George Hanbury: To celebrate Nova Southeastern University achievements

“Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” That quote from the inaugural speech of President John F. Kennedy hit George Hanbury like a light bulb, he recalls. The president and CEO of Nova Southeastern University changed his career path when he went out of college as he heard those words on the day of the burial of President Kennedy. 

For 30 years, Mr. Hanbury was a public servant, holding the position of city manager in three Virginia municipalities and later of Fort Lauderdale. But he had the education instilled by his mother, and it is what made him approach the education field. 

As he moved forward in public service, he obtained his master’s in public administration and during the eight years he was city manager of Fort Lauderdale, he got his doctorate in public administration in night school as part of a promise to her mother before she died. 

“She said, George, I always wanted you to get your doctorate; and I said, Mama, I promise you someday I’ll get my doctorate,” he said. Many years later, after three decades in public service, and 12 years as executive vice president and chief operating officer of Nova Southeastern University, he was appointed president and CEO in 2011. 

Mr. Hanbury spoke with Miami Today reporter Gabriela Henriquez Stoikow. 

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