Advisors in the Spotlight: Meet Nicholas Zefran
The Office of Academic Planning and Advising is excited to shine a spotlight on our dedicated Academic Advisors. These individuals play a pivotal role in the success and retention of NOVA students, guiding them through their academic journeys with expertise and care.
Our advisors are committed to fostering student success and retention at NOVA. Whether meeting students face-to-face on campus or providing guidance through virtual platforms, they bring a wealth of knowledge, compassion and dedication to their roles, and their unwavering commitment ensures that students receive the support they need to thrive academically and personally.
The “Advisors in the Spotlight” series is designed to celebrate the talented team behind our college’s impressive growth in enrollment, retention and completion initiatives. Through this series, we aim to showcase their hard work and commitment. Join us in acknowledging the incredible efforts of our Academic Advisors who make a significant impact on our community every day.
Meet Nicholas Zefran
Position: Advisor at the Medical Education Campus
Pathway: Health Sciences
Started at NOVA: 2004
Background
Nicholas Zefran holds a BA in Anthropology with a minor in Linguistics, an MA in International Studies – Southeast Asia, and an MS in Human Resource Management. He is also a Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP).
His career includes service in the U.S. Air Force with two tours in Thailand during the Vietnam War (1971-1975), lived and worked in Southeast Asian refugee camps for 15 years, and roles at Ohio University and the National Crime Prevention Council. He spent 23 years with the Federal Government as a Human Resources and Training Specialist, retiring in 2017, and taught ESL part-time at NOVA from 2004-2019. He joined the Medical Education Campus as a G3 Academic Advisor in 2021.
Campus/College Involvement
Nicholas not only makes time to engage with students in advising but also serves the campus and college community as the MEC Policy Forum Chair, serves on the college Personnel Services Committee [PSC] and the College Senate. He has co-chaired the DEI Committee and coordinated Multi-Cultural Awareness and International Education Weeks at the Loudoun campus.
Advising Philosophy
Nicholas values students’ potential for growth and development. He appreciates their curiosity and determination to make an impact on the world. As an advisor and instructor, he aims to help students develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of the world’s complexities. Seeing students’ progress and success is incredibly rewarding for him.
He believes advising is crucial for guiding students through academic, career, and personal challenges, helping them build confidence and reach their full potential. He also believes that effective advising fosters a supportive relationship, helps students identify their strengths, fine-tune career goals, and make informed decisions. Nicholas contends that with adequate support and resources, students can build confidence and reach their full potential, setting them on the path to lifelong success.
—Dr. Kimberly U. Wright, Director of Academic Planning & Advising