#United States #Fort Lauderdale #Community Engagement #Carnegie Classification #Nova Southeastern

Nova Southeastern University Earns Prestigious Carnegie Classification

Nova Southeastern University (NSU), located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has made headlines by securing the much-coveted Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement in 2026. This recognition positions NSU as the only large, profession-focused university nationwide to simultaneously hold the Community Engagement classification, Highest-Level Research, and Opportunity designations. This achievement underscores NSU's unwavering commitment to both academic and community excellence.

The Carnegie Classifications serve as a vital framework to categorize and assess higher education institutions across the United States. They are frequently referenced by policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders as critical benchmarks in higher education. The recent classifications bestowed upon NSU highlight its standout capabilities in research endeavors alongside meaningful community interactions that simultaneously cater to a diverse student population. This diversity is particularly significant since students at NSU not only manage to secure high-quality educational experiences but also tend to earn competitive wages compared to their counterparts from other institutions.

Dr. Ronald J. Chenail, NSU's Executive Vice President, Provost, and Chief Academic Officer, emphasized the importance of these recognitions in distinguishing NSU as a national leader in academia. He stated, "These three designations from the Carnegie Foundation further distinguish NSU as a national leader in higher education. We set the standard for maintaining the highest research activity while serving a diverse student population ready to achieve career success, all while engaging in productive and meaningful community partnerships."

Among the notable features of the Community Engagement classification is the Carnegie Foundation's careful selection process, which involved recognizing 80 private colleges for their effective partnerships with local neighborhoods. This selection criteria stresses civic engagement and creating engaging experiential learning opportunities, two pillars that NSU meets and often exceeds. In fact, NSU proudly participates in over 3,500 community collaboration initiatives every year. Furthermore, these projects provide invaluable services and support to diverse communities.

Some highlight initiatives include:

• - Stress Management for First Responders: Nursing students at NSU have developed an educational program aimed at teaching first responders how to manage stress effectively and mitigate cardiovascular risks, showcasing their commitment to community health.
• - Marine Environmental Education Center: In collaboration with Broward County, NSU students and researchers work to staff the Marine Environmental Education Center, promoting marine life education and conservation efforts within the community.
• - International Medical Outreach: NSU medical students engage in volunteer trips to underserved regions worldwide, providing essential healthcare services to communities in countries such as Peru, Jamaica, and the Galapagos Islands, demonstrating NSU's commitment to global health.

Adding to its accolades, NSU was also awarded the R1 Doctoral University – Very High Research Activity classification in 2025. This designation is reserved for institutions that achieve the highest levels of research activity, with funding surpassing $50 million and at least 70 doctoral degrees conferred each year. Additionally, NSU was recognized as an Opportunity College, highlighting its efforts in ensuring that its student body reflects the broader community while successfully entering the workforce with commendable salaries.

With a projected economic impact exceeding $6.7 billion, Nova Southeastern University stands tall as Florida's largest private research university, not just as a leader in higher education but also as a beacon of community service.

For more information about NSU and its community efforts, visit www.nova.edu.