Tales from Tampa
April - May 2018 Newsletter
Walk a Mile in Her Shoes®
On Thursday, April 26, the Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Tampa Campus held our third annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® event. This is an international men’s march to stop rape, sexual assault, and gender violence. This fun event was a way to educate our campus about how serious and common sexualized violence is. The NSU Tampa Campus raised $390 for our local Crisis Center of Tampa Bay in order to help the victims in our own community. We had men and women from the campus and community who joined in on the walk and wore the fabulous red heels. We look forward to hosting this event on the NSU Tampa Campus again in order to keep spreading the word about the serious effects of sexualized violence and how to end it.

By: Deanna Flournoy
Town Hall
On April 7, Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Tampa Campus students in the graduate programs offered by the College of Psychology were given an opportunity to attend a town hall meeting with George L. Hanbury II, Ph.D., NSU president and CEO via videoconferencing. Hanbury gave updates on several initiatives taking place at the university, and students from every regional campus were given an opportunity to ask questions.

By: Tony Thompson, M.B.A.
Open House
The Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Tampa Campus held an open house on Thursday, April 5 at 6:00 p.m. The campus received 64 RSVPs, and 46 people attended. This was an all hands-on-deck event where staff and faculty met with prospective students to showcase our various degree offerings and labs offered at the NSU Tampa Campus, online, other regional campuses, and the Fort Lauderdale/Davie Campus.  

By: Michael Abraham, MAED
ORC Fin Day
On April 20, for the first time ever, the Office of Regional Campuses staff from every campus got together in Orlando for a day of fun and games in the sun. This was a great opportunity for everyone to meet each other and put a face to the phone calls and emails. Games included a scavenger hunt, fun competition games, and a bounce house obstacle course. The victors of the day were the Navy Blue Team!

By: Kelsey Kaplanek
Taste of Brandon
On Saturday, April 21, Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Tampa Campus assistant directors Jason Barshay, M.S. and Tony Thompson, M.B.A. participated in the Taste of Brandon. The event was sponsored by the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce and drew thousands of attendees to the Westfield Brandon Mall for the chance to try samples from local restaurants and learn more about area businesses and organizations. Barshay and Thompson had the opportunity to speak to a wide variety of individuals including NSU alumni, individuals interested in graduate and undergraduate programs at the university, and some who were just curious to learn more about our university.

By: Jason Barshay, M.S.
Occupational Therapy Month
April was Occupational Therapy Month, and in recognition of it, we spoke to a faculty member in our Doctor of Occupational Therapy (O.T.D.) program, a current student in the program, and a graduate of the program.
When asked what advice she would give someone considering the field of occupational therapy, Sheila Longpré, Ph.D., OTR/L, associate professor, Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Tampa Campus's O.T.D. program replied, “I would really love for someone to know that if they have a passion for this, they’re in the right place. You can reinvent yourself constantly. The opportunities are endless, but you really have to like it, and you really have to like working with people in ways that are very personal. You have to be strong enough in yourself and comfortable enough with them to create that environment where they feel safe. Really take an opportunity to shadow. Really take an opportunity to get an understanding of what it entails to be an occupational therapy practitioner.”
In discussion on how she became interested in the field of occupational therapy, Saige Abrams, student, NSU Tampa Campus's O.T.D. program replied, “The idea of helping individuals live their fullest lives and reach their greatest potential through doing what is meaningful and purposeful to them is exactly what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. It seemed to be the perfect match between the medical and educational fields; it is the best of both worlds.”
For the question of what her most memorable experience was during the O.T.D. program, Nikita Mathew, O.T.D., OTR/L, alumna, NSU Tampa Campus's O.T.D. program replied, "As part of my doctoral residency, I had the opportunity to attend an international medical outreach trip to Ecuador, which consisted of 15 Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) students from NSU, 3 D.O. Physicians, Dr. Longpré, and me as the only O.T. student. One of my responsibilities included educating other members on the trip about O.T. and the similarities and unique differences from PT. This opportunity helped me realize the importance of promoting our profession and creating inter-professional bonds in order to provide the highest quality of care to our clients."
By: Jason Barshay, M.S.
High Tea
The Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Tampa Campus team wanted to commemorate the royal wedding during its monthly all team meeting and had a high tea British style themed meeting. Everyone contributed by making different sandwiches and treats to share.

By: Tabitha Raj, M.Ed.
Autism Awareness
Monday, April 2 was Autism Awareness Day, and in recognition of it, the Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Tampa Campus team posed for a photo.

By: Jason Barshay, M.S.
Better Hearing and Speech Month
May was Better Hearing and Speech Month, and in recognition of it, we interviewed one of the students in our M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology program.

When discussing what advice she would give someone considering an education in speech-language pathology, Hanan Shihada, student, Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Tampa Campus's M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology program said, “An education in speech-language pathology allows one to be stable in a high-growth field. Speech-language pathologists are needed across the world as more and more people are diagnosed with speech and language difficulties. In addition, pursing an education in this field creates more awareness to the disabilities and communication disorders we may face throughout our life, and this is a wonderful opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life!” 

By: Jason Barshay, M.S.
Golden Key Honor Society Induction
On May 3, the Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Tampa Campus was very excited to induct new members into the Golden Key Honor Society who are in the top 15% of the university. The Golden Key Honor Society focuses on excellence in academics, leadership, and service with each member meeting the requirement of an impressive 3.75 GPA or higher. The ceremony included dinner for the new inductees and their families along with reciting of the Golden Key Honor Society pledge. Each student was presented with their Golden Key Honor Society cord that they will be able to wear at graduation. Members now have the option to attend summits and make the connections to unlock their full potential.

By: Deanna Flournoy
Pinellas County Education Night
On May 4, Tony Thompson, M.B.A., assistant director was invited to attend the Pinellas County Education Night with the Tampa Bay Rays as a guest of the Pinellas Education Foundation. Thompson had the opportunity to speak to members of the Pinellas County School Board, Pinellas Education Foundation employees, and representatives of other organizations that support education in Pinellas County about the education degree programs within Nova Southeastern University’s (NSU) Abraham S. Fischler College of Education as well as the new NSU Tampa Bay Regional Campus being built in Clearwater. Everyone left happy as the Rays were victorious 6-2 over the visiting Toronto Blue Jays. 

By: Tony Thompson, M.B.A.
Appreciating Our Psychology Students
On Friday, May 4, the Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Tampa Campus team provided coffee and donuts for the College of Psychology students during their intensive weekend. We wanted to show our appreciation and support to the students during their finals week. The students and faculty were pleasantly surprised and enjoyed the treat!

By: Tabitha Raj, M.Ed.
Nursing Appreciation Week
May 6 – 12 was Nursing Appreciation Week, and Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Tampa Campus assistant directors Michael Abraham, MAED and Tabitha Raj, M.Ed. hit the road and attended various events across Tampa Bay for the 2018 Nurse’s Week festivities. Abraham and Raj were invited to host information tables at a nursing cocktail party and book signing in Temple Terrace, four events at Largo Medical Center in Largo, one event at Bayfront Hospital in Brooksville, and an event at Florida Hospital Zephyrhills. The goal was to help create awareness of the NSU Tampa Campus and promote the Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing and family nurse practitioner programs to employees and community members.  

By: Michael Abraham, MAED
Additionally, in honor of Nursing Appreciation Week, we interviewed a faculty member in our M.S.N.-Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program.

When asked about her particular area of interest in the field of nursing, Laura Smith, Ph.D., FNP-C, RN, assistant professor, NSU Tampa Campus's APRN program said, “After several years working in the community setting, I decided to expand my scope of practice and became an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). This role continues to challenge me and is most gratifying. The APRN has the ability to assess a patient’s condition and provide a treatment plan that is well suited for them. When patient’s respond to this, it brings the patient-nurse relationship to another level of intimacy.” 
By: Jason Barshay, M.S.
Teacher Appreciation Week
Teacher Appreciation Week was May 7 – 11, and in honor of it, Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Tampa Campus assistant directors Jason Barshay, M.S. and Tony Thompson, M.B.A. and Charles Grego, Ed.D., field associate, NSU’s Abraham S. Fischler College of Education visited five Tampa Bay area elementary schools where we distributed goody bags to every teacher at each school as well as raffled off a gift basket to one lucky teacher at each school. Two of the schools we visited were near the current NSU Tampa Campus and three near the NSU Tampa Bay Regional Campus that is under construction. Goody bags were provided to a total of approximately 400 teachers and support staff and included information on degree programs within NSU’s Abraham S. Fischler College of Education, NSU promotional items, a selection of food treats, a ruler, a coupon for a free breakfast sandwich at McDonald’s, and a coupon for a free bundtlet from Nothing Bundt Cakes. The gift baskets raffled off at each school included a variety of NSU promotional items, a bundlet from Nothing Bundt Cakes and a coupon for an additional bundlet, gift cards for area restaurants, a pound of coffee from Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company, and a voucher for a one-night-stay at Staybridge Suites.

By: Jason Barshay, M.S.
Migrant Student Senior Banquet
On Tuesday, May 8, the Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Tampa Campus, in partnership with the SouthShore Chamber of Commerce and the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay, sponsored the Migrant Student Senior Banquet. Lennard, Riverview, Spoto, and East Bay High Schools were represented along with a High School Equivalency Program that made up the 32 graduates. Migrant Education Programs are designed to work with community members for their specific educational need and attention to skills and workforce advice. Along with other community partners’ donations and gifts, NSU provided a $250 dollar donation toward scholarships at the evening dinner reception to a graduate of the program. Racquel Khuri, M.B.A., director, NSU Tampa Campus was in attendance to offer congratulations to the graduates and their families on their accomplishments. Khuri mentioned, “One of the things most noteworthy of these graduates are their efforts and hard work in their studies, while holding down a job, sometimes two, to assist supporting their families. These young adults are to be commended!”

By: Racquel Khuri, M.B.A.
NSU Tampa Welcomes New Health Science Students
On May 24, Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Tampa Campus's Master of Science in Anesthesia program held its Class of 2020 Orientation and White Coat Ceremony. Thirty-three new students were welcomed into the NSU family. It was a joyous day that was celebrated not only with the students but with their family and friends as well. We are excited and look forward to working with them all throughout the semesters to come.

By: Alissa Pullom
On May 14-15, the Professional Doctor of Physical Therapy Program – Tampa (D.P.T. – Tampa) welcomed 45 new students as the Class of 2022. Our opening ceremony was held alongside the cardiovascular sonography program, and students were welcomed by Jonathon May, Ed.D., assistant director of student affairs, Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences; Hal Strough, Ph.D., associate dean, Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences; Racquel Khuri, M.B.A., director, NSU Tampa Campus; Sheena Zimmerman, M.Ed., director of student affairs; and Nicole Smith, DPT-2. Following the opening ceremony, Mary Blackinton, PT, Ed.D., GCS, CEEAA, associate professor, director, D.P.T. – Tampa welcomed the Class of 2022 and their families, encouraging students to embrace both learning and leadership as D.P.T. students. She concluded, “Pele once said: ‘success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.’ My wish for all of you is that you always love what you are doing and learning to do.” During the orientation, students were introduced to their summer faculty members: Terry Rzepkowski, D.P.T., assistant professor (anatomy); Lance Cherry, PT, Ed.D., OCS, associate professor (physiology); and Keiba Shaw, PT, D.P.T., Ed.D., associate professor (communication and cultural competence). They also learned about learning strategies that promote long-term memory, rather than cramming, as well as the technical skills they will need during the blended D.P.T. program. Classes started on May 21, so we are proud to say that our D.P.T. students hit the ground running.
By: Fritzy Gaspard
The NSU Tampa Campus also had the pleasure of welcoming new students into its Bachelor of Science in Cardiovascular Sonography and Doctor of Occupational Therapy (O.T.D.) programs. We wish all of our new students success as they embark on their academic and professional careers.

By: Jason Barshay, M.S.
Mental Health Awareness Month
May was Mental Health Awareness Month, and in recognition of it, we spoke to a graduate of the Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Tampa Campus’s M.S. in Counseling with a Mental Health Counseling concentration program.

When interviewed about how she became interested in the field of mental health counseling, Brittany Graniero, M.S., LMHC, alumna, NSU Tampa Campus’s M.S. in Counseling with a Mental Health Counseling concentration program said she had, “a strong desire to remove the stigma of mental health. For so long, we have lived in a society in which it is not okay to be unwell, express how we really feel, or address the impact that trauma has on our day to day life. That has always moved me because it doesn’t “feel right” that people have been suffering in silence for so long. In this moment, we have the ability to challenge that ideology. We have the ability to change the way we (and generations to come) think about discussions surrounding mental health.”

By: Jason Barshay, M.S.
SafeTALK Suicide Prevention Training
On May 18, the Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Tampa Campus welcomed a group onto campus for a SafeTALK Suicide Prevention training in conjunction with NSU’s College of Psychology. SafeTALK is a half-day training that can help equip anyone learn to assist in suicide prevention regardless of their education level and previous experience. Attendees of the training were employees at local community agencies with which NSU partners. Assistant directors Tony Thompson, M.B.A., Les Ross, Ed.D., and Tabitha Raj, M.Ed. welcomed the group and provided a brief overview of the graduate degrees in counseling offered by the College of Psychology. Carly Paro, Ed.D., LMHC, assistant professor, NSU’s College of Psychology was also in attendance to interact with attendees and provide additional insights.

By: Tony Thompson, M.B.A.
Clearwater Free Clinic Presentation
On Monday, May 21, Michael Abraham, MAED, assistant director, Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Tampa Campus coordinated an opportunity for Jeannie Shapiro, chief executive officer, Clearwater Free Clinic and three of her clinical managers to participate in a robust round table discussion and campus tour. The Clearwater Free Clinic provides care to the underserved community and provide treatment in cardiovascular care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nurse practitioner, pharmacy, medicine, and more. Program directors and faculty members for the cardiovascular sonography, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and family nurse practitioner programs showcased what the NSU Tampa Campus has to offer. All attendees were then able to ask questions and discuss how partnerships and opportunities could be established between the clinic, our faculty, and students.  

By: Michael Abraham, MAED
Raising Funds to Support Jamaican Medical Mission
During the months of April and May, the Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Tampa Campus community came together to raise funds to support the annual Jamaica Medical Mission trip that students and faculty will be participating in. This year 11 Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) students and 3 Doctor of Occupational Therapy (O.T.D.) students will be going on the mission trip.

On Monday, April 30, the campus hosted a Jamaican a Difference luncheon to raise funds for the mission trip. A total of $1,092.45 was collected at the event in addition to donated items. Additionally, during the month of May, Carol Fasick, enrollment coordinator, NSU Tampa Campus led a casual attire fundraiser wherein employees could pay a $5 fee to wear jeans on Fridays. A total of $326 was raised through the jeans fundraiser.

Thank you to all of the volunteers who helped support the fundraising effort. Thank you also to those who donated items for the luncheon prize bags: Brian Foley, NSU OIIT; Colleen Vorees, Residence Inn; Sam Yoders, Ph.D.; Casey Melton; Racquel Khuri, M.B.A; the recruitment and enrollment management team; Kelsey Kaplanek; Sheena Zimmermann, M.Ed.; the D.P.T. program; and Susan Stallings-Sahler, Ph.D., OTR/L., FAOTA. Special thanks to Keiba Shaw, P.T., D.P.T, Ed.D., Mary Blackinton, P.T., Ed.D., GCS, CEEAA, and Joy Moulton, P.T., D.P.T., OCS, VRT, CCI, Cert. MDT for allowing us to be a part of this event for the past four years. Looking forward to next year!  

By: Stacy-Ann Payne, M.B.A. and Jason Barshay, M.S.
NSU Night Out with the Tampa Bay Rays
For the Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Night Out Tampa Campus style, we headed to Tropicana Field to catch the Rays play the Braves on Wednesday, May 9. Students enjoyed being right behind the bullpen and watching all the pitchers warm up for their turn in the game. The NSU Tampa Campus’s Student Government Association was excited to offer student tickets for only $5, and the ticket included a free hat.

By: Deanna Flournoy
Administrative Professionals Day
In honor of Administrative Professionals Day and in appreciation for all that they do, the Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Tampa Campus team had a surprise party for our enrollment coordinators and student assistants. Each was provided with special gifts, and an array of tasty treats were shared by all.

By: Jason Barshay, M.S.
Class Celebration
The Division of Student Affairs was proud to recognize the graduating Sharks from the 2017-2018 school year at our Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Tampa Campus Class Celebration. It was an honor to be able to celebrate the journey these students have made alongside their friends and families. The family style reception showcased how the NSU Tampa Campus considers all their students and staff to be one big Shark family. George L. Hanbury II, Ph.D., NSU president and CEO made a special video appearance congratulating the graduates and wishing them the best as their journey takes on a new path. Alexis Martinez, Ph.D., assistant dean, student development thanked the families for the constant support they provided their student and displayed how much their positive presence helped facilitate the success of the graduate. The night concluded with a group photo of the graduates, and the NSU Tampa Campus was so excited to give them a night dedicated to sharing their successes.  

By: Deanna Flournoy
Education Partnership with Pinellas County
On Thursday, May 24, Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Tampa Campus assistant directors Jason Barshay, M.S. and Tony Thompson, M.B.A. participated in a “classroom support to teacher initiative” event in Pinellas County. NSU is one of three partners chosen by the county to assist interested paraprofessionals in continuing their education and becoming certified teachers. At the event, Barshay and Thompson presented on two undergraduate degrees offered through NSU’s Abraham S. Fischler College of Education: the B.S. in Elementary Education with ESOL and Reading endorsements and the B.S. in Exceptional Student Education with ESOL endorsement. Following the presentation, Barshay and Thompson had the opportunity to speak to interested individuals one-on-one and answer any questions. With a new NSU Tampa Bay Regional Campus in Clearwater currently under development, NSU looks forward to continuing to strengthen its partnership with Pinellas County.

By: Jason Barshay, M.S.
Call for Content
Our next newsletter edition will cover the months of June, July, and August. We know there are many exciting things happening at the Nova Southeastern University Tampa Campus, and we want to celebrate and share your news. If you have any content you would like to submit for inclusion in the next edition of the newsletter, please email the information to barshay@nova.edu no later than Friday, August 24. 
3632 Queen Palm Drive
Tampa, FL 33619
(813) 574-5200
Let's Get Social!