For more than three decades, Dr. Fred Lippman has been building an impressive resume, with professional credentials as a pharmacist, entrepreneur, professor, state legislator and academic administrator. This year, he added another credential to his ever-expanding curriculum vitae: in January, Lippman was appointed chancellor of the Health Professions Division at Nova Southeastern University. Although Lippman was honored to receive the appointment, it was initially bittersweet, since he was being named as successor to Dr. Morton Terry, who had suddenly passed away just weeks before.

Terry founded the NSU College of Osteopathic Medicine and all the programs within the university’s Health Professions Division, and it was under his leadership that Lippman had been serving as executive vice chancellor and provost. But, to Lippman, Terry was much more than a boss or a fellow administrator.

“He was my mentor,” said Lippman, “a father figure and a friend. Working with him was extremely, intellectually worthwhile, and I am honored to have been at his side. He was also one of the true icons of healthcare education.”

Today, in his role as chancellor, Lippman serves as leader of the Health Professions Division; its colleges of Allied Health and Nursing, Dental Medicine, Medical Sciences, Optometry, Osteopathic Medicine and Pharmacy; and 21 programs within the colleges.

For Lippman, the journey began in Brooklyn, N.Y. After graduating from Columbia University’s College of Pharmacy, he moved to South Florida and eventually owned five pharmacies in Hollywood and Ft. Lauderdale. His businesses were successful, and he remained, happily, in the pharmacy business until 1986. During this time, he was very active in public and community service. “I always tried to build bridges,” he said. It’s no surprise to learn that Lippman has been honored with numerous awards for his work in community service and health care.

In 1969, Lippman was appointed commissioner of the South Broward County Hospital District. He found himself involved in a number of different referenda and, soon, was invited to the state capital.

His career took another interesting turn in 1978, when he was elected to the Florida House of Representatives. He served 10 consecutive two-year terms as a state legislator, fighting for legislation to protect children and senior citizens and to improve Florida’s health care systems. He chaired the first healthcare committee in the state House, and played a major leadership role in introducing and passing one of the nation’s first laws to mandate the use of child safety seats. He also created the Florida Department of Health.

In 1984, Terry recruited Lippman to the Southeastern College of Osteopathic Medicine (SECOM), to serve as a professor and as the first administrative officer at the newly-created College of Pharmacy. Lippman earned a doctoral degree in higher education administration while in this position.

In 1986, he was named vice president of Pharmaceutical Affairs. When SECOM merged with Nova University in 1994 to create Nova Southeastern University, he joined the newly formed Health Professions division. In 1998, he was appointed executive vice chancellor and provost.

Lippman loves his work. “It’s gratifying to be able to provide knowledge to people of all backgrounds, cultures and races.” He compared his work to that of a sculptor. “The students are like refined clay when they first arrive. By the time they graduate, they’re unique pieces of professional art.” Although the demands of his administrative duties severely limit his teaching time these days, he does instruct classes for about six to eight classroom hours each term.

Today, Nova Southeastern University is the nation’s tenth largest independent institution of higher education, with a main campus in Fort Lauderdale and educational centers across Florida and in Las Vegas and Puerto Rico. The university is in demand among aspiring medical professionals, receiving about 30 applications for every open seat (class sizes are capped, based upon accreditation). The College of Dental Medicine alone is the newest such facility in the country and receives more dental applications than any other U.S. dental school. Last month, celebrating its tenth year, the Health Professions Division graduated more than 500 students.

“We interview many of the candidates who apply,” said Lippman, noting that each year, thousands of hopeful, potential students submit applications. “Professionals from the healthcare community take part in the interviews. For example, physicians from our affiliated hospitals sit in during the interviews for our College of Osteopathic Medicine, and community pharmacists sit in during interviews for the College of Pharmacy.”

Currently, Lippman is leading two major facility expansion projects. “We’re building what Thomas Jefferson called an ‘academical village’ on campus,” he said. “It will include an academic area, a medical center consisting of an ambulatory surgery unit and a future hospital, and retail and residential entities. We’re also constructing a 100,000-plus-ft. research and academic center, part of which will provide education in the oceanographic and environmental sciences.”

When not at the university, Lippman spends time at home in Pembroke Pines with Judy, his wife of 47 years and their beloved llapso apso. The couple have three grown sons, all of whom have pursued interesting careers. “One lives in New York and works as a writer and director in the music and film industries. Another is an accountant and photographic artist in San Francisco, and the third is a restaurateur in Tallahassee,” said Lippman.

Lippman is a major sports fan who has held Dolphins season tickets since 1970, and also enjoys baseball and hockey. He’s a very avid reader, too, staying up to date with the pharmacy field.

With all his professional accomplishments, does he ever miss being a pharmacist?

“Once a pharmacist, always a pharmacist,” he said with a laugh.