Excelsior鈥檚 President Schejbal Joins AGB Council of Presidents

Posted on by Erin Coufal

Albany, New York 鈥� Excelsior College is pleased to announce that David Schejbal, president of Excelsior College, has been appointed to the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) . The council leverages the experience, perspectives, and insights of its members with active leadership roles for the development of AGB expertise designed to strengthen strategic board governance across higher education.

鈥淚 am pleased to be a part of this distinguished group and to contribute to conversations about how higher education can help improve the lives of our students, engage our communities, and help address the myriad of challenges that face our society,鈥� 听said David Schejbal, president of Excelsior College. 鈥淗igher education is a public good that is needed more today than ever before, and I look forward to exploring, with my colleagues, ways that we can work together for positive change.鈥�

The AGB Council of Presidents regularly convenes to discuss strategic priorities across higher education and includes representatives from a range of institutional types, including public and private, large and small, single institution and multi-campus system, two- and four-year, religious and secular, and domestic and international. This diversity affords the group a broad pool of experiences that help inform AGB about the obstacles and macro-level trends that governing boards face. In turn, AGB leverages its advisory groups to create tools and resources that benefit more than 2,000 institutions and 40,000 members.

鈥淥ur council members generously agree to lend their time and talent to advancing strategic governance across higher education,鈥� said Henry Stoever, AGB president and CEO. 鈥淎longside the AGB Board of Directors, AGB consultants, and other board governance experts, the AGB Council of Presidents ensures that boards across the country are receiving leading and practical guidance on salient topics throughout the year. These council members help to ensure that we are aware of not only what鈥檚 going on at that moment but also what they need to know from AGB to lead with confidence and knowledge in the boardroom. It鈥檚 a crucial partnership, and I appreciate their hard work.鈥�

# # #

Media Contact Excelsior College:

Erin Coufal, ecoufal@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8498

听ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE

Excelsior College is an accredited, not-for-profit online college focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. The college 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.

ABOUT AGB
The Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) is the premier membership organization that strengthens higher education governing boards and the strategic roles they serve within their organizations. Through our vast library of resources, educational events, and consulting services, and with 100 years of experience, we empower 40,000 AGB members from more than 2,000 institutions and foundations to navigate complex issues, implement leading practices, streamline operations, and govern with confidence. AGB is the trusted resource for board members, chief executives, and key administrators on higher education governance and leadership.

 

 

 

 

Excelsior Faculty Director Elected President of Missouri State Board of Nursing

Posted on by Erin Coufal

Albany, New York鈥擝onny Kehm, PhD, RN, faculty program director at Excelsior College, has been elected president of the Missouri State Board of Nursing (MSBN). Kehm will serve a two-year term beginning December 2021. Kehm has served on the board since 2017 and previously served as vice president and secretary. The MSBN consists of members selected by the governor and confirmed by the senate.

鈥淭he Missouri State Board of Nursing is fortunate to have such an accomplished health care professional lead the board,鈥� said Lori Scheidt, executive director of MSBN.

The mission of the Missouri State Board of Nursing is to protect the public’s health and safety through regulation of nursing education, licensure, and practice. A board member is a public official who exercises legislative delegated duties in the regulation of the nursing profession. Among other responsibilities, board members develop rules and regulations that set the standards for nursing practice and education, set the qualifications for licensure, and ensure that the disciplinary process is implemented in a fashion that guarantees due process and public protection.

As president, Kehm will have the additional responsibilities of presiding at all meetings of the MSBN and serving as a delegate at the National Council of State Boards of Nursing鈥檚 meetings.

鈥淩epresenting Missouri nurses on the state board and being elected president by my fellow board members is an honor. The experience of presiding over the regulation of nursing education, licensure, and practice has truly enriched and enhanced my work at Excelsior,鈥� said Bonny Kehm, managing faculty program director at Excelsior. 鈥淢y work with the MSBN has positively influenced my ability to design curriculum, educate, and mentor the next generation of nurses here at Excelsior College.鈥�

Excelsior College School of Nursing offers programs for associate, bachelor鈥檚, and master鈥檚 degrees. The online nursing degree programs are accredited and tailored for working nurses. The School of Nursing provides access to quality nursing education for a diverse and underrepresented population of adult learners who bring varied lifelong knowledge and experience to the academic journey.

鈥淏onny Kehm鈥檚 election as president of the MSBN is an acknowledgment by her professional peers of her strong leadership abilities and her expertise as a nursing clinician and educator,鈥� said Mary Lee Pollard, dean of the School of Nursing at Excelsior College. 鈥淭he faculty and students in the Excelsior鈥檚 School of Nursing are fortunate to have Kehm as a faculty member and a colleague, and the citizens of Missouri can be assured she will do everything to make sure they have access to safe nursing care.鈥�

# # #

Media Contact Excelsior College:

Erin Coufal, ecoufal@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8498

听ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE

Excelsior College is an accredited, not-for-profit online college focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. The college 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.

 

 

 

Excelsior College Concludes Monthlong Tribute to Veterans

Posted on by Erin Coufal

Albany, New York鈥擡xcelsior College concludes its monthlong tribute to veterans this week. From relaunching the Lt. Col. Bryant A. Murray Veterans Center to marching in the New York City Veterans Day Parade and from a donation drive for Stratton Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center in Albany to a fundraising campaign for veteran scholarships, Excelsior celebrated and supported veterans throughout November.

Named a 鈥淏est for Vets鈥� school 11 times and with over 72,000 veteran alumni, Excelsior College has a strong military and veteran student population and community. Veterans and military students represent 51 percent of Excelsior鈥檚 student population.

鈥淲e are committed to serving the veterans in our Excelsior community and supporting all U.S. veterans,鈥� said Jim Lettko, chief operating officer of Excelsior College and retired U.S. Army brigadier general. 鈥淲e coordinate our support of veterans with our students in mind first and then look for ways to support veterans within the entire Excelsior community and the public.鈥�

Cold-weather clothing items collected by the Excelsior staff community were donated to the Stratton VA Medical Center for veterans experiencing homelessness or on the brink of homelessness. Alumni supported veteran students by donating to scholarships all month through a Stamp the Map campaign. As alumni are represented in all 50 states, the Stamp the Map participation campaign tracked donations from each state and will end on Giving Tuesday, November 30.

Team Unbroken at NYC Veterans ParadeOn Veterans Day, alumni and staff participated in the New York City Veterans Day Parade with Team Unbroken, an adaptive adventure racing team composed of combat-wounded veterans as well as civilians with life-altering injuries or illness.

 

 

 

 

 

Gretchen Evans and Rusty, Veteran Service Dog Military service dog Rusty gives support to Excelsior trustee Gretchen Evans during the NYC Veterans Day Parade.

# # #

Media Contact Excelsior College:

Erin Coufal, ecoufal@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8498

听

ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE

Excelsior College is an accredited, not-for-profit online college focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. The college 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.

 

 

 

Excelsior College Announces Commencement 2022

Posted on by Erin Coufal

Excelsior College Announces Commencement 2022

听Albany, New York鈥擡xcelsior College is excited to announce it will hold an in-person Commencement ceremony on Friday, July 8, 2022, in Albany, N.Y., at the Times Union Center (planned to be renamed as MVP Arena in 2022).

Graduates from the Classes of 2020 and 2021 are invited to join the Class of 2022 at this special celebration. The new location of the Times Union Center allows space for graduates from all three years as well as their loved ones to attend.

鈥淲e are thrilled to celebrate Commencement in-person again and to extend the invitation to three years of Excelsior graduates,鈥� said David Schejbal, president of Excelsior College. 鈥淭he Times Union Center provides the space needed for our graduates and their families who travel to Albany, N.Y., from around the country and the world for Commencement after completing their degree online.鈥�

Excelsior College is the largest, fully online college in New York state and boasts students from all 50 states and more than 20 nations. A return to an in-person Commencement in 2022 allows graduates the opportunity to connect with fellow graduates, faculty, and staff. For those unable to attend, the event will be live streamed with engagement opportunities. All Commencement information will be shared at /commencement.

鈥淐ommencement is one of the most important moments of an individual鈥檚 life, whether they鈥檙e embarking on a new career path or after working toward a degree to expand their current career opportunities. It鈥檚 a day that will be remembered and cherished for the rest of their lives, and it鈥檚 something that deserves an in-person ceremony and celebration when possible,鈥� said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy. 鈥淎s an Excelsior alum myself, I鈥檓 truly thrilled that Albany County has the honor of hosting next year鈥檚 Commencement and the talented group of graduates at our county-owned arena, a facility with the size and resources needed for a truly memorable and safe event.鈥�

Available B-Roll Footage: https://bcove.video/3nmzRNY

# # #

听Media Contact Excelsior College:

Erin Coufal, ecoufal@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8498

听ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE

Excelsior College is an accredited, not-for-profit online college focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. The college 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.

 

 

 

SEFCU Donation to Veteran Scholarships Honored on National Philanthropy Day

Posted on by Erin Coufal

Albany, New York- Excelsior College is honored to announce a $25,000 donation by SEFCU to fund veteran scholarships. The generous donation will fund up to 25 scholarships for veteran students in New York State attending Excelsior College with financial need.

On this National Philanthropy Day, Excelsior recognizes SEFCU鈥檚 philanthropy to Excelsior and the entire community. This is a day to celebrate the impact that philanthropy has on organizations and society, and SEFCU plays a key role in giving in the Capital District.

Fifteen percent of Excelsior鈥檚 students are veterans. Named a 鈥淏est for Vets鈥� school 11 times, Excelsior College has made it a priority to ensure that all veterans, as well as servicemembers, have access to the resources and education they need. With SEFCU鈥檚 donation, Excelsior will award annual scholarships to veteran students from New York State to help remove the burden of tuition cost, enabling students to focus on their academic pursuits.

鈥淓xcelsior is committed to serving veteran students and providing them with the resources needed for academic success,鈥� said David Schejbal, president of Excelsior College. 鈥淲ith SEFCU鈥檚 generous contribution, we will be able to offer much needed financial support to help our veteran students pursue their college degree.鈥�

Supporting military veterans is a core focus of SEFCU鈥檚 philanthropy. The credit union supports programs that assist veterans with basic needs such as food security, clothing, adequate housing, healthcare, and supportive mental healthcare. In addition, SEFCU supports programs that assists veterans with higher education, career training, and small business development.

鈥淲hile we can never truly repay our veterans for their selflessness, service, and sacrifice, it is an absolute honor to help these American heroes pursue their educational goals and prepare for the future,鈥� said SEFCU President and CEO Michael Castellana. 鈥淎t SEFCU, we are humbled and honored to offer financial support to veterans studying at Excelsior. We believe every day should be Veterans Day, and through their support and commitment to our vets, at Excelsior College, we know it is.鈥�

# # #

Media Contact Excelsior College:

Erin Coufal, ecoufal@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8498

听ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE

Excelsior College is an accredited, not-for-profit online college focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. The college 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.

 

 

 

What Does a Career in Homeland Security Look Like?

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was established in 2002 following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Today, the department employs nearly a quarter-million people in the United States across 22 different federal departments and agencies. Those looking for a career in homeland security can choose jobs that range from airport security and border patrol to cybersecurity and immigration services.

DHS has a budget of $12.8 billion and is the third-largest Cabinet department, behind only the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs. In addition, state, county, and city agencies offer many homeland security-related positions.

Homeland security has created a boom in jobs for those who 鈥減rotect and provide,鈥� to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS includes emergency management directors and other homeland security-related professions in this group.

An online Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management prepares graduates for careers in this expanding, challenging industry. Homeland security attracts people who want to dedicate their professional life to keeping citizens safe during natural disasters, pandemics, and terrorist attacks, as well as to secure the nation鈥檚 borders.

Careers in Homeland Security

Students pursuing a degree in homeland security enjoy DHS employees secure borders, airports, seaports, power grids, computer networks, and waterways in the U.S. They also research and develop security technologies, respond to natural disasters and terrorist assaults, and analyze intelligence reports.

The federal government groups almost two dozen agencies under the umbrella. Some of the most well-known include:

  • Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
  • Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS)
  • Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
  • Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
  • Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
  • Secret Service
  • S. Coast Guard (including careers for civilians)

DHS also oversees the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC). The center operates as an inter-agency organization that trains the next generation of law enforcement officers.

A career in homeland security can refer to an assortment of jobs in many agencies. That鈥檚 why students often focus on one area, such as emergency management. In addition to jobs with FEMA, they work for local governments as an emergency manager, hazard mitigation officer, emergency preparedness coordinator, public safety manager, or emergency services director.

Some large private companies also employ professionals with a degree in homeland security to develop and oversee emergency management and risk assessment plans. Hospitals may also employ emergency management professionals.

Careers in homeland security often appeal to those with some experience in law enforcement or the military.

Salaries for Homeland Security Jobs

With the variety of jobs in homeland security, the job growth and salary depend on the specific homeland security career path. However, the BLS and other government agencies provide salary and job growth data for homeland security-related fields that offer an idea of the salary potential.

  • Emergency management director: $76,250
  • Security guards, including transportation security: $31,080
  • Border patrol officer: $49,508 to $78,269 starting salary, according to
  • Emergency management specialist at: $91,202

Building a Foundation in Homeland Security

At Excelsior College, core courses in the online BS in Homeland Security and Emergency Management program prepare students with the skills and knowledge they need to direct first responders, emergency operations at utility companies, community health groups, and security businesses.

Students gain the skills to manage natural disasters, including hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, and earthquakes. Students also learn one of the most important parts of the job: developing plans that guide governments and businesses to prepare for disasters. This includes having strategies for prevention, preparation, response, risk mitigation, and recovery.

Preparation management aims to reduce disruption to normal business and services and minimize the risk of injuries and property damage.

Careers in homeland security offer college graduates a stable, growing field of work. The many options available provides graduates a better chance to find a career that matches their talents and interests.

听

Success in Facilities Management

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

After 25 years working in general construction in upstate New York, Lawrence Warner of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, packed up his bags in 2014 and moved to Florida to pursue a career in facilities management. Thanks to his Associate in Applied Science from Excelsior College and his determination to succeed, he has never looked back.

 

Warner鈥檚 career in construction ranged from forklift operator to purchasing manager at Lincoln Logs in Chestertown, New York, followed by 26 years of construction project management. After more than two decades in that career, he followed his son and daughter to Florida. He relocated with no job prospects but with the hopes of starting a new life. A friend at Paradigm Precision in Stuart, Florida, a manufacturer of gas turbine engines, was the connection to Warner鈥檚 next career. He started at Paradigm Precision as a second shift supervisor before moving into a first shift facilities manager position. He hadn鈥檛 expected to land in that kind of a role, but it fit. 鈥淏asically, I kind of fell into it. I wasn鈥檛 sure what I wanted to do, I guess, when I moved down,鈥� he says and notes he was going to try for a job in construction, but when this opportunity came up, he couldn鈥檛 pass up the new challenge.

 

After going through training and correspondence courses, Warner realized the next logical step was to earn his degree. 鈥淢y experience and value I could give to the company was to go further and get my degree in technical studies,鈥� he says. Warner began looking around at online colleges to fit into his busy schedule and came across Excelsior. He had already taken a few courses in the 1980s with Adirondack Community College, a partner institution with Excelsior, and discovered the credits would transfer toward his degree. 鈥淚t just worked out well, where I was able to have flexibility when I could spend my time doing it [my studies] during lunch hours at work, after work, on weekends鈥攊t just worked out well,鈥� recalls Warner. He earned his Associate in Applied Science in Technical Studies in September 2020.

 

The curriculum in the associate degree program matched well with the job in facilities management. 鈥淟iterally every course tied directly back into my day-to-day work. I found it very fulfilling. I literally could go out into my shop in the facility and find something exactly to what they were talking about and dig into it further鈥�,鈥� Warner explains.

 

In July 2021, Warner and his family saw some big changes. Not only did they sell their house in Port St. Lucie, but they also purchased a new one in Coral Springs near Fort Lauderdale and Warner landed a new job in the same city as a facilities manager for Sheltair Aviation. There, he is responsible for private airline facilities at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, and Pompano Beach Airpark. Warner oversees the maintenance of all hangars, offices, private jet terminals, etc.

 

One of Warner鈥檚 first projects was conducting a kaizen blitz, an action meant to achieve important goals, to ensure 11 hangers at the Fort Lauderdale locations are in working order, and if not, to make the appropriate adjustments. After only being in his role for a few weeks, Warner said he felt at home. 鈥淚 think my favorite part is just the excitement of so many opportunities for improvement and starting over again鈥t鈥檚 kind of exciting to see that I can take everything that I鈥檝e learned from prior training and Excelsior College and apply it towards what I鈥檓 doing here.鈥�

 

Lifelong learning and continuous improvement are part of Warner鈥檚 mantra. He has already completed certification in Level 1 infrared thermography and is working on four certifications with the International Facilities Management Association. 鈥淚鈥檓 not really taking a pause at learning,鈥� says Warner. 鈥淚 wouldn鈥檛 take a pause on the degree, and now I鈥檓 working on some other credentials. They certainly can help me in my career.鈥�

Why the Nation Feels So Involved in the Death of Gabby Petito

Posted on by Emily Miller

Every day in the United States, there are countless victims of domestic violence, whether it鈥檚 physical or emotional abuse. Generally, these stories are not the headlines in the news. So why were so many people captivated by ?

According to an , in the past 10 years alone, 710 indigenous peoples鈥攎ostly girls鈥攈ave gone missing in the same area that Petito did. In the week she was killed, two other women were killed at a campsite not far from her in Grand Teton National Park. There are many factors that may account for the attention the Petito case is receiving over others, including the 10 bodies found as a result of the investigative efforts of her case. As a social media strategist, I am exploring the link that social media plays in building an emotional connection between Petito and the public.

Many young adults take cross-country backpacking trips, but before the rise of social media, it wasn鈥檛 something others could follow in real-time. Petito had a dream to be a travel blogger and a social media influencer. She had an with almost 1 million followers and a that was created to show her life and travels with 68,000 subscribers. She created a unique hashtag, #vanlife, and chronicled her journey in detail. Her boyfriend, Brian Laundrie, also revamped to show a different perspective on their life together and their trip. To the outside world who followed their social media channels, they were a young, happy couple.

Social media is now giving us even more access to their lives through the release of police body camera footage and individual’s accounts of interactions with them. In many instances, the third-party takes from social media create doubt and tell a very different story than what Petito and Laundrie portrayed on their own digital presence. After it was reported that Petito was missing, a few people took to TikTok to tell their stories of what they may have seen or the interactions that they had with both Petito and Laundrie. These people also reported sightings to authorities, but their posts made for even more fodder in the social media world as updates and conspiracy theories started swirling. As of the time Petito鈥檚 body was discovered on September 19, 2021, video content on TikTok with the #gabbypetito had more than 663.5 million views.

This type of highly emotional content can turn viral quickly, and with that, it creates a following and a community of engaged followers and contributors. Communal efforts and online conversations further spur interest and engagement. Much of this content can be deemed clickbait, a piece of content attractive enough to get viewers to click to view. It amounts to social media rubbernecking. In the same way you can鈥檛 look away when you see an accident on the side of the road, social media has made it easy to closely examine details and stories and make even casual followers feel like a detective or lawyer examining evidence and testimony.

The line between in-person relationships and those formed and existing solely online is becoming increasingly blurry. The online relationships may also be one-sided, where the viewer becomes attached to and invested in a media personality who doesn鈥檛 return the emotion. This phenomenon is called

Social media has facilitated the growth of parasocial relationships, a term coined by sociologists Donald Horton and R. Richard Wohl in 1956. In the times of COVID-19, with so many in isolation and following social distancing guidelines, the number and depth of parasocial relationships has only increased. Individuals who are taking to publicizing the Petito case via their personal social media accounts or waiting for additional updates have become somewhat of a movement for advocacy to the general public. These individuals may feel as though they are 鈥渉elping鈥� and working together for a greater good, which creates a deeper perceived psychological bond with the influencer.

This is not unlike cases we鈥檝e seen for years, where the general public becomes seemingly obsessed with finding the answers, think of Jon Benet Ramsey or Elizabeth Smart. In many cases, the increased public awareness can lead to tips and information to help solve cases. In others, it just makes for increased gossip and frenzy. While users of social media outlets are doing some good in investigations, they are increasing the rise and frequency of parasocial relationships and blurring the lines between what is reality and what is a fa莽ade.

They are also shining a light on social issues. The Petito case, like other cases, did in the past (for example, Chris Watts and Lacy Peterson) has raised awareness of domestic abuse. As the case unfolds, the social media community can use the awareness to spotlight the issue and connect others to nonprofit organizations assisting men and women in need. They can use this moment of attention for a longer-reaching impact.

Excelsior College Walks with Team UNBROKEN in New York City Veterans Day Parade

Posted on by Erin Coufal

Albany, New York鈥擡xcelsior College is proud to walk in the New York City Veterans Day Parade on November 11 with the courageous men and women of Team UNBROKEN.

is an adaptive adventure racing team comprising combat-wounded veterans as well as civilians with life-altering injuries or illness. They competed for the first time together in 2019 for the 鈥淲orld鈥檚 Toughest Race鈥� featured on Amazon.

鈥淭eam UNBROKEN is honored to be participants in this year鈥檚 NYC Veterans Day Parade,鈥� said retired Command Sgt. Maj. Gretchen Evans, founder of Team UNBROKEN and trustee of Excelsior College. 鈥淭eam UNBROKEN believes that disabilities do not define who we are or what we can accomplish. We race and advocate to demonstrate to others like us that what is within us is stronger than anything in our way.鈥�

Named a 鈥淏est for Vets鈥� school 11 times and with more than 72,000 alumni who are military servicemembers and veterans, Excelsior College has a strong military and veteran alumni community and student population. Veterans and military students represent 51 percent of Excelsior鈥檚 student population. Some Excelsior alumni who are veterans are walking with Team UNBROKEN in the parade.

鈥淓xcelsior students demonstrate a grit and determination that speaks to the fortitude showcased by Team UNBROKEN,鈥� said David Schejbal, president of Excelsior College. 鈥淲e are honored to support the team and walk beside them as we honor all veterans.鈥�

The parade will take place on Veterans Day, Thursday, November 11, stepping off between noon and 12:30 pm ET. Parade details:

Available B-Roll Footage:

# # #

Media Contact Excelsior College:

Erin Coufal, ecoufal@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8498

听ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE

Excelsior College is an accredited, not-for-profit online college focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. The college 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.

 

 

 

Excelsior College Relaunches Online Veteran Resource Center

Posted on by Erin Coufal

Albany, New York 鈥� Excelsior College has updated and relaunched the
Lt. Col. Bryant A. Murray Veterans Center, an online resource center for veterans. The veterans center provides resources not only for education but also for career, health and wellness, and transition to civilian life.

Veterans and military students represent 51 percent of Excelsior鈥檚 student population, and this center is designed with them in mind. However, the Lt. Col. Bryant A. Murray Veterans Center is also available for the entire Excelsior community and the public.

鈥淚n recognition of the unique needs of veterans, Excelsior is pleased to relaunch the Lt. Col. Bryant A. Murray Veterans Center,鈥� said James Lettko, chief operating officer of Excelsior College and retired U.S. Army brigadier general. 鈥淲e are committed to serving the veterans in our Excelsior community and supporting all U.S. veterans.鈥�

Named a 鈥淏est for Vets鈥� school 11 times, Excelsior College has made it a priority to ensure that all veterans, as well as servicemembers, have access to the resources and education they need.

鈥淚n honor of my father鈥檚 30-year career in the U.S. Air Force and with deep gratitude to all veterans and military servicemembers who defend our great nation and democratic values, my family and I are so pleased to support the relaunch of the Lt. Col. Bryant A. Murray Veterans Center to pay it forward to our veterans and Excelsior College, which has demonstrated such an abiding commitment to them,鈥� said Bryanne Hamill, alumna and former trustee of Excelsior College. 鈥淗aving observed first-hand the sacrifices of our veterans鈥攑utting country above all else鈥攚e owe it to them to provide them the tools, including education, to ensure their success thereafter.鈥�

The online resource center can be accessed at /veterans/.

# # #

Media Contact Excelsior College:

Erin Coufal, ecoufal@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8498

听ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE

Excelsior College is an accredited, not-for-profit online college focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. The college 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.

 

 

Accelerate Your Career with MS in Health Care Administration

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

With the explosive growth in health care in recent years, the need for skilled administrators to oversee medical operations is stronger than ever. Consequently, there is increasing demand for those with the knowledge and skills to successfully guide hospitals, doctor鈥檚鈥檆linics, and other medical facilities.

The job of health care administration presents complex challenges. For example, a hospital administrator must ensure an adequate and steady supply of needed medical equipment and maintain training programs to keep staff educated on the latest clinical options. At the same time, they are responsible for keeping the hospital financially healthy. All the while, administrators must also navigate an ever-changing regulatory environment.

An online Master of Science in Health Care Administration prepares students for success. The best programs help students develop a deep understanding of evidence-based health practice. Excelsior鈥檚 program prepares graduates to lead and motivate health care teams, research electronic documents, analyze and propose new policies, and solve health care challenges.

High Demand for Qualified Health Care Administrators

Health care now employs more people than any sector of the economy. In that context, it is easy to understand why health care administrators are in such high demand.

to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, data-driven employment projections call for a 32 percent increase in the number of 鈥渕edical and health service managers鈥� in the next decade, with more than 133,000 people joining the profession.

Overall, health care administration salaries have increased by 10 percent to 20 percent in the past decade. The average salary in the profession as of May 2020 was $104,280.

Health care administrators can work in , including outpatient, ambulatory, primary, and inpatient care facilities. Health care administrators are often employed in hospitals, physician clinics, nursing or elder care facilities, home health care organizations, rehabilitation centers, and mental health organizations.

Job titles for graduates with an MS in Health Care Administration include clinical manager, department head, executive administrator, health care project manager, and patient relations director.

What You Learn in an MS in Health Care Administration Program

The Excelsior College online MS in Health Care Administration focuses on the business side of health care. Students learn how to oversee operations at outpatient, ambulatory, primary, and inpatient care facilities.

Learning outcomes in the program include:

  • Developing effective communication strategies
  • Applying leadership techniques to solve organizational challenges
  • Integrating principles of risk management and quality improvement
  • Implementing financial management and human resource practices
  • Applying ethical standards to resolve policy and legal issues
  • Analyzing contemporary issues impacting health care

Courses in the program cover diverse topics in the field. Subjects include health service outreach communication planning, medical licensure and certification, human resource management, health care finance and payment systems, health care policy analysis, and community access to public and private health care services.

Graduates of the Excelsior College program can go on to earn certifications in different areas of health care. They include Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE), Certified Medical Manager (CMM), Certified Healthcare Administrative Professional (cHAP), and Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management (CPHRM).

The Excelsior MS in Health Care Administration program does not require students to take the GMAT or GRE to enter. Students can transfer up to 18 credit hours from other accredited institutions into the program.