Tag: Fischler College of Education & School of Criminal Justice

Honors Students and Faculty Collaborate Using Research Grant

From left, Amenia Farraj, Jalynn Sylvain, and Dr. Charlene Désir

Faculty and students in the Farquhar Honors College received a $15,000 President’s Faculty Research and Development Grant to study Gen Z college students’ interest in and ways of learning. Their research, titled “In Their Words: Collaborative Assessment of Undergraduate Intellectual Curiosity,” will bridge the generational gap in traditional and modern understandings of education to encourage innovation in the classroom.

The research project is a collaboration between faculty members Charlene Désir, Ed.D., professor in the Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice (FCESCJ), Rachel Panton, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Hamos College of Arts and Sciences, and Georgina Arguello, Ed.D., assistant dean and associate professor in FCESCJ, and honors students Amenia Farraj, and Jalynn Sylvain.

The project was conceived by the students after hearing about Désir’s research on youth education at an honors Research Roundtable event—an event created to connect honors students with faculty research opportunities.

“As an educator, I am humbled always to learn from students, they are my first teachers and this juxtaposition gives me the opportunity to model being a learner/student,” said Désir. “This project is a way for me to be inspired from the knowledge of undergrads . . . and learn ways teachers can effectively engage with them.”

The study aims to highlight the different modalities and environments in which college students learn, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic changed the learning landscape and emphasized the role of technology.

“Often, I think older adults can accuse emerging adults of not being intellectually curious because the younger generation receives information differently from what we experienced or even prefer,” said Panton. “I want to understand how we can better synthesize the knowledge that they bring from their communities, their families, and digital technologies into our classrooms.”

The researchers will use a mixed-methods approach and hope to publish and share their results creatively, such as through a children’s book and Mako Radio segment.

“This [project is] an opportunity to [combine] faculty and student interests and allow[s] us to explore students’ interests in learning in our own community,” said Farraj, a junior political science major. “Working with Dr. Désir and the other faculty has been an enlightening experience.”

Learn more about the President’s Faculty Research & Development Grant.

Posted 07/16/23

Education Alum Named President of Community College

Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice alum Chemene Crawford, Ed.D., has been named the president of Everett Community College – Washington State.

Crawford earned her doctorate in Organizational Leadership from NSU in 2005.

Chemene Crawford, Ed.D.

The role of college president is not new to Crawford, she currently serves as the president of North Seattle College. However, she will now oversee a much larger student population.

“I’m at the point in my life where I if I don’t enjoy the work, then I won’t do it. So, I enjoy this work. And as long as I enjoy it, and can have a positive impact, then I’ll keep doing it,” she said.

Crawford has been in higher education for more than 39 years and initially started as a work-study student in the financial aid office. That led to a string of different positions over the years and ultimately led her to take on the role as president.

“One of the things I don’t think realize is that no matter where you are, what you do, if you have an education, no one can take that from you,” Crawford said. “I’m a proponent of people using education to change their lives.”

Community colleges especially appeal to Crawford due to their wide-reaching impact.

“Community colleges serve more students than any other sector of higher education in this country, and so if you want to have a greater impact, that’s probably where you need to be working.”

In addition to helping the students at the college, Crawford is looking forward to working for Everett since they are very influential in the surrounding community.

“It’s uniquely placed in an Everett neighborhood, and you can tell that that college means a lot to that neighborhood that it plays a significant role in the vitality of that neighborhood.”

Crawford officially stepped into her role on July 3rd.

Congratulations President Crawford!

07/16/23

Criminal Justice Grad Student Receives Changing Lives Scholarship

Graduate student Travis Brooks

The Carl Cecil Eagle Changing Lives Scholarship recipient Travis Brooks is a graduate student in the criminal justice program at NSU’s Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice. He is a member of Alpha Phi Sigma, the Criminal Justice Honor Society. In addition to working toward his master’s degree, Brooks serves as a commissioner’s aide in the City of Lauderhill, Florida.

“I would like to personally thank Dr. Massey for making it possible for me to be awarded the Carl Cecil Eagle Changing Lives Scholarship,” Brooks said. “It has made a huge impact on my self-confidence and provided me with funds to not only continue my education, but has also help me out in a time of need.”

The scholarship was created by Larry Massey, Ph.D., in honor of Eagle, a Native American, Bronze Star recipient for valor, and WWII veteran. After WWII, Eagle used his GI Bill to attend college, majored in history, and then became a high school teacher. His family legacy involves respecting cultural traditions within context of historic events. The award contributes to the education of future teachers and studies relating to understanding the history of marginalized groups.

Brooks is a first-generation graduate student who hails from Maxton, a small rural town in North Carolina. Raised on a farm of produce and livestock, he is a member of a Lumbee tribe in southeastern North Carolina. The people of the Lumbee tribe are known for their entrepreneurial spirit and focus on education. The criminal justice program, professors, and offered courses at NSU drew Brooks to Florida, where he has found success due in part to the networking he has been able to do at the university.

Future plans for Brooks include pursuing a career with the Department of Homeland Security and possibly returning to school to earn his law degree. He also hopes to follow Dr. Massey’s lead and establish a scholarship fund for students in need at NSU and at the University of North Carolina Pembroke, where he earned his bachelor’s degree.

“Thank you to Dr. Massey for honoring me with this scholarship and for everything he and his family have done for Native American students in need who are on the path to continuing their education,” Brooks said. “For someone to notice my hard work and dedication to my studies has given me the confidence and strength I have been missing. I am not always the one to boast about my studies, but when someone else notices, it truly means I am doing something right or I’m on the right path to success.”

For more information on scholarships at NSU, contact Andria Cunningham, Executive Director of Development & Alumni Engagement, at (833) 910-0372 or acunningham@nova.edu

Posted 07/02/23

Journal Publishes STEM Project Headed by NSU Professors

From left, Jia Borror, Parin Somani, Hui Fang Huang “Angie” Su, and Mayor of Southwark Sunil Chopra at the 2023 Global Research Conference at King’s College, Cambridge in England

A project led by professors from NSU has garnered significant acclaim, being recognized and published in three renowned global journals. Spearheaded by Hui Fang “Angie” Su, Ed.D., a professor from the Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice, the project aimed to cultivate and foster the interest of a group of minority 9th-grade girls in the STEM fields.

The project took place in a school with a substantial population of minority students, who often require additional resources and support, through the collaborative efforts of NSU professors Teri Williams, Ph.D.; Jia Borror, Ed.D.; Julie Torruellas Garcia, Ph.D.; Arthur Sikora, Ph.D.; Yueting Wan, Ph.D.; Su; and the dedicated research team, the project successfully ignited the girls’ passion for STEM disciplines.

Su emphasized the significance of exposing the students to various STEM fields and integrating the arts to make the subject matter engaging and exciting. By employing hands-on activities, the project enabled the girls to establish connections and realize their potential to pursue careers in STEM. Williams noted that many girls were interested in environmental sciences, prompting the team to prioritize these topics and foster their curiosity.

The project aimed to shed new light on the STEM fields, highlighting their inherent beauty, intrigue, and hands-on nature. By encouraging the girls to envision themselves as future scientists or educators, the project aimed to expand their horizons and aspirations.

The outcomes of this groundbreaking study were published in esteemed journals, namely the Global Journal of HUMAN-SOCIAL SCIENCE: G Linguistics & Education, the Journal of Advanced Research in Social Sciences and Humanities, and the Global Research Journal. Su presented this noteworthy work during the prestigious 2023 Global Research Conference held at the University of Cambridge in the UK, where she also delivered the keynote address. Borror provided invaluable assistance during the presentation, contributing to the team’s success.

Su, Williams, Borror, and Ventakesh Shanbhag, Ph.D., were awarded NSU’s President’s Faculty Research and Development Grant for the upcoming 2023-2024 academic year as a testament to their exceptional achievements. This grant will enable them to continue their impactful work with young female students in higher grades, with the hope that these students may consider NSU as their educational destination of choice.

Ultimately, the project profoundly impacted the participating girls, who thoroughly enjoyed their involvement and expressed their gratitude for the invaluable knowledge imparted by the NSU professors.

Posted 06/18/23

Education Alum Named Finalist for Georgia Teacher of Year

Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice alum Brittany Nearhoof has been named as a finalist for Georgia Teacher of the Year.

Nearhoof, who graduated from NSU in 2011 with a Master’s Degree in Integrated Technology and Teaching and Learning, currently works as an art teacher at McAllister Elementary School in Bryan County, Georgia.

Brittany Nearhoof

Having served as a teacher for 14 years, she said to be recognized at the state level left her feeling both honored and humbled.

“When I met all of my fellow finalists … when I saw everybody in person, my goodness, they’re incredible teachers. And I am sincerely humbled and honored to be among the group.”

Earlier in her career, Nearhoof had been named Teacher of the Year before within a previous school she worked at.

“I thought, ‘Wow, that was just an incredible honor.’ Like, how nice to get this award. And then this time around, when I got it for my school, I thought, ‘Wow, my peers see something in me,’” she said. “When I found out I received it for the state, that has been a surreal experience.”

Nearhoof said part of what made the experience so honoring is that many of her peers and colleagues also in the arts aren’t used to their subject being recognized. She recalled how a veteran art teacher close to retirement told her how proud she is to see visual arts in the spotlight.

Nearhoof said her ultimate goal is to continue being a great educator and learn as much as she can.

“I plan to just continue in the classroom and to continue to grow in my craft,” she said. “And advocate for the arts in schools.”

The official teacher of the year will be named at a gala on June 10.

Good luck Brittany! We are rooting for you!

Posted 05/21/23

Education Alum Starts Educational Consulting Business

Kisha Bellande-Francis, Ed.D.

A doctoral graduate of the Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice has opened her own educational consulting business.

Kisha Bellande-Francis earned her Ed.D. in Instructional Leadership from NSU in 2018 and has worked in a number of educational roles. She initially began her career as a Speech Language Pathologist before working as a teacher, administrator, and instructional consultant.

“As an administrator, I thought, ‘Wow, I’m making an impact in the whole school. It’s so wonderful. But when I became a consultant, and I was able to travel to different districts in different states, I felt like ‘Oh my Goodness, now I am making a national impact!”

Bellande-Francis now leads her own consulting business, she helps schools and organizations evaluate instructional practices and recommends areas for improvement. She has been consulting since 2015, but started her own business in 2022 and expressed that the feeling of being on her own has been liberating.

“It’s just been a pleasure because I really get to bring my vision to my practice. I have closer relationships with district and school leaders, and nothing beats that.

Bellande-Francis said her degree from Nova helped prepare her for this role by extending her capabilities through using research as a meaningful way to help her clients.

“It’s opened my eyes to look at challenges in a way of questioning, investigating, and collecting data to leverage the results towards growth and impact.”

When it comes to the future, Bellande-Francis is open to a variety of possibilities, however, there is an ultimate goal that she does dream about: opening her own school, and she has even collaborated with FCE&SCJ Dean Kimberly Durham about it.

“I started the process and was on my way to establishing my own school in 2020 but when COVID hit everything halted. The dream is still in my heart and something that I hope to achieve one day. I have reimagined what schools can look like. I want to implement my vision of a competency-based school that removes “grade level” barriers and allows each individual student the opportunity to excel at their own pace and reach their absolute fullest potential, especially in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) aspects.  I want to apply my experience and talents in my own school and allow all of the best teaching practices to blossom in one place.”

Posted 05/08/23

Education Alum Appointed to 2 Roles at a Chicago University

A doctoral graduate from the Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice has been appointed to two different leadership roles at a Chicago university.

Steven Gerner, Ed.D., was recently named the Assistant Dean for the College of Education and the Director of the Center for Christian Education at Concordia University Chicago.

Steven Gerner, Ed.D.

“With 28 years of urban education experience, [Gerner] continues to propel forward innovative and engaging educational strategy with the goal of success for all students,” the university said in a press release.

Gerner himself said getting the position was exciting and he appreciated being recognized as a good fit for the role.

“They valued the education experiences I had, and it was a good challenge to look forward and be somewhere where they supported this idea of continually getting better really focusing on becoming a premier university to all students,” Gerner said.

In his role as the Director for the Center for Christian Education, Gerner will work to serve as a catalyst and find opportunities for faith-fueled education in the community.

But in addition to these two roles, Gerner is also the CEO for the Center for Urban Education Ministries. Despite three intensive roles, Gerner said he is ready to take them on.

“It’s three distinct roles, but as much as we can, we can meld them together to really line up the arrows in the same direction,” he said. “I feel it’s part of what Nova prepared me for, to keep moving forward with all the different various workloads.”

Gerner earned his Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from NSU in 2010. He said his ultimate goal is make sure all students are successful academically.

“Whether it’s leveling the playing field, whether it’s giving opportunities, the end goal to be seen across our country is making sure all students can be successful.”

Congratulations and Fins Up to you!

Posted 05/07/23

Education Doctoral Alum Named VP of Student Affairs in Texas

Jason Abreu, Ed.D.

Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice graduate Jason Abreu, Ed.D., has been named the Vice President of Student Affairs at Tarrant County College – Trinity River Campus in Fort Worth, Texas.

Abreu graduated from NSU with his Masters in Leadership and an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership. His duties involve managing the experience for students beyond the classroom, including advising, financial aid, mental health, student life and activities, and more.

Abreu has been serving in the role since January, and he said he is enjoying the experience.

“I am thrilled to join an institution that values and places the student journey at the forefront. TCC personifies a first-class experience for students and the excitement is palpable” Abreu said.

All-in-all, Abreu said he hopes to truly make the student experience better for incoming, current, and graduating students.

“How can we increase our retention and graduation rates? How can we elevate the student experience to ensure goals are accomplished and workforce needs are met?” Abreu mentioned. “Lastly, we must focus on expanding resources. Right now, students are dealing with housing insecurities, food insecurities, inflation, mental health and other aspects that are impacting their educational journey. It is our responsibility to leverage the appropriate resources.”

This fits very much with Abreu’s own philosophy and personal story focused on educational accessibility and opportunity.

“Through higher education, I was able to see the world from a different lens and through this space, I am able to give back. Open access and equitable opportunities for a high quality educational experience is my motto,” Abreu said.

Congratulations on your new role Jason Abreu!

Posted 04/23/23

Kappa Delta Phi Chapter Recognized for Community Service

The Omega Theta Chapter at NSU’s Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice was recently awarded two awards from the national chapter for their efforts in Literacy Alive! Programming and Community Service Programming.

The awards acknowledge an extensive project that benefitted the people of Haiti, who are still recovering from a devastating earthquake in 2021.

Nearly two years after the earthquake, thousands of residents remain displaced and left without a home. Recognizing a need, the Omega Theta Chapter mobilized and organized a drive to collect books and other needed supplies to help ensure the students in the country can continue to learn.

“We all collaborated on this, and we were able to have a donation center at the Kendall campus and our donation center here,” said Chapter Counselor Sandra Trotman, Ed.D.

The group collected thousands of books, hygiene items, bookbags, blankets, and more.

“We gave them over $75,000 US dollars in gifts. We catered to pregnant mothers who had to come to the hospital with preeclampsia or eclampsia. So we provided gift bags, bags of love’ to these victims (babies, children, and their mothers) of the earthquake”.

The group did not complete the task alone, and they relied on the help of the local and NSU community.

“It took coordination, but it paid off because they received all these items. This highlights how the power of education can change children’s lives, one book at a time. Having children learn to read is an investment that lasts a lifetime,” said Chapter Co-Counselor María Grethel Méndez, Ed.D.

The group is no stranger to accolades for their philanthropic efforts – they have won dozens of awards over the years for various projects, including 12 literacy awards.

Posted 04/23/23

Doctoral Grad Accepted to Presidential Management Fellowship

Justina Jackson, Ed.D.

A doctoral graduate student from the Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice has recently been accepted into a prestigious federal fellowship program.

Justina Jackson, Ed.D., was recently selected as a finalist for the Presidential Management Fellows Program. The highly competitive program lasts two years and attracts thousands of applicants with advanced degrees from different disciplines. Of 10,000 applicants, only 850 were selected.

During the fellowship, students will work to be appointed to a U.S. Government Agency for training, and at the end of the program, they may also be given the opportunity to become a permanent civilian employee.

“I was just completely shocked. And I was just like, ‘This is your moment. This is your season. This is God opening the door for you. I’m walking in that door and totally appreciative for the opportunities to even get this far,’” Jackson said, describing her feelings upon learning she had been selected.

Jackson graduated with her Ed.D. from NSU in 21’ and her Masters in Social Work from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in 13.’ She is currently pursuing a second Master’s degree in Leadership.

Jackson was told about the program by one of her mentors, and after applying, she interviewed, and then in February, she learned she had been selected as a finalist.

Having her doctorate in Education, Jackson initially aimed to be appointed to a position with the Department of Education, but a former PM fellow with an education background reached out to her and proposed working for the CDC. He described how his skills proved to be uniquely useful in that field, so Jackson considered doing the same.

“I applied for all the opportunities with CDC,” she said. “The jobs range from being a health scientist to a technical grant writer to public health analyst and policy analyst.”

All-in-all, Jackson said she hopes she can make meaningful change with this opportunity.

“I really want to be transformative, not just transactional,” she said. “If I could wave a wand, I would like to be some sort of policy analyst that can actually change the lives of students in a better direction, families in a better direction, whether that’s public health, social services — whatever it is, just actually making a genuine impact and not just surface level.”

Congratulations Justina Jackson! Fins up to you!

Posted 04/09/23

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