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Nova Southeastern University's Farquhar Honors Program offers an enhanced educational experience for ambitious undergraduate students to explore their curiosities and create change in the world. The program accepts the top 10% of applicants and is open to students from all majors. Honors students benefit from:
- Research and travel opportunities
- Exclusive events
- Leadership roles
- Faculty mentorship
- Hands-on courses
- Close-knit community
Established in 2003 with 76 students, the Honors Program has since grown to over 600 students. To reflect our growing reach and eminence, we're constantly expanding the opportunities available to the honors community.
Our Mission
The Farquhar Honors Program is the home of multidisciplinary inquiry and academic excellence at NSU. We provide high-achieving students opportunities within and beyond the classroom to explore unique topics, foster community, and develop leadership skills that prepare them for careers in any field.
Our Vision
To create a community of changemakers, lifelong learners, and leaders who use innovative and multidisciplinary approaches to address problems in the local and global community.
Pillars of Excellence
The Farquhar Honors Program helps students reach the following benchmarks of academic excellence and global citizenship. All aspects of the college are designed to contribute to these pillars.
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Inquiry—Demonstrate advanced skills in scholarship and research necessary to succeed in graduate or professional school and/or the workforce
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Innovation and Creativity—Recognize and apply multidisciplinary approaches to analyzing and solving problems
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Global Awareness—Engage with and discuss international issues
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Arts and Culture—Analyze and appreciate contemporary creative expressions
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Ethics and Engagement—Demonstrate a commitment to ethical principles through engagement in the community
James Farquhar is often referred to as “Mr. Nova,” as the university may not have
survived without him.
Soon after moving to Davie, Florida, in 1945, the Farquhar family purchased thousands of acres on which they grew sod. According to a Sun Sentinel article published in 1997 following his death, James Farquhar donated 100 acres to the budding university, a gift whose value exceeded $500,000.
In 1969, the university was faced with the possibility of having to close its doors, so Farquhar donated $750,000 (Sun Sentinel, 1979). The Farquhar family independently donated 15 to 25 million dollars to Nova Southeastern University during and after James Farquhar's life (Sun-Tattler, 1979).
Former NSU President Abraham Fischler explained, “James Farquhar served for 10 years in the most difficult 10 years the university ever had. On many occasions, he put up his own land as collateral [for the university] to borrow money” (Sun Sentinel, 1997). President emeritus Ovid Lewis fondly remarked that James Farquhar saw NSU as his “baby” (Miami Herald, 1997).
Farquhar served as chairman of the board of trustees for both the South Florida Education Center (SFEC) and the Nova University of Advanced Technology. He served on Nova’s board until 1976.
At a university gala in 1980, he was remembered as “a quiet friend, staunch ally, and generous contributor.” He helped to establish the Fort Lauderdale Symphony Orchestra and forged the link between Nova Southeastern University and the Fort Lauderdale | Museum of Art (as reported in "He's 'Mr. Nova': An American Success Story," Fort Lauderdale News, 1979). Amidst his many visions, including the creation of the South Florida Education Center, Farquhar was committed to the broader community NSU served. In 1990, the Miami Herald quoted him as having said, “Computers are fine, but not at the expense of the humanities. So many young people don’t know Shakespeare and Chaucer. It bugs me.”
Upon his death, Farquhar’s son Doug was interviewed by The Sun Sentinel ("One of the Founders of Nova," 1997): “[My father] dreamed of the opportunity to create an educational institution in Broward County.”