Summary
Administrative records of Ovid C. Lewis, fourth president of Nova University
Dates
1982-1998 (served as president from 1994-1998)
Extent
17 boxes
Scope and Content
General Correspondence, memos, reports, and proposals are present in the administrative records of Ovid C. Lewis, fourth president of Nova Southeastern University (formerly known Nova University). The majority of the files’ coverage during Dr. Lewis’ time as Vice President of Academic Affairs in the 1980’s until his resignation as President in 1994. For this reason, the collection offers a very thorough portrayal of the many facets of Nova (Southeastern) University from 1982-1998.
The bulk of the material is concerned with the administration of the various schools and programs offered at Nova (Southeastern) University. There are files regarding the affiliation agreements between Nova University and Southeastern University of the Health Sciences before they merged in 1994. Also, many files covering partnerships between Nova University and education programs abroad, namely Panama and Colombia and other degree program proposals are present as well. The challenges of a growing university are evident in the administrative files.
Access or Use Restrictions
Presidential collections are closed to the public. Permission must be obtained from the current University President. Certain files are restricted to protect identities of former staff and/or students.
Document Type
Finding Aid
Finding Aid Created
10-2008
Finding Aid Creator
Monica Haddad
Location
Nova Southeastern University Archives
NSUWorks Citation
Nova Southeastern University, Office of the President, "A Guide to the Records of University President Ovid C. Lewis" (2008). Finding Aids. 4.
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/nsudigital_findingaids/4
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Biographical Sketch
Ovid C. Lewis was born 1932 in Shelby, North Carolina. He was a lawyer, professor, and university administrator throughout his professional career before becoming President of Nova Southeastern University. He graduated with his A.B. in Chemistry from Duke University. He later earned an A.B, J.D., and LL.M from Rutgers University. Lewis completed his studies with a J.S.D. from Columbia Law School in 1970. Dr. Lewis published many articles over the years.
From 1965 until 1976, Dr. Lewis worked as a law professor at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. In the two years following, he worked as a professor at Northern Kentucky University-Chase School of Law. In 1978, Dr. Lewis was appointed Professor and Dean for the Law Center at Nova University, four years after its initial founding in 1978. From 1984 until his appointment as Interim President in 1994, Dr. Lewis served as the Vice President for Academic Affairs at Nova. He retired in 1998 when Ray Ferrero, Jr. was selected as the next University President.