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This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
A Champion for Veterans
Kimberly Durham, Psy.D.
Kimberly Durham, Psy.D., considers herself blessed to be part of the NSU family. In the span of 32 years, she has gone from an undergraduate student at the university to the dean at NSU’s Abraham S. Fischler College of Education. Prior to her role at the Fischler College, she served as chair of the Department of Justice and Human Services within the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
Durham has helped develop new programs and curricula, led research initiatives, served on committees, and fostered vital community partnerships. She also funds a Changing Lives Scholarship for students in the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Additionally, Durham is actively involved in supporting student veterans.
In 2015, she worked with veteran, Kelsey DeSantis B.A. ’15, to help establish the Veterans Resource Center. “I’ve always had an affinity for those individuals who had a choice in life and opted to make that sacrifice,” she said. “There’s just something about their character that I’m attracted to. It moves me very much.” Today, the Veterans Resource Center provides a host of services to approximately 1,000 student veterans, including academic, career, clinical, and child care services.
With the Veterans Resource Center in place, Durham decided she wanted to do more. Durham made a donation so that Tom Vitucci, director of recreation and wellness, could support veteran wellness. “I saw so many veterans coming through that really needed that outlet of working out and going to the gym, so I wanted to do something for them,” said Durham. Part of her donation has already been used to purchase new gym equipment and hire instructors for specialized fitness classes.
Durham is looking forward to seeing NSU’s veteran services grow, and she believes that by getting the word out, they will. In the meantime, she continues to make monthly donations to NSU and do her part in inspiring others at alumni functions. She is also considering making a legacy gift.
“NSU is making such strides. If you take a step back—it’s just amazing.”