim.”

The FCE&SCJ community congratulates you on your significant accomplishment with the Faculty Senate post and wishes you the best of luck as you step into your new role!

She currently lives in Georgia with her husband and two sons. Latonya is a die-hard New England Patriots Fan, and she teaches Children’s Church for the Greater 2nd Mt. Olive Baptist Church.

CCE Alumnus Turns Childhood Passion into Career

Gregory Mintz, M.S.

From a young age, Gregory Mintz, M.S., has always had a passion for technology. He and his dad used to work on computers together and always had cool toys and electronics around the house. To Mintz, the early hands-on “tinkering” from a young age not only proved to be a great father-son bonding experience, but it also opened a new world with endless opportunities in a growing field.

Today, Mintz serves as the director, Digital Experience Technology Operations & Delivery for Modernizing Medicine, whose mission is to “transform healthcare through intelligent specialty-specific platforms that increase practice efficiency and improve patient outcomes” (Modernizing Medicine). In 2017, Mintz graduated from Nova Southeastern University with a Master of Science in Management Information Systems from the College of Computing and Engineering (CCE). During this time, he was also the senior application and platform development manager for Orangetheory Fitness. Mintz was responsible for architecting and developing domestic and international enterprise application and platform strategy, application development framework, and enterprise integration strategy.

Gregory Mintz and his father

He also led the building out of Orangetheory’s IT Infrastructure to support a network of more than 1,000 global locations. Simply put, he was responsible for the technology that tracked the fitness profile of an individual and connected it to the overall workout experience and competition of others in the class.

When asked what one thing he would tell students, Mintz replied, “I would tell them it’s okay not to have everything figured out right away. I assumed that going to college would mean I would and should know exactly what I want to do with my life, but I determined that my current path wasn’t in the best interest of my future and decided to change before I regretted staying status quo even if it cost me time and money in the end. It’s a choice I’ve never regretted and has caused me nothing but happiness throughout my professional career.”

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