Nova Southeastern University Athletics

Ray Ferrero, Jr. served as the fifth president of Nova Southeastern University from January of 1998 to December of 2009, before being named chancellor in January of 2010. He began his time with NSU in 1984 and served as chairman of the board of trustees for six years. One of his most notable accomplishments was playing a major role in the merger between Nova and Southeastern University, setting the groundwork for the largest independent university in the southeast and the seventh largest in the country.

During his 12-year presidency, Ferrero oversaw the athletic department as it was granted full membership in the NCAA Division II and accepted into in the Sunshine State Conference. The Sharks have since captured six National Championships and 14 Sunshine State Conference Championships, including three consecutive women’s golf NCAA Division II National Championships. Additionally, women’s sports offerings have doubled.

Ferrero has also overseen a transformation of NSU’s main campus. This includes the construction of the Don Taft University Center home to the Sharks’ volleyball and men’s and women’s basketball teams, the NSU Soccer Complex, NSU Aquatic Center, a student-athlete academic services center, and a private workout facility for student-athletes. In addition, he is largely responsible for the creation of the Alvin Sherman Library, Research and Information Technology Center. The library is the nation’s only joint-use facility agreement between a private university and a county government entity. Other additions to the campus include the Jim & Jan Moran Family Center Village, the Carl DeSantis Building, and The Commons Residence Hall.

Ferrero has expanded the University’s presence in Florida and beyond. The school now has Student Educational Centers in every major Florida city east of Tallahassee, making NSU more prevalent than ever.