Nova Southeastern University
Also known as: NSU
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Rate Now!Nova Southeastern University, South University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
Also known as: NSU
Nova Southeastern University (NSU), located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, boasts a robust network of alumni who have made significant contributions across various fields, particularly in law, politics, healthcare, and sports. While not traditionally known for producing Hollywood celebrities or Nobel Prize winners, the university's graduates excel in professional arenas that directly impact public service and community health, reflecting NSU's emphasis on practical, career-oriented education in its colleges of law, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, and health sciences.
In politics and public service, notable alumni from Nova Southeastern University include Manny Diaz Jr., a graduate of the Shepard Broad College of Law (JD 2001), who serves as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives. His leadership has shaped education policy and economic development initiatives in the state. Similarly, Jennifer Carroll (JD), the first woman and first African-American Lieutenant Governor of Florida (2011-2013), broke barriers in state government. David Samson (JD), former Chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, leveraged his NSU legal training in high-level public administration. These figures highlight the influence of NSU politics alumni on governance and policy.
NSU's Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine and College of Pharmacy have produced leaders in healthcare, with alumni holding key positions in hospitals and research institutions across the U.S. The university's athletic programs, competing in NCAA Division II as the Sharks, have yielded professional athletes, especially in baseball, contributing to sports figures from NSU.
The alumni network spans over 180,000 members globally, with strong ties in South Florida. This community supports career growth through events and mentorship, vital for students and job seekers eyeing opportunities in Fort Lauderdale or higher ed jobs. For insights into faculty, visit Rate My Professor reviews for Nova Southeastern University courses. Explore more at the NSU Alumni Association.
Studying at NSU positions graduates for impactful careers, as seen in alumni driving legal reforms, healthcare innovations, and athletic achievements. For job seekers, this underscores the value of NSU's programs in competitive fields like those in Florida academic jobs or higher ed career advice.
Nova Southeastern University (NSU) notable alumni shine in professional fields like politics, sports, and business rather than Hollywood spotlights or billionaire lists. While there are no U.S. presidents, Nobel laureates, or confirmed actors among its famous graduates, NSU has produced influential leaders whose stories inspire students and job seekers eyeing careers in Florida's dynamic job market. Explore top alumni below, with entertaining facts highlighting their journeys—perfect motivation for aspiring professionals considering higher ed jobs or rating professors via Rate My Professor at NSU. Check the politics section or sports figures for more.
NSU's Shepard Broad College of Law has launched leaders shaping Florida policy, focusing on education and environment.
NSU Sharks athletics breed pros who tackle NFL fields and coach NBA teams, proving grit pays off.
No billionaires yet, but NSU grads build empires in finance and real estate, fueling South Florida's economy.
Discover more millionaires and billionaires or NSU trailblazers via the official NSU Alumni Association. Parents and job seekers, NSU grads thrive in Fort Lauderdale's scene—explore academic jobs in Fort Lauderdale or higher ed career advice to follow their path. NSU fosters real-world success, from Senate chambers to stadiums.
Nova Southeastern University (NSU) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has produced notable alumni from Nova Southeastern University who have left their mark in entertainment, sports, and politics, proving that this dynamic private institution fosters real-world success. Take Daniel Tosh, the sharp-witted comedian who earned his communications degree from NSU in 1996. His time at the university honed the observational humor that launched Tosh.0 on Comedy Central, where he fearlessly roasted viral videos, amassing millions of fans with his deadpan delivery. Tosh's journey from NSU classrooms to stand-up stardom and TV hosting showcases how the university's supportive environment sparks creativity—check out more entertainment figures for inspiring stories.
In sports, Udonis Haslem stands tall as one of the most loyal NBA champions. The power forward played for the NSU Sharks before transferring and becoming a three-time title winner with the Miami Heat, including the epic 2012-2013 seasons. Haslem's grit and leadership, retiring in 2023 after 20 years, embody NSU's emphasis on perseverance. Explore sports figures to see how Sharks alumni dominate professional leagues. Meanwhile, Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, who obtained her JD from NSU's Shepard Broad College of Law, made history as the first Ecuadorian-American in Congress (2019-2021), advocating for education and healthcare. Her trailblazing path highlights NSU's law program's impact on influential leaders.
These famous graduates of Nova Southeastern University demonstrate breakthroughs in their fields, from Tosh's hilarious commentary on pop culture to Haslem's championship rings and Mucarsel-Powell's policy wins. For aspiring students, NSU offers a launchpad—rate professors on Rate My Professor to find top mentors, or browse academic jobs in Fort Lauderdale and higher ed jobs. Discover more at NSU's official alumni page. Parents and job seekers, NSU alumni networks provide connections for careers in sunny Florida.
While not boasting Nobel winners or billionaires, NSU's alumni excel in practical achievements, entertaining us with Tosh's roasts and inspiring through athletic triumphs and public service. Thinking of NSU? Check Rate My Professor reviews for faculty insights and gear up with higher ed career advice.
Nova Southeastern University alumni have excelled as athletes, particularly in American football; these sports figures have achieved professional success in the NFL, contributing to team performances and setting records in kicking and defensive play.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| George Iloka | Former NFL Safety | Exercise and Sport Science | 2010 | Played professionally in the NFL for the Cincinnati Bengals, Minnesota Vikings, and Chicago Bears after earning his degree from NSU. |
| Dustin Hopkins | NFL Placekicker | Exercise and Sports Science | 2012 | Current placekicker for the Los Angeles Chargers, having previously played for the Washington Commanders and Buffalo Bills after graduating from NSU. |
| Ryan Cordell | Former MLB Outfielder | unknown | Played in Major League Baseball for the Chicago White Sox after transferring to and playing baseball at NSU. |
