Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Market Research Report

Background

Nova Southeastern University (NSU), established in 1964, is a private research university located in Fort Lauderdale-Davie, Florida. As the largest private research university in Florida, NSU offers over 150 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs across 14 colleges. The university's mission is to provide high-quality educational and research programs that foster innovation and community engagement. NSU is classified as an R1 institution by the Carnegie Foundation, indicating very high research activity.

Key Strategic Focus

NSU's strategic focus encompasses:

Health Care Education: NSU is one of only three U.S. universities offering both M.D. and D.O. medical programs, making it the largest educator of physicians in Florida.

Research Excellence: With an R1 designation, NSU emphasizes research in critical areas such as cancer, marine life, and brain health.

Community Engagement: The university is committed to community service, as evidenced by its Carnegie Community Engagement Classification.

Diversity and Inclusion: Designated as a Hispanic-serving institution, NSU serves a diverse student body from over 115 countries.

Financials and Funding

As of the 2022 fiscal year, NSU's endowment was valued at approximately $201 million. The university's total salary expenditure for the same period was $686 million. NSU's economic impact in Florida is projected to reach $5 billion by 2025.

Pipeline Development

NSU is actively engaged in over 250 sponsored research projects, focusing on areas such as anticancer therapies, chronic fatigue syndrome, coral reef restoration, stem cells, and shark DNA forensics. These projects are supported by more than 100 external agencies, including the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.

Technological Platform and Innovation

NSU's commitment to innovation is evident through its specialized research facilities and technological platforms:

Center for Collaborative Research (CCR): A 215,000-square-foot facility housing advanced wet and dry labs, high-performance computing environments, and access to Florida LambdaRail.

Research Institutes: NSU hosts multiple institutes focusing on cancer research, cell therapy, neuro-immune medicine, and ocean sciences.

Core Facilities: The university offers cutting-edge resources, including flow cytometry, next-generation sequencing, high-resolution imaging, and a vivarium for animal studies.

Leadership Team

As of January 2025, Dr. Harry K. Moon serves as the seventh president and CEO of NSU. Dr. Moon has been with NSU since 2018, previously serving as executive vice president and chief operating officer. His background includes roles such as president and chairman of the board of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and CEO of Cleveland Clinic Florida.

Leadership Changes

Dr. Harry K. Moon assumed the role of president and CEO in January 2025, succeeding Dr. George L. Hanbury II. Dr. Moon's appointment marks a continuation of NSU's commitment to leadership excellence.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The higher education sector in Florida is competitive, with numerous institutions offering diverse programs. NSU's emphasis on health care education and research positions it uniquely within this landscape.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include:

Keiser University: A private university with its main campus in Fort Lauderdale, offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Keiser is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

University of Miami: A private research university in Coral Gables, Florida, known for its strong programs in health sciences and research initiatives.

Florida Atlantic University: A public university in Boca Raton, Florida, offering a wide array of programs and research opportunities.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

NSU has established significant partnerships to enhance its educational and research capabilities:

Adastra Partnership: In February 2023, NSU's College of Computing and Engineering partnered with Adastra to create accelerated learning opportunities and research experiences in data processing, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.

HCA Florida University Hospital: Opened in 2021 adjacent to NSU's main campus, this facility enhances clinical training opportunities for health care students.