杏吧原创 Welcomes Education Lawyer Jeffrey Metzler to Board of Trustees

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

ALBANY, N.Y. 鈥� The 杏吧原创 Board of Trustees has appointed Jeffrey Metzler, a partner at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP in New York City, as one of six new trustees. The University鈥檚 governing board includes leaders from across the country with deep experience in business, education, government, and public service.

Metzler is a litigation partner at Pillsbury and a co-leader of the firm鈥檚 Education practice. He is nationally ranked by Chambers for Higher Education law and has spent more than three decades working at the intersection of education, governance, and public policy. He currently serves as co-chair of the New York City Bar Association鈥檚 Education and the Law Committee and as a leader of the Association鈥檚 Task Force on Higher Education. He was recently nominated to serve on the Board of Directors of The Legal Aid Society of New York City.

鈥淎s someone who has spent much of my career supporting educational institutions and expanding access to opportunity, I am honored to join the 杏吧原创 Board of Trustees,鈥� said Metzler. 鈥淓xcelsior鈥檚 mission, its focus on adult learners, and its commitment to quality and integrity resonate deeply with me. I look forward to contributing to the Board鈥檚 strategic work as the University continues to grow its reach and impact.鈥�

In his professional work, Metzler advises colleges, universities, and other institutional clients on governance, civil rights matters, investigations, and complex litigation. He regularly counsels boards and senior leadership on risk oversight, institutional policy, and navigating evolving legal and regulatory environments. He brings extensive experience in government investigations and appellate advocacy, having handled numerous federal and state matters.

Before joining Pillsbury, Metzler served in a variety of non-profit and government roles, including Associate General Counsel at New York University, Assistant Solicitor General for New York State, Acting General Counsel for the New York City Council, and Vice President for Economic Empowerment at Empire State Development.

Metzler has also served as an adjunct professor at NYU鈥檚 Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, taught in New York City public schools, and is a frequent speaker on higher education law and governance.

Kent A.D. Clark, president and chairman of the board of the Clark Advisory Group LLC and CAG Federal, was appointed chair of the 杏吧原创 Board of Trustees. Other newly appointed trustees include Diane Adams, chief learning officer of Mount Sinai Health System; Todd Greene, vice president of the Work, Education, and Labor Division and executive director of WorkRise at the Urban Institute; Jessica Hinkle, senior vice president of Strada; Ruth Lown Turman, senior sales operations manager at Optum Serve of UnitedHealth Group; and Tony Spearman-Leach, director of development and philanthropy at the National Academy of Public Administration.

For more information on the 杏吧原创 Board of Trustees and full biographies of each member, visit: excelsior.edu/about/leadership/trustees.

Media contact 杏吧原创:
Jason Bonafide,听jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446

杏吧原创 杏吧原创

杏吧原创 is an accredited, not-for-profit higher education institution focused on helping learners complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971 in Albany, New York, Excelsior meets students where they are 鈥� academically and geographically 鈥� removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.

Excelsior is a not-for-profit university with a main campus in Albany, New York, and an educational site in St. Petersburg, Florida. 杏吧原创鈥檚 academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, with听additional听licensing for Florida-based programs.

Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928).听Additional听information听regarding听this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, toll-free number: (888)-224-6684.

杏吧原创 Welcomes Todd Greene to Board of Trustees

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

ALBANY, N.Y. 鈥� The 杏吧原创 Board of Trustees听has named听Atlanta resident Todd Greene, vice president of the Work, Education, and Labor Division (WELD) at the Urban Institute and executive director of WorkRise, among its听six new trustees.听The听University’s governing听body,听the board听consists of听individuals from across the听country听who are leaders in the fields of business, education,听and听government.

In his role as a vice president of WELD at the Urban Institute, Greene leads a team of K鈥�12, higher education, workforce development, apprenticeship, and labor market experts who shape education and training. He helps support a labor market that delivers economic security, dignity, and voice. He also serves as the executive director of WorkRise, a research-to-action network focused on jobs, workers, and mobility hosted by the Urban Institute.

WorkRise funds research on promising practices, policies, and programs, and undertakes foundational research on labor market trends to strengthen employers, inform policymaking and practices, and provide genuine economic mobility and security for workers.

鈥淚鈥檓 grateful for the opportunity to contribute to Excelsior鈥檚 important mission and to support the life-changing work the University does for working adults and others,鈥� said Greene. 鈥淗elping more learners earn meaningful credentials that open doors to opportunity is deeply aligned with my own professional values.鈥�

Before joining the Urban Institute, Greene was executive director of the Atlanta University Center Consortium. Reporting directly to the four member presidents (Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Spelman College), Greene led a team focused on enhancing academic programs, forging interdisciplinary research, and catalyzing a broad economic development agenda.

For more than 10 years, Greene was a vice president in the research department of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta where he led research, policy, and outreach initiatives to promote inclusive economic growth. Greene founded and led the Federal Reserve System鈥檚 human capital/workforce development working group and launched the Federal Reserve Center for Workforce and Economic Opportunity.

He is past board chair of the International Economic Development Council, chairs the national advisory board for the Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University, serves on the boards of the Corporation for a Skilled Workforce and the National Fund for Workforce Solutions, and is a member of the Social Finance Institute Advisory Council.

A certified economic developer (CEcD), Greene has published many articles and coedited two books: 鈥淭ransforming U.S. Workforce Development Policies for the 21st Century鈥� and 鈥淚nvesting in America鈥檚 Workforce: Improving Outcomes for Workers and Employers.鈥�

Kent A.D. Clark, president and chairman of the board for the Clark Advisory Group LLC and CAG Federal, was appointed chair of the 杏吧原创 Board of Trustees. Other trustees appointed to the board include Diane Adams, chief learning officer of Mount Sinai Health System; Jessica Hinkle, senior vice president of Strada; Ruth Lown Turman, senior sales operations manager at Optum Serve of UnitedHealth Group; Jeff Metzler, partner at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP; and Tony Spearman-Leach, director of development and philanthropy at the National Academy of Public Administration.

For more information on the 杏吧原创 Board of Trustees and full biographies of each member, visit听excelsior.edu/about/leadership/trustees.

Media contact 杏吧原创:
Jason Bonafide,听jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446

杏吧原创 杏吧原创

杏吧原创 is an accredited, not-for-profit higher education institution focused on helping learners complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971 in Albany, New York, Excelsior meets students where they are 鈥� academically and geographically 鈥� removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.

Excelsior is a not-for-profit university with a main campus in Albany, New York, and an educational site in St. Petersburg, Florida. 杏吧原创鈥檚 academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, with听additional听licensing for Florida-based programs.

Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928).听Additional听information听regarding听this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, toll-free number: (888)-224-6684.

杏吧原创 Welcomes Diane Adams to Board of Trustees

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

ALBANY, N.Y. 鈥�The 杏吧原创 Board of Trustees has named Diane Adams, chief learning officer of the Mount Sinai Health System and a resident of Closter, New Jersey, among its six new members. The University’s governing body, the board consists of individuals from across the country who are leaders in the fields of health care, business, education, and government.

For the past ten years, Diane Adams has served a workforce of 50,000 people at the Mount Sinai Health System as chief learning officer. In this role, Adams creates and drives the organizational learning strategy, leading a team of talent development professionals implementing programs focused on areas such as leadership development, workforce capacity building, engagement, and patient experience.

鈥淚 am thrilled to join the board of trustees for 杏吧原创, an institution that provides crucial educational opportunities to the next generation of health care leaders,鈥� said Adams. 鈥淎s Excelsior continues to expand its programming and reach, it is truly an exciting time to join this remarkable group of trustees.鈥�

Adams began her career in health care as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing individual, couples, family, and group psychotherapy, creating programs for adolescents, and helping patients navigate complex health challenges. Leveraging these experiences to teach graduate and medical students in the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Diane discovered her passion for empowering others through learning and development, a field she has been dedicated to for the past twenty years.

Adams continues to maintain her Clinical License in Social Work; she is certified in numerous training modalities and holds certifications in both Organizational Coaching and Change Management. Although Diane has held a variety of roles throughout her career, the constant has been her commitment to serving others and creating meaningful impact.

Adams holds a BA from Clark University and an MS from Columbia University.

Kent A.D. Clark, president and chairman of the board for the Clark Advisory Group LLC and CAG Federal, was appointed chair of the 杏吧原创 Board of Trustees. Other trustees appointed to the board include Todd Greene, vice president of Work, Education, and Labor Division and executive director of WorkRise Urban Institute; Jessica Hinkle, senior vice president of Strada; Ruth Lown Turman, senior sales operations manager at Optum Serve of UnitedHealth Group; Jeff Metzler, partner at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP; and Tony Spearman-Leach, director of development and philanthropy at the National Academy of Public Administration.

For more information on the 杏吧原创 Board of Trustees and full biographies of each member, visit excelsior.edu/about/leadership/trustees.

Media contact 杏吧原创:
Jason Bonafide,听jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446

杏吧原创 杏吧原创

杏吧原创 is an accredited, not-for-profit higher education institution focused on helping learners complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971 in Albany, New York, Excelsior meets students where they are 鈥� academically and geographically 鈥� removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.

Excelsior is a not-for-profit university with a main campus in Albany, New York, and an educational site in St. Petersburg, Florida. 杏吧原创鈥檚 academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, with听additional听licensing for Florida-based programs.

Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928).听Additional听information听regarding听this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, toll-free number: (888)-224-6684.

Ahron Goldberg Finds His Path in Public Accounting

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Ahron Goldberg鈥檚 journey to a public accounting job was shaped by years of education, a love of numbers, and a timely connection made through a career webinar hosted by 杏吧原创鈥檚 Career Readiness听team.

Goldberg earned his Bachelor of Science in Business in December 2024, and after graduating, he stayed engaged with Excelsior and paid close attention to the career resources available to alumni. When he started actively thinking about pursuing an accounting career, he found himself unsure where to start. With so many possible paths to follow, the process felt overwhelming鈥攗ntil an email from Excelsior in August 2025 about an upcoming Career Caf茅 caught his听attention.

Career Caf茅s are live, interactive webinars that connect students and alumni to employers and career experts while showcasing the resources available through the Career Readiness team. This particular Career Caf茅 featured a recruiter from Pease Bell CPAs. Goldberg decided to attend. 鈥淚t felt like a great opportunity to learn more and connect with potential employers,鈥� he says. That decision set everything in听motion.

During the webinar, Goldberg connected with the recruiter, which quickly led to an interview the following week. Then came a second interview. Not long after, he was offered a full-time position, and he started his new job in November 2025. 鈥淚t just all clicked,鈥� he听says.

Building a Foundation

Before pursuing accounting, Goldberg, of Lakewood, New Jersey, spent his early 20s immersed in education. He attended a Jewish school for much of his adult academic life and continued working at the school even after leaving, tutoring students who needed extra support. Helping others gave him a strong foundation in communication and organization鈥攕kills that would later prove important in a math-based听field.

As Goldberg began thinking more seriously about his career goals, accounting stood out. 鈥淚 always liked numbers,鈥� he says. 鈥淲hen numbers make sense and they connect, everything else just makes sense. It鈥檚 very logical.鈥� With accounting, he explains, the rules make sense and 鈥渆verything fits in.鈥� Strong math skills had been one of his strengths since childhood, and the structure and problem-solving nature of accounting felt like a natural听fit.

Finding the right university was Goldberg鈥檚 next step. He was referred to 杏吧原创 through Testing and Training International, an organization that partners with the University to help Orthodox Jewish students transfer credits and complete their degrees. Excelsior stood out for its willingness to evaluate prior learning and help him apply a significant number of credits toward his听degree.

鈥淸Excelsior] kind of walked me through the steps and showed me what would be accepted, what wouldn鈥檛 be accepted,鈥� Goldberg recalls. 鈥淎nd every specific degree has a different number of credits that you could transfer in. 鈥� So, [Excelsior] kind of helped me through that, but I was able to get a nice chunk of credits transferred听in.鈥�

At Excelsior, Goldberg completed courses that brought together both technical accounting knowledge and a broader understanding of how businesses operate. His capstone project鈥攔unning a simulated bicycle shop鈥攔equired collaboration with fellow students, strategic thinking, and real-world problem-solving. 鈥淭he communication aspect of it is major; it becomes part of your everyday, and then you really transfer that to your everyday life,鈥� Goldberg says. 鈥淭hen, there鈥檚 obviously the technical aspect of it, the actual business knowledge that you learn, the accounting knowledge that you learn. 鈥� Just having that overall knowledge kind of brings everything听together.鈥�

Thriving in a Firm

Now working in public accounting, Goldberg is enjoying both the work and the environment. 鈥淭he firm鈥檚 culture is exceptional, fostering a supportive environment that encourages professional growth,鈥� he says. 鈥淭hey ensure that you learn and understand everything as you grow in your听role.鈥�

In his day-to-day work, Goldberg organizes client financial information, communicates directly with clients, and prepares tax returns, bringing together the technical skills he learned at Excelsior with the communication skills he developed early in his career. For him, satisfaction comes when the numbers click and everything falls into place. He says the busy season is just around the corner, though, and he鈥檚 excited for what鈥檚 t听 come.

Looking ahead, Goldberg is focused on completing his CPA exam within the next year and a half, as well as balancing his work, study, and personal time. It鈥檚 a demanding goal, but he feels well听prepared.

Reflecting on his journey, Goldberg credits Excelsior for not only the education he received but also the support that extended beyond graduation. The Career Caf茅 webinar wasn鈥檛 just an information session; it was a bridge between his degree and his career. For students wondering how to take the next step after graduation, Goldberg鈥檚 experience offers this message: Stay connected and be ready when opportunity presents听itself.

杏吧原创 welcomes Ruth Lown Turman to Board of Trustees

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

ALBANY, N.Y.听 鈥�The 杏吧原创 Board of Trustees has named Ruth Lown Turman, senior sales operations manager at Optum Serve (UnitedHealth Group) and a resident of Columbia, South Carolina, among its six new trustees. The University’s governing body, the board consists of individuals from across the country who are leaders in the fields of business, education, and government. An Excelsior alumna, Turman was recently appointed president of the Excelsior Alumni Leadership Council and will serve as an ex officio member of the board of trustees.

In her role as senior sales operations manager at Optum Serve, part of UnitedHealth Group, Turman specializes in executive-level reporting, process optimization, and strategic business development initiatives. Her background spans the banking, technology, and health insurance sectors, and she has experience in systems analysis and design, product delivery, business process consulting, and proposal management.

鈥淎s an Excelsior alumna, it鈥檚 deeply meaningful to return in service to an institution that expanded access and opportunity at a pivotal point in my educational journey,鈥� said Turman. 鈥淚鈥檓 honored to join the board of trustees and to support Excelsior鈥檚 continued evolution as a university that meets learners where they are. I look forward to contributing to the stewardship and long-term impact of this remarkable institution.鈥�

A Fellow of the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP), Turman also holds professional credentials in health care management and project management.

Her broader record of professional and community service includes a term on the international board of directors of APMP and recognition as a Melvin Jones Fellow of Lions Clubs International. She has been honored for leadership, mentoring, and chapter service throughout her career and remains dedicated to advancing excellence, equity, and engagement within every organization she serves.

Turman joined Excelsior鈥檚 Alumni Leadership Council in 2023, was elected first vice president in 2024, and became president of the 杏吧原创 Alumni Association and its Alumni Leadership Council in January 2026. In these roles, she has championed collaboration, stewardship, and professional development across Excelsior鈥檚 global alumni community. Turman鈥檚 dedication to Excelsior extends beyond leadership service to include philanthropy as a member of both the President鈥檚 Circle and the Purple and Gold Society.

Kent A.D. Clark, president and chairman of the board for the Clark Advisory Group LLC and CAG Federal, was appointed chair of the 杏吧原创 Board of Trustees. Other trustees appointed to the board include Diane Adams, chief learning officer of Mount Sinai Health System; Todd Greene, vice president of Work, Education, and Labor Division and executive director of WorkRise Urban Institute; Jessica Hinkle, senior vice president of Strada; Jeff Metzler, partner at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP; and Tony Spearman-Leach, director of development and philanthropy at the National Academy of Public Administration.

For more information on the 杏吧原创 Board of Trustees and full biographies of each member, visit excelsior.edu/about/leadership/trustees.

Media contact 杏吧原创:
Jason Bonafide,听jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446

杏吧原创 杏吧原创

杏吧原创 is an accredited, not-for-profit higher education institution focused on helping learners complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971 in Albany, New York, Excelsior meets students where they are 鈥� academically and geographically 鈥� removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.

Excelsior is a not-for-profit university with a main campus in Albany, New York, and an educational site in St. Petersburg, Florida. 杏吧原创鈥檚 academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, with听additional听licensing for Florida-based programs.

Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928).听Additional听information听regarding听this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, toll-free number: (888)-224-6684.

杏吧原创 welcomes new chair and members to Board of Trustees听

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

杏吧原创 Board of Trustees chair Kent A.D. Clark

Albany, N.Y.听 鈥斕�The 杏吧原创听Board of听Trustees听has named听Kent A.D. Clark as its chair and appointed six new trustees. The University’s governing body, the board consists of individuals from across the country who are leaders in the fields of business, education, and government.听

Clark, of听Valrico,听Florida,听is听president and听chairman听of the board for the Clark Advisory Group听LLC and CAG Federal, a听military听veteran, and an Excelsior听alumnus.听Clark is an experienced chief executive officer certified in board and advisory work across the spectrums of cybersecurity, governance, finance, audit, strategic planning, and development for both for-profit and nonprofit organizations.听He has been a member of the Excelsior Board of Trustees since 2020,听most recently serving as treasurer.听

鈥淎s a board member and alumnus,听Kent Clark鈥檚 expertise, leadership, and听commitment听to听Excelsior鈥檚 mission of educational access听have听had a听profound听impact听on听our听university,鈥� said David Schejbal, president of 杏吧原创. 鈥淚听look forward to working with Chair Clark and this remarkable group of trustees听as we听continue听our growth as a听comprehensive educational institution dedicated to听creating opportunities for learners听everywhere.鈥澨�听

As a veteran of the U.S. Army, Clark held progressively senior ranks, retiring as a lieutenant colonel.听During his service, he听advised听U.S. Armed Forces leaders across multiple geographical locations, both domestic and abroad, on strategy,听logistics, and resource planning. He also specialized in the deployment of large overseas logistical operations during combat, working with allies, foreign militaries, governments, and inter-agency partners.听

He most recently held the position of CEO at AMVETS National Service Foundation in Lanham, Maryland, where he spearheaded the major transformation of the听one of the country’s听largest veterans service organizations听with a complex organizational structure, providing clear direction and governance while upholding the highest levels of ethics and fiduciary care. Previously, he held the position of chief appropriations advisor/national security director in the office of U.S. Rep. C. W. Bill Young.听

鈥淎s a military student in need of flexible education,听Excelsior听helped听set me on a path to success听in both听my听Army and civilian careers,鈥澨齭aid Clark. 鈥淚t has been an honor to give back to the University听as听a听trustee, and I am听thrilled听to听step into the role of chair at this exciting time in Excelsior鈥檚 history.鈥�听

New trustees appointed to the board include听Diane Adams, chief learning officer of Mount Sinai Health System;听Todd Greene, vice president of Work, Education, and Labor Division and executive director of听WorkRise听Urban Institute;听Jessica Hinkle, senior vice president of Strada;听Ruth Lown Turman, senior sales operations manager at Optum Serve of UnitedHealth Group;听Jeff Metzler, partner at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman听LLP;听and Tony Spearman-Leach, director of development and philanthropy at the National Academy of Public Administration.听听

For the past ten years,听Diane听Adams has served a workforce of 50,000 people at the Mount Sinai Health System as chief learning officer. In this role,听Adams听creates and drives the organizational learning strategy, leading a team of talent development professionals implementing programs focused on areas such as leadership development, workforce capacity building, engagement, and patient experience.听听

Todd听Greene is a vice president of the Work, Education, and Labor Division (WELD) at the Urban Institute. He leads a team of K-12, higher education, workforce development, apprenticeship, and labor market experts who shape education and training that leads to lifelong success. He also serves as the executive director of听WorkRise,听a research-to-action network focused on jobs, workers, and mobility hosted by the Urban Institute.听听

As senior vice president of strategic investments for Strada听Education Foundation,听Jessica听Hinkle听evaluates potential mission-aligned investments and manages Strada’s portfolio of direct minority investments and early-stage fund investments.听Previously, Hinkle advised and supported Strada’s mission-aligned affiliates, leading product听strategy听and innovation for Strada鈥檚 commercial and products division.听

An active and engaged Excelsior alumna, Ruth Lown Turman was recently appointed president of听the 杏吧原创 Alumni Leadership Council听and will serve as an ex officio board member.听Turman currently serves as senior sales operations manager at Optum Serve (UnitedHealth Group). Her experience spans health care, technology, and financial services, with a focus on proposal management, process design, and cross-functional leadership supporting complex federal and commercial programs.听听

Jeff听Metzler is co-leader of听Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP鈥檚听education group and is ranked by Chambers for Higher Education law. He has extensive experience handling complex civil litigation, investigations, and appeals for a diversity of clients.听He also has significant appellate experience in New York state and federal courts and has served as trusted counsel to boards and senior leaders in government and nonprofits.听

As听senior听director of听institutional听advancement at the U.S.听Congressionally chartered听National Academy of Public Administration,听Tony听Spearman-Leach听engages major philanthropists, corporations, and foundations, securing commitments that ensure long-term sustainability while expanding programs in good government and governance.听An Excelsior听alumnus, Spearman-Leach recently concluded his term as Excelsior Alumni Leadership Council president.听听

For more information on the 杏吧原创 Board of Trustees and full biographies of each member, visit excelsior.edu/about/leadership/trustees.听

Media contact 杏吧原创:
Jason Bonafide, jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446

杏吧原创 杏吧原创

杏吧原创 is an accredited, not-for-profit higher education institution focused on helping learners complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971 in Albany, New York, Excelsior meets students where they are 鈥� academically and geographically 鈥� removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.

Excelsior is a not-for-profit university with a main campus in Albany, New York, and an educational site in St. Petersburg, Florida. 杏吧原创鈥檚 academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, with additional licensing for Florida-based programs.

Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928). Additional information regarding this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, toll-free number: (888)-224-6684.

Bridging Equity and Empathy in Pain Care

Posted on by Brian Pervis

Brian Pervis, department chair for the 杏吧原创 School of Nursing, published an article titled “Bridging Equity and Empathy in Pain Care” in the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) Post-Conference Newsletter (p. 34-40). The article examines disparities in pain assessment and management and highlights the role of nursing education, clinical practice, and professional leadership in improving patient care and health outcomes. It reflects ongoing scholarly and professional efforts to strengthen nursing practice and patient-centered care.

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From Immigrant to Officer

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

In 2013, when Jervaughn Miller was 18, his family emigrated from Jamaica to the United States in search of a better life. Miller鈥檚 parents believed that greater opportunities were in store for their son. 鈥淲e didn鈥檛 have everything figured out, but they believed in the promise that hard work and dedication could lead to something better,鈥� he says. Twelve years later, Miller is in the military, has three degrees, and works to contain hazardous materials. He’s proving the American dream isn鈥檛 just a fairy听tale.

During his deployment to Guant谩namo Bay, Cuba, from December 2017 to October 2018, Miller worked night shifts as a hospital corpsman. He spent most of his nights responding to medical emergencies and providing health care to his fellow service members. One evening, his chief gathered all the sailors outside the living quarters to explain his expectations of them. He also gave them an ultimatum: Either find a hobby or go back to听school.

鈥淚 couldn鈥檛 do any hobbies or play any sports, so I chose school,鈥� he says, remembering his parents鈥� belief that a better education and a better future were attainable in the United States. That belief was deeply personal to Miller and would stay with him throughout his military and educational听career.

Miller needed to pick a major. He chose health care, in part due to his role as a hospital corpsman. However, his military duties made it difficult to take courses in person. So, instead of focusing on the clinical side of health care, he decided to focus on prevention, policy, and public听health.

Those interests led him to 杏吧原创 (then College). The school’s education standards impressed him. While stationed at the Naval Support Activity Orlando base not long after his time in Guant谩namo Bay, he completed his associate degree (2019) and bachelor鈥檚 degree (2021), both in health sciences, before starting work on his Master of Science in Health听Sciences.

Learning While Leading

The curriculum of Excelsior鈥檚 health sciences programs supported his interest in public health. 鈥淭he courses enlightened me of all the issues that our health care system is experiencing right now. It piqued my interest,鈥� he听says.

In 2022, after spending eight years in the Navy, Miller was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army. He decided to attend the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Basic Officer Leadership Course to start focusing on public health concerns. It wasn鈥檛 easy; Miller took the course at the same time he was completing his master鈥檚. It was no small task, but he pushed through and finished both programs in听2023.

As a CBRN officer, Miller leads a command defending against chemical and biological weapons, and weapons of mass destruction. 鈥淚n essence, we try to detect, analyze, and mitigate any type of chemical, biological, or radiological threats,鈥� he says. 鈥淚f we have personnel or equipment that are contaminated, we are able to decontaminate them. 鈥� Many of us are also trained as hazmat听technicians.鈥�

Jervaughn Miller in his military uniform looking at the camera

As a reconnaissance platoon leader, Miller oversees what he calls a 鈥渕obile science lab on wheels.鈥� This specialized military vehicle carries equipment that detects and analyzes hazardous agents in real time. If there鈥檚 a nuclear event or chemical spill, Miller and his colleagues drive in, collect samples, and determine what鈥檚 out there. Mini mobile labs allow them to test the air samples from safely inside their vehicles. Air is pulled in through ports, analyzed by detectors, and displayed on screens inside, giving the team immediate data. Although not usually necessary, if Miller and his team need to go outside, they wear required protective suits and听masks.

Training for the Unthinkable

Most days aren鈥檛 spent in active crisis response, but Miller and his team are constantly training. Miller鈥檚 days begin at 6:30 a.m. with physical training, followed by working on vehicles and doing drills. He also has leadership duties such as managing soldiers, planning training for his 16-member platoon, and briefing senior听officers.

Miller鈥檚 academic background directly supports his Army work. Excelsior鈥檚 courses in biology, environmental science, and even weather have practical applications in understanding how hazards spread. Leadership training has been equally important. 鈥淎 few of my classes had a leadership aspect to it, like how to be a good leader, servant leader, so that kind of really helped me to be a good leader to my platoon and the orders that I鈥檓 giving,鈥� he听says.

With 11 years of service鈥攅ight in the Navy, three in the Army鈥擬iller remains focused on his platoon, his higher education, and his mission of improving public health and safety. He credits Excelsior for his growth and where he is听today.

The Road Ahead

But there鈥檚 a spark in Miller that pushes him to do more. He鈥檚 pursuing a doctoral degree in health care administration at Virginia University of Lynchburg. 鈥淧reventative medicine is my thing. I鈥檓 really big into holistic care, preventative medicine, using the wellness model 鈥� maybe creating some type of wellness program to help people better their health,鈥� Miller says. He wants to teach, influence policy, and develop wellness programs to prevent public听illness.

His Excelsior experience may have set him up for a career beyond the military, but it was his family who instilled in him the importance of never giving up. For as much as he values his achievements, he knows how much every milestone of his journey has meant to his parents. 鈥淓very degree I鈥檝e earned has been a reflection not just of my personal drive but also of the sacrifices my family made to give me this chance,鈥� he听says.

Miller shows that it may be difficult, but with determination and hard work, the American dream is never far out of听reach.

A New Way to Earn Your Nursing Degree at 杏吧原创

Posted on by Brian Pervis

IDEAS IN BRIEF

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing prelicensure program is designed for individuals with little to no health care experience, including recent high school graduates and adults seeking a new career path in nursing. 杏吧原创鈥檚 hybrid bachelor鈥檚 degree program offers hands-on education for those entering the nursing profession for the first听time.

The 杏吧原创 School of Nursing in St. Petersburg, Florida

Today represents the ideal opportunity for nursing students to begin their education at 杏吧原创鈥檚 site in St. Petersburg, Florida, which now offers a bachelor鈥檚 degree in nursing. The newly opened location will provide convenient access to our Bachelor of Science in Nursing prelicensure program for students looking to start their health care journey or advance their education. 杏吧原创 St. Petersburg enables students to experience the University鈥檚 innovative hybrid nursing curriculum, with online learning complemented by on-site lab practice and hands-on clinical training in local health care听facilities.

What Will the Hybrid Nursing Program Experience Look Like?

The hybrid BS in Nursing program at Excelsior鈥檚 St. Petersburg location combines online learning with practical in-person training. This program is designed to offer the flexibility students need while providing a structured pathway into听nursing.

Students begin their education online, allowing them to study on their own schedule through asynchronous coursework. As part of the hybrid format, students move seamlessly from theoretical knowledge to practical application through hands-on lab exercises and in-person simulation learning鈥攚ith experienced nursing faculty on-site in St. Petersburg to support their learning鈥攁s well as through supervised clinical experiences in partnered health care facilities. Excelsior鈥檚 combination of online coursework and in-person training offers collaborative, hands-on learning and individualized faculty support that equips students with the skills and confidence that make graduates highly competitive in the nursing听profession.

What Will You Learn in Excelsior鈥檚 Hybrid BS in Nursing Program?

杏吧原创鈥檚 prelicensure teaches students to practice nursing in real-world settings while helping them succeed on the registered nurse licensing exam, the . The curriculum teaches students evidence-based nursing practices, clinical decision-making, and teamwork skills, which are vital for nursing practice in the 21st century. Through study in areas such as anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and patient safety, students learn to integrate critical thinking and communication skills guided by the nursing听process.

The curriculum focuses on delivering complete patient care through various nursing approaches that serve different patient groups, including women, children, mental health patients, and community populations. Students develop their clinical skills through simulation-based training, which provides a safe environment to practice, make mistakes, and apply learned concepts before and alongside hands-on clinical experiences with real patients. The program teaches students to become proficient in NCLEX-RN exam preparation while they learn to transition into their first nursing position after听graduation.

Can I Get into This Nursing Program with No Medical Experience?

杏吧原创鈥檚 hybrid prelicensure BS in Nursing program welcomes students who have little to no health care experience but want to begin a career in nursing. The program enables individuals from diverse professional backgrounds to enter the field, whether they鈥檙e pursuing nursing as a first profession or as a second听career.

The prelicensure program enables students to earn their nursing degree and sit for the NCLEX-RN through a modern curriculum pathway. Students receive the knowledge, skills, and professional values needed to prepare for practice as a bachelor鈥檚-prepared registered nurse. 杏吧原创 supports students at every stage of their journey through a comprehensive range of services, which include admission support, individual academic advising, and NCLEX test听preparation.

Why Choose Excelsior to Earn Your BS in Nursing?

杏吧原创 has maintained its position as a nursing education leader for more than 50 years through its dedication to modern learning methods and adaptable programs that support student achievement. The University鈥檚 hybrid learning approach to its St. Petersburg nursing program provides the flexibility of online learning as well as confidence-building in-person instruction and the invaluable hands-on experience that employers seek. And we鈥檙e proud to say Excelsior supports students through their entire educational journey, from admission through their first day on the听job.

Ready to Take the Next Step Toward Your New Nursing Career?

Join a new generation of nurses with 杏吧原创鈥檚 hybrid BS in Nursing program in St. Petersburg, Florida. Regardless of how much health care experience you have, our expert faculty and support team are committed to guiding you every step of the way鈥攆rom your first course to NCLEX-RN preparation鈥攅nsuring you鈥檙e ready to enter the workforce with听confidence.

and take your first step toward a meaningful new career in听care.

Licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education, License No. 12928.

杏吧原创 launches innovative new nursing program to address Florida鈥檚 health care needs听听

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. 鈥� 杏吧原创 is听proud to announce the launch of听its听Bachelor of Science in Nursing听prelicensure听program, a hybrid learning experience designed to create new opportunities for Florida students in the health care field. The program is the first health care offering at 杏吧原创 St. Petersburg, the institution’s new immersive learning site in Florida.听

Directly addressing Florida鈥檚听nursing shortage听by focusing on entry-level,听generalist nursing practice,听the听Bachelor of Science in听Nursing听prelicensure听program听combines听online听coursework with听in-person听training at 杏吧原创 St. Petersburg鈥檚听nursing听lab听facilities听and partnering听health care sites.听Clinical credits are completed in direct care settings, helping students develop practice-ready skills.听The program is designed to be completed in three years or less of year-round study,听creating听an accelerated path to听Registered Nurse听licensure听and sustainable careers.听听

鈥淎t 杏吧原创鈥檚 new St. Petersburg site,听learners听in the听Bachelor听of Science in Nursing prelicensure听program听will听build听critical听patient care听skills through individualized, hands-on coaching and high-fidelity simulation experiences that mirror real-world scenarios,鈥� said Christina Jones, executive site director for 杏吧原创 St. Petersburg. 鈥淲ith access to state-of-the-art technology and guidance from Excelsior鈥檚 highly experienced nursing educators, students will graduate ready to听care for their communities.鈥�听

The听Bachelor听of Science in听Nursing听prelicensure听program听is the next phase of听Excelsior鈥檚 extensive history of nursing education.听While Excelsior鈥檚 popular听Associate听Degree听in Nursing program听is听designed听to help听LPNs, LVNs, paramedics, and certain military personnel听build on their health care knowledge to听transition to careers in nursing, the听Bachelor of Science in听Nursing听prelicensure听program听requires no听previous听health care experience. The program is ideal for those just beginning their career journey听or looking听to forge a new听path in the nursing field.听听

鈥淢ore than 50 years since Excelsior launched its first nursing programs, the听Bachelor of Science in听Nursing听prelicensure听program听reflects听our听continued evolution as a leader听in听health care听education,鈥� said听Diane听Pytlik-Flammia,听dean,听杏吧原创听School听of Nursing.听鈥淏y combining the flexibility of online learning with immersive听labs听at our new St. Petersburg听site听and听training at clinical听partner locations, we are听preparing听the next generation of听nurses听for dynamic, rewarding careers in health care.鈥�听

For more information on the Bachelor of Science in Nursing prelicensure program and enrollment materials, visit the program page. 听

# # #听听

Media Contact 杏吧原创:听
Jason Bonafide,听jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446听

ABOUT EXCELSIOR UNIVERSITY听听
杏吧原创 is an accredited, not-for-profit online institution focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971, Excelsior meets students where they are 鈥� academically and geographically 鈥� removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.听听听

Excelsior is a not-for-profit university with a main campus in Albany, New York, and an educational site in St. Petersburg, Florida. 杏吧原创鈥檚 academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, with听additional听licensing for Florida-based programs.听听听

Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928).听Additional听information听regarding听this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, toll-free number: (888)-224-6684.听

Is a Bachelor鈥檚 Degree in Health Sciences Worth It?

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Health sciences is a diverse field that combines biology, chemistry, social science, health care systems, management, and more to understand how people stay healthy, promote health and wellness, prevent illness, and improve health care policy. Health sciences is a good career if you鈥檙e interested in entering the world of health care but don鈥檛 want to become a doctor or nurse. However, you still need to pursue higher education and earn the appropriate degree for your听goals.

A degree in health sciences can prepare students to pursue many health sciences careers, from clinical and administrative roles to public health and policy-focused positions. Students can also build the foundation to advance to graduate or professional programs in a variety of听settings.

5 Reasons to Earn a Health Sciences Degree

A degree in health sciences is a good option for someone who is broadly interested in a health-related career. Here are a few reasons to earn a health sciences听degree.

Versatility

A degree in health sciences prepares you for a wide range of health sciences careers. It encompasses study areas like health care, public health, biomedical research, and more. Students can build their foundation in general health topics and then explore specific areas of study. This type of degree can prepare students for careers in clinical, administrative, research, and public health. You can get jobs in settings such as hospitals, government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, nonprofit organizations, and more.

Career Stability

Health care is an essential part of everyday life. As such, a job in the health care industry offers great stability. The demand for health care workers is on the rise in clinical and nonclinical roles, including research, administration, and public health. The about 1.9 million new jobs to open up each year from 2024鈥�2034. Earning a degree in this field means job security and many career options for听students.

Working with Diverse Populations

Students in health sciences degree programs learn how biological and social factors combined with cultural and socioeconomic factors affect health outcomes. Through coursework and hands-on experiences, they learn to work with different populations. This helps them develop skills to communicate effectively and provide unique, sensitive care. Many programs also emphasize ethics and health equity, and prepare students to work with patients of all ages and backgrounds.

Access to New Technologies

Health care is rapidly evolving with new breakthroughs continuously enhancing the way professionals care for patients. A health sciences degree prepares students to work with these innovations by providing a strong foundation in scientific principles and practical听skills. Participating in labs, simulations, and clinical trainings, as well as working with medical equipment, , and diagnostic tools, help prepare students to keep pace with emerging听technologies.

Making a Difference in People鈥檚 Lives

A degree in health sciences equips students with the knowledge they need to help patients heal and grow through direct care, research, or management. Health science careers can have a variety of effects, from improving individual outcomes to advancing medical knowledge. Many degree programs emphasize empathy, ethics, equity, and social responsibility. Students are trained to be competent professionals that can care for patients with a humanistic approach.

Start Your Career in Health Care with Excelsior

Job security and helping others are some of the many reasons to earn a health sciences degree, but it鈥檚 important to remember that many jobs require some education. Many entry-level jobs in health sciences require at least an associate or bachelor鈥檚 degree. A health sciences degree combines science with care, teaching students to apply laboratory skills in biology alongside topics like psychology, sociology, and health and wellness. To advance in the allied health field, a bachelor鈥檚 degree provides a flexible foundation to pursue a master鈥檚听degree.

杏吧原创鈥檚 flexible online Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program is designed for students from any professional background or those exploring a health care career, preparing graduates for a booming job market. The program equips students to help care for the health of individuals and communities while gaining practical knowledge in areas such as state and federal health policies, cultural competence, and strategic approaches to regional health听challenges.

Start your journey into the health sciences field by pursuing your degree. Talk to an admissions counselor today.

Christopher Martz Arima听elected as 杏吧原创 Alumni Leadership Council second vice president听

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

杏吧原创 Alumni Leadership Council second vice president Christopher Martz Arima

ALBANY, N.Y. 听鈥� 杏吧原创 today announced the election of听Christopher Martz Arima to the position of Alumni Leadership Council (ALC)听second vice president.听In听his听leadership role with the 12-member council,听Arima听will help guide initiatives in alumni engagement and outreach, strengthen the network of听more than 200,000听Excelsior graduates, and act as听an听official representative of the University over the course of听his听terms.听听

Arima,听B.S.听鈥�18,听of Albuquerque,听New Mexico,听is an听assistant听district听attorney with the Second Judicial District Attorney鈥檚 Office in Bernalillo County, New Mexico. A veteran and practicing attorney, Arima鈥檚 career bridges public service, legal advocacy, and education. Before joining the District Attorney鈥檚 Office, he managed his own law firm, Arima Law,听and previously served as a public defender with the New Mexico Law Offices of the Public Defender.听Arima earned his Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law (cum laude, with a Certificate in National Security and Counterterrorism Law), a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts from 杏吧原创, and an Associate of Arts in Arabic from the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center.听

He teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in mediation, constitutional law, and criminal justice at 杏吧原创. A member of the American Bar Association, the New Mexico State Bar, the Albuquerque Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association, the Justinian Society, and the Young Democrats of New Mexico, Arima has served as Chair of the ABA Young Lawyers Division Committee on Criminal Justice and as liaison to the Committee on Homelessness and Poverty.听He is the author of听numerous听scholarly publications.听听

鈥溞影稍� changed what was possible for me, and service on the Alumni Leadership Council is a way to give that opportunity forward,鈥� said Arima.听鈥淢y commitment is to our alumni community, to inclusive engagement, and to ensuring that 杏吧原创 continues to grow in reach, relevance, and purpose ever upward.鈥澨�听

Arima is joined on the ALC leadership team by Ruth Lown Turman, president, and Christopher Alan Hirschler, first vice president. The council membership also includes Sena Amegbletor, Matthew Baumgartner, Annie L. Hough-Everage, Pamela Monk, Morgan CJ Morgan, Douglas Perry, Tony Spearman-Leach, and Samuel T. Watkins Jr. Made up of Excelsior graduates representing a wide range of professions and backgrounds, the ALC reflects the diverse nature of Excelsior鈥檚 alumni population.听听听

Find more information on the ALC, including individual member biographies,听here.听

Media contact 杏吧原创:
Jason Bonafide,听jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446听

杏吧原创 杏吧原创听

杏吧原创 is an accredited, not-for-profit higher education institution focused on helping learners complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971 in Albany, New York, Excelsior meets students where they are 鈥� academically and geographically 鈥� removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.鈥�听

Excelsior is a not-for-profit university with a main campus in Albany, New York, and an educational site in St. Petersburg, Florida. 杏吧原创鈥檚 academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, with听additional听licensing for Florida-based programs.听听听

Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928).听Additional听information听regarding听this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, toll-free number: (888)-224-6684.听