How to Write a Cover Letter

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

With a well-crafted cover letter, you can introduce yourself in a memorable, personal way on a job application. Some hiring managers consider it to be the most important part of your job application. It is a great opportunity to tell prospective employers who you are, showcase why they should hire you, and stand out above all other candidates.

Following are some things you should and should not include in your cover letter.

What Is Cover Letter?

听Your resume lays out the facts to potential employers, but your cover letter conveys your personality. The Society for Human Resources surveyed organizations on resumes, cover letters, and interviews and found the top three things that must be included in a cover letter are: how a candidate鈥檚 work experience meets job requirements, how a candidate鈥檚 skills meet job requirements, and why a candidate wants to work at the organization.

What to Include in Your Cover Letter

听Successful cover letters include these sections:

  • Contact Information: Your details, plus those of the target company.
  • Salutation:听Address your cover letter听like a professional. While it is fine to use 鈥淒ear Sir/Madam鈥� or 鈥淭o Whom It May Concern鈥� when addressing the recruiter, taking the time to find out to whom you are addressing your letter makes a much stronger impression.
  • The 鈥淚ntro鈥� Paragraph: Your听cover letter introduction should grab the reader鈥檚 attention. Consider introducing yourself with a snappy first sentence that highlights your excitement about the company, your passion for the work you do, or your past accomplishments. Check out examples of听in an engaging, attention-grabbing way.
  • The 鈥淏ody鈥� Paragraphs: A good cover letter has body paragraphs that showcase your abilities & how you fit into the company鈥檚 future.
  • Call-to-Action: The best cover letter CTA lets the hiring manager know when you鈥檙e available to interview, and that you will follow up if necessary.
  • The Sign-off: A cover letter closing should consist of 鈥淪incerely,鈥� 鈥淩egards,鈥� or 鈥淏est Regards,鈥� and your name.

How to Craft Your Cover Letter

听When writing your letter, you should write like yourself, but you should also pick听the appropriate voice and tone听for the company you鈥檙e applying to.听For instance, the tone of a letter for a legal consulting firm will likely differ from听a graphic design firm. Be sure to also add some word variation to help you stand out against other applicants. Instead of describing yourself as creative, try imaginative. Instead of saying you鈥檙e determined, say you鈥檙e tenacious. These word variations show that you can think beyond what the average applicant can.

Things to Remember

  • Keep it short. In general, don鈥檛 go over a page for resumes or cover letters. In one survey, more than two-thirds of employers said they prefer a cover letter around 250 words. Check out these听to a page or less.
  • Dishonesty on your cover letter听isn鈥檛 in your best interest. Don鈥檛 imply or indicate you have a skill that you don鈥檛 actually have. It might come back to bite you.
  • Don鈥檛 apologize. When you don鈥檛 meet all the job requirements, you may be tempted to say something like, 鈥淒espite my limited experience as a manager鈥︹�� Instead of drawing attention to your weaknesses, emphasize the strengths and transferable skills you do have.
  • Consider testimonials. Sometimes feedback听from former co-workers, managers, or clients can go a long way in illustrating your passion or skills. Just don鈥檛 go overboard.
  • Don鈥檛 be afraid to brag. Do you have a hard time writing about yourself? Try this tip: What would your favorite boss, your best friend, or your mentor say about you? Write the letter from their point of view.
  • Finish strong. Your closing paragraph is your last chance to emphasize how you鈥檇 be a great fit for the position. You can use the end of your letter to add other important details, too. Check out some examples of closing lines you want to avoid at .
  • Edit and proof. Remember to edit your cover letter and have a friend take a look. Use the to see how it sounds out loud and edit accordingly. Ask a friend if your letter sells you as the right person for the job. If it doesn鈥檛, you might have more work to do.

Remember that a cover letter is your chance to impress the potential employer and let them know you鈥檙e excited to be part of their company. It鈥檚 your opportunity to tell about you! For more helpful tips about writing cover letters, visit , , and . Also, be sure to visit Excelsior鈥檚 Career Center at for more advice on job searching, resume writing, interview tips, military and veteran transition, and more.

Excelsior Presents Webinar on Military Mental Health Issues

Posted on by Caitlin Abram

Mental health care is an important and growing part of our national discussion, but did you know that mental health issues disproportionately affect over 18 million U.S. veterans and their families? The statistics are staggering.

  • The Department of Veterans Affairs鈥� National Center for PTSD estimated that 1 in 20 of the nation鈥檚 5 million surviving World War II veterans suffers from PTSD as well as:
    • 31 percent of Vietnam veterans
    • 10 percent of Gulf War veterans (Desert Storm)
    • 11 percent of veterans from the war in Afghanistan
  • According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, there were 40,056 homeless veterans living in the U.S. in a single night in January 2017.
  • Less than 50 percent of returning veterans suffering from mental illness receive treatment.
  • 20 veterans die by suicide every day in the United States.

On May 9, Excelsior College held a webinar to discuss some of the health issues unique to military populations. Presented by Sandra Butterfield, 鈥�86 , Jessica Cheverie, 鈥�02 , and James Ketzler, 鈥�00, the webinar focused on the multitude of reasons for the higher rates of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder , depression, and Traumatic Brain Injury among veterans as well as barriers to care and how to get help.

Because of their long-term exposure to high-intensity kinetic conflict, uncertainty, combat-related injuries or death, loss of control, and long separations from their loved ones, veterans often return from military service with significant mental health challenges as they transition back to civilian life. All too often, these issues trickle down to other members of their families as well.

Recognizing the signs of mental distress early is key to diagnosis and treatment. Some warning behaviors could include:

  • Prolonged sadness, anxiety, or strong feelings of anger
  • Extreme emotional highs or extreme lows
  • Social withdrawal
  • Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits
  • Delusions or hallucinations
  • Growing inability to cope with daily problems and activities
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Denial of obvious problems
  • Excessive substance use

The institutional stigma surrounding mental illness within the military community causes many servicemembers to avoid seeking treatment for fear of professional consequences as severe as dishonorable discharge. Until recently, the military had limited mental health screenings available and the armed forces does not require servicemembers to disclose mental health problems to their chain of command.

Fortunately, the military has changed many of its policies in recent years to encourage better mental health and the Department of Defense states that they realize untreated mental health conditions pose a greater safety risk than mental health conditions for which the person is seeking treatment. A 2014 rule states that receiving a diagnosis or seeking treatment can not affect your career, even if your doctors need to disclose your condition.

If you or a loved one is struggling with mental illness or the transition to civilian life, the below resources could help:

  • Veterans Crisis Line at
  • Confidential counselors available for military and their families through at 1-800-342-9647
  • Real Warriors at
  • After Deployment at
  • In Transition at or 1-800-424-7877
  • My HealtheVet at

If you鈥檙e interested in learning more, a recording of this webinar is available for our alumni community by logging in here: . Visit our Alumni Events Page to see what webinars we have coming up at听 /alumni/alumni-events/.

 

2016 Graduate Jeromie Cook Recognized for his Dedication to Military Service

Posted on by Alicia Jacobs

Excelsior College grad, Jeromie Cook, received a Master of Business Administration in technology management with highest honors from Excelsior College in 2016. Recently he was recognized in Marquis Who鈥檚 Who Biographee for his dedication to military service. 听听Mr. Cook has earned two Meritorious Service Medals, two Navy Commendation Medals, four Navy Achievement Medals, plus numerous other personal and unit awards. Cook is a retired U.S. Navy veteran and a nuclear master chief. He excels as the manager of emergency preparedness for Fluor Marine Propulsion LLC and the Naval Nuclear Laboratory, with which he also works as the principal compliance engineer.听听

Link to full article:

5 Reasons to Consider a Cybersecurity Degree

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing career fields in the country. With computer system security becoming more complex as attacks become more sophisticated, experts with a cybersecurity degree are needed to fill these critical jobs.

Earning a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity prepares you for this field. That鈥檚 especially true of degree programs, such as the one offered through Excelsior College, that are aligned with academic requirements for cybersecurity set up by the National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

So why is pursuing a cybersecurity degree worthwhile? Here are five reasons.

A Shortfall of Experts

Amelia Estwick, manager of the graduate program in cybersecurity at Excelsior College, notes that information security advocacy group ISACA projects a shortfall of 2 million cybersecurity professionals by 2019.

鈥淔or those pursuing a cybersecurity degree, this statistic not only paints a very positive light on job growth for cybersecurity professionals but also illustrates the importance that cybersecurity skills have in our digital society,鈥� she said.

Nationwide, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) a 28 percent increase in cybersecurity jobs, which it lists under information security analyst.

Strong Salary Potential

The BLS reports that taking into account all cybersecurity professionals from across the country, the in May 2018 was $102,470. In New York, that salary number is $122,000, the highest in the nation.

New York also employs the fourth highest number of cybersecurity experts. The New York metropolitan area is the second highest metropolitan area in the country for the number of cybersecurity jobs, behind only Washington D.C.

A Need in Every Industry

Healthcare operations need cybersecurity experts to ensure the security of electronic healthcare records. Transportation companies need secure supplying chain digital systems. Financial firms need a lockdown on systems that contain sensitive financial information. And every business in every industry has personnel records that need to be secure. In all cases, a cybersecurity professional is needed. Earning a cybersecurity degree opens the door to working in almost any industry.

It鈥檚 a Challenging Career

Those who wish to break into computer systems 鈥� whether they are individual hackers or members of an enemy state 鈥� continue to get more sophisticated in how they approach breaking into a system. Workers with a degree in cybersecurity are on the front lines of this battle, from protecting department store transaction records to helping maintain security for elections. That鈥檚 why analytical thinking and problem-solving are both important traits for cybersecurity experts.

Working with Cutting-Edge Technology

To solve complex digital system problems, you need the best in technology. On any given day, a cybersecurity professional may learn new security protocols, technologies, and potential threats.

Earning a cybersecurity degree online puts graduates on the path to a well-paid job in a fast-growing industry. For those with interest in using technology to protect people from cybercriminals, there has never been a better time to enter the profession.

Career Outlook for Master’s in Health Care Administration Graduates

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

As more jobs become available for doctors, nurses, and other clinicians in the rapidly growing health care industry, the need has also grown for qualified experts to take on leadership roles in a number of health care administrator careers.

Taking on these leadership positions requires a blend of business skills and health care industry knowledge 鈥� something students can learn in a quality master鈥檚 degree program. Business skills have become more necessary as health care comes under increased economic and regulatory pressures. The industry has also shifted to a 鈥渧alue-based鈥� model that puts the emphasis on both efficiency and improved patient outcomes.

These changes have created an environment where professionals who want a health care administration career have many opportunities. Those with expertise in health care management strategies, as well as the knowledge to apply them in real-world situations, are extremely attractive job candidates.

The Demand for Health Care Administrators

The demand for health care administrators is clear from numbers provided by the federal government. Those numbers project a 20 percent increase in the number of health care administrators by 2026.

An aging U.S. population, along with more awareness of the value of preventive medicine, is partly fueling the need for more administrators, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The annual mean pay for a health care administrator position in May 2018 was $99,730, according to the BLS. In New York, that number is $143,340, second only to the District of Columbia in the entire country. In New York, the projected increase in health care administrators by 2026 is 22.3 percent, higher than the national average, to Projections Central, which uses BLS data to make state-by-state job growth projections.

What You Learn in a Health Care Master鈥檚 Program

At Excelsior College, the Master of Science in Health Care Administration prepares graduates for leadership in many careers. Health Care Administration careers include leading a hospital or doctors鈥� clinics or leading a large department. It can also include running a health care clinic or becoming a vice president of a large health care operation.

Graduates are prepared to lead a health care facility in a civilian, military or Veterans Administration setting. The program offers graduates expertise in:

  • Theory-based communications strategies
  • Leadership strategies in the health care environment
  • The principles of risk management and quality improvement
  • Ethical standards in health care
  • Analysis of contemporary issues impacting health care

Graduates learn leadership skills, including strategic planning, leveraging technology in a health care environment, managing conflict, building effective teams, and giving formal presentations.

A Challenging Future

In the 21st century, health care operations face complex challenges. Meeting those challenges requires leaders who understand the health care industry in all its detail. They also need to know the latest strategies, tools, and techniques needed to succeed in health care and how to apply them to real-world situations.

Those who earn a master鈥檚 degree prepare themselves to become that type of leader in a range of health care administrator careers. They have both an understanding of the health care industry as well as the business strategies needed to improve financial performance. In addition, graduates demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and achieving excellence in leadership within the health care industry.

Special Double Tutorial Feature: NUR 3014 Critical Thinking and the Nursing Process and NUR 702 Navigating the CPNE

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

As an associate degree in nursing student, you are required to take nursing theory components to prepare you for demonstrating proficiency in nursing care during the Clinical Performance in Nursing Examination (CPNE). There are two tutorials that you should be aware of that can improve your success. NUR 3014: Critical Thinking and the Nursing Process Online Tutorial and NUR 702: 听Navigating the CPNE Online Tutorial are great resources to consider when you need some extra practice and while you are preparing for the CPNE.

All students in the associate degree in nursing program have access to NUR 3014: Critical Thinking and the Nursing Process Tutorial. This self-paced learning tutorial includes resources to help students develop and apply skills they may struggle with, such as math calculations or applying the 鈥淣ursing Code of Ethics鈥� to a complex patient. A significant focus of the tutorials is application of critical thinking and the nursing process. NUR 3014 provides narrated resources and audio files to help students think critically with the RN perspective. The tutorial contains three modules: Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, and The Nursing Process, with each module discussing important skills and competencies the registered nurse needs to be successful in the dynamic healthcare environment.

鈥淭he nursing process is the blueprint for all nursing care,鈥� says Karla Duffy, faculty program director for the associate degree in nursing program. The steps in the nursing process are assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation, and the NUR 3014 Online Tutorial helps students practice and apply this important process. Within the modules are activities that students can practice developing a plan of care for different patients across the life span. There is also a case study for students to practice putting all of the pieces together.

The tutorial is so beneficial that Duffy uses it in her course, NUR 104 Essentials of Nursing Care: Health Safety. 鈥淚n NUR 104, students are required to go to NUR 3014 to complete their week I discussion because I want them to know that it鈥檚 here and I want them to use it as a resource throughout their educational journey,鈥� she says.

NUR 702, Navigating the CPNE Online Tutorial, is similar to NUR 3014 in structure, but NUR 702 is only available to students when they are CPNE eligible. NUR 702 contains valuable information about the CPNE and the contents were developed by the same faculty who developed the exam. 鈥淭hese are the resources faculty have developed to help students be successful at the CPNE,鈥� says Duffy. The tutorial contains different modules like self-study modules, resources specific to the nursing simulation labs (NSL) and the patient care situations (PCS), virtual patients and recordings of conversations webinars.听 The resources developed align with the critical elements for the exam that are outlined in the study guide.

There are also virtual patients with self-check activities that give students an opportunity to apply the nursing process to formulate a plan of care, deliver the care and document their care. NUR 702 also contains videos made by nursing faculty that cover all of the areas of competency. 鈥淚t gives the students a comprehensive understanding of how the CPNE is going to progress,鈥� says Duffy. The tutorial also contains all the recordings from the 鈥淐onversations with Kim鈥� webinars and other faculty developed webinars.

The best part about NUR 3014 is that students can access it at any time and can keep going back to it throughout their time in the associate degree nursing program. The good part about NUR 702 is that it is specifically geared toward students preparing for the CPNE.听 So, if you need some extra help, or want to see how prepared you are for the CPNE, check out the tutorials NUR 3014: Critical Thinking and the Nursing Process Online Tutorial and NUR 702: Navigating the CPNE Online Tutorial.

 

Excelsior College President James Baldwin Announces Retirement

Posted on by Mike Lesczinski

Albany, New York — Excelsior College President James N. Baldwin today announced his intention to retire, effective July 3, 2020.

鈥淎s I have enacted my leadership of the College, I have adhered to my conviction that the primary obligation of a leader is stewardship of and service to the organization they are privileged to lead,鈥� said President Baldwin.听鈥淚t is time to celebrate our accomplishments and focus on the opportunities new leadership can offer. It has been, and remains, my great privilege to serve the College and its students. What has always been special about Excelsior College is its pioneering work as a completion college and dedication to its mission.鈥�

Excelsior College president, James N. Baldwin, JD, EdD

Baldwin joined the College as chief of staff in September 2014 and assumed the role of acting president in May 2016 following the decision by then president John Ebersole to take medical leave. Baldwin was appointed president in a permanent capacity in October of that year.

In his letter to the campus community, Baldwin thanked the staff and faculty for their dedication to Excelsior and commitment to its mission amid challenging times. Through a collective effort to drive transformation, the College has created a new foundation for growth and success that will ensure Excelsior endures for generations.

Among the achievements outlined in his letter:

鈥淕uided by our insistence on integrity, transparency, and accountability with a steadfast commitment to financial stability and putting students first, we have affirmed the mission and values of the College:听

听Shifting focus to our academic programs, and improving the quality of those that best serve the needs of our students and represent our future.

听Reframing our organization and business practices to be student-centered, efficient, responsive, effective, and accountable.

Implementing significant and sustained investments in technology that are vital to our future.

听Daring to question long-held assumptions, experimenting with new ideas and听ways of creating a sustainable business model and academic ecosystem.鈥�

听鈥淛im Baldwin has been the right person at the right time for Excelsior College,鈥� said Dr. Helen Benjamin, chair, Excelsior College Board of Trustees.听鈥淗e has set Excelsior on a course to be even more successful in fulfilling its mission as alternatives in higher education have become more important and simultaneously competitive. It has been a pleasure to work with Jim in moving the College forward.鈥�

Prior to arriving at Excelsior, Baldwin served as CEO and district superintendent for Questar III BOCES, where he led the agency in the development of innovative and cost-saving programs and services and was responsible for the oversight of 23 school districts in the region on behalf of the commissioner of education. He also served as chief of staff and acting deputy commissioner for higher education in the New York State Education Department and as executive deputy secretary of state for New York.

Baldwin earned a Doctor of Education in organization and leadership from Teachers College of Columbia University, a Juris Doctorate from Albany Law School of Union University, and a Bachelor of Arts in political science at Union College. He is admitted to the bar in New York State and the U.S. District Court.

Excelsior College鈥檚 Board of Trustees will launch a national search for the College鈥檚 fourth president, expected to begin immediately. Baldwin has agreed to serve as president until July 3, 2020, or later if required, to ensure an orderly transition.

Media Contact:

Alicia Jacobs, ajacobs@excelsior.edu, 518-464-8531

 

ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE

Excelsior College (excelsior.edu) is a regionally 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. Learn more at excelsior.edu.

Graduates Celebrate Commencement 2019

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

On Friday, July 12, 488 graduates walked the stage at the Empire State Plaza Convention Hall in Albany, New York, each bringing with them their own stories of achievement.

The 488 graduates who attended Commencement are part of Excelsior鈥檚 second-largest graduating class since 2010. A total of 6,001 students earned 6,059 degrees. The Class of 2019 includes graduates from all 50 states plus the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico. Our international graduates represent 17 other nations, including Australia, Canada, Ecuador, England, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Gibraltar, Israel, Lebanon, Maldives, Netherlands, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, and United Kingdom. Of this year鈥檚 graduates, 35 percent are members of the U.S. military; 959 are U.S. military veterans. The average age of Class of 2019 graduate is 36 years old, and the oldest graduate is 78-year-old James Arthur Moynihan, from Kennesaw, Georgia, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Business.

This year鈥檚 graduate speaker was Anthony Cinquini from Glendale, Arizona, a two-time graduate of Excelsior College. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in 2004 and a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies in 2019. Cinquini, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army, spoke to his leadership philosophy, learned in the military and through his studies at Excelsior. He told the graduates, 鈥溾�ntil taking a leadership course last year, it never occurred to me how valuable a written leadership philosophy based on personal experience is; I now have one as my own鈥攃reated, not borrowed.鈥� He encouraged everyone to have their own leadership philosophy for two reasons. 鈥淔irst, whether we realize it or not, we are all leaders. 鈥� Secondly, our destinations鈥攖o be who we are meant to become鈥攁ll differ; they are as unique to us as our fingerprints and DNA, so getting there requires a custom framework.鈥�

Our graduates came to Albany with unique stories about earning their degrees. Micky Brooks, a physical security specialist with the U.S. Army from Chesterfield Michigan, earned a Master of Science in Criminal Justice and plans to use his Army and educational background to become a university professor. Tara Beers of Gambrills, Maryland, a cryptologic technical language interpretist with the U.S. Navy, pursued her bachelor鈥檚 to advance in her career and in so doing, discovered a love of psychology. Megan Wallstrum and Nicole Lopez, both from Pleasant Hill, California, are friends who pursued and earned a Master of Science in Criminal Justice together. Wallstrum, a paralegal for the Federal Public Defenders Office and Lopez, a U.S. deputy marshal, took many of the same courses together and had many lively discussions while pursuing their degrees. Akila Sooriyabandara traveled from Sri Lanka to celebrate his Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. While he鈥檚 not certain of his future career yet, he isn鈥檛 done learning and his Excelsior degree is just the beginning.

Excelsior confers degrees monthly and graduates come to Commencement for the pomp and circumstance of celebrating their accomplishment. Prior to the Commencement ceremony, Excelsior hosted a hooding ceremony for master鈥檚 graduates.

In addition to the Commencement-related events, Excelsior held induction ceremonies for honor societies and presented awards to graduates at an Awards Convocation. During the Awards Convocation, the College also recognized distinguished faculty and alumni award recipients, and President James N. Baldwin presented President鈥檚 Medals to alumnus Jerry L. Neff, former chair of the Board of the Trustees, and the President鈥檚 Committee on Inclusion, an internal group at the College.

Two Recent Excelsior College Graduates Achieved Their Educational Goals Through Pizza Hut Partnership

Posted on by Alicia Jacobs

Albany, NY 鈥� Recently, 488 graduates of the more than 6,000 students who earned degrees this year from Excelsior College attended Commencement at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center. Two of this year鈥檚 graduates included employees from Pizza Hut: Rebecca Heidt, area coach from Pottstown, Pa., and Douglas Fitch, territory coach from Hurricane, W. Va.

The Life Unboxed EDU program, powered by Excelsior College, provides discounted college tuition to Pizza Hut employees and their immediate family members. Life Unboxed EDU allows employees to apply their on-the-job management-level training courses as college credits.

Lifeunboxed.edu Pizza Hut Graduate at Commencement
Figure 1. Rebecca Heidi, Pizza Hut employee, celebrates graduation day with Stephanie Cietek, partnership manager for Strategic Partnership and Alliances at Excelsior College

Heidt achieved her educational goals through the Excelsior College partnership, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business. She shares, 鈥淟ife Unboxed EDU with Pizza Hut is a fantastic way to connect to the team from a schooling standpoint. The program taught me time management and self-motivation. I would not be an area coach now without it. The Excelsior program allowed my dreams and goals to be accomplished while working a full-time job.鈥�

Fitch, who earned a Bachelor of Professional Studies, explained, 鈥淟ife Unboxed EDU and Excelsior provided me an opportunity to reach a goal I always wanted but thought I would never accomplish. By providing a jump-start with hours of training and work experience, it put my degree within reach. By taking one course every eight weeks, I was amazed to watch the classes chip away. Excelsior was always helpful and went out of their way to help me reach my goal. Today, I can say I am a college graduate!鈥�

Excelsior College prides itself on being a credit aggregator and encourages students to transfer in any and all previous college credits to help make earning a degree more obtainable.

In 2015, Excelsior College was chosen as Pizza Hut鈥檚 education partner for Life Unboxed EDU due to its ability to understand the needs of adult learners who are balancing education with careers, families, and other responsibilities. 鈥淭his partnership illustrates Pizza Hut鈥檚 investment in the education needs of their workforce,鈥� said Dawn Gerrain, chief marketing and business development officer. 鈥淲e are proud to celebrate with the two most recent graduates and the 45 employees from Pizza Hut who had participated in this program.鈥�

 

 

Between accepting previous college credits and the credits earned through Life Unboxed EDU, earning a degree has become more obtainable for members of the Pizza Hut organization. By way of the Pizza Hut partnership, 47 Pizza Hut employees and 3 family members have graduated from Excelsior College, and 79 employees are currently working toward a degree. Life Unboxed EDU is just one way that Pizza Hut is helping its team members unlock their potential and become their best.

Second LifeUnboxed.edu graduate at Commencement
Figure 2. Douglas Fitch, Pizza Hut territory coach from Virginia, attends Excelsior College Commencement to celebrate his degree completion. Here he visits with Stephanie Cietek, partnership manager for Strategic Partnership and Alliances at Excelsior College.

For more information, visit /partner/pizza-hut/

###

Media Contact: Alicia Jacobs听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听 听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听 (518) 464-8531

ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE

Excelsior College (excelsior.edu) is a regionally 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. Learn more at excelsior.edu.

John Caron Named New Provost at Excelsior College

Posted on by Mike Lesczinski

Albany, NY — Excelsior College is proud to announce Dr. John Caron as the College鈥檚 provost and vice president of academic affairs, effective July 19. More than ever, Excelsior is poised to move into a new growth period as a leader in adult higher education. Dr. Caron is an inclusive leader, educator, and champion of serving adult learners 鈥� all qualities that will serve Excelsior well.

John Caron, Excelsior College's new Provost

鈥淒r. Caron is a strategic, forward-thinking, and seasoned higher education administrator with two decades of extensive experience in leading, developing, and implementing innovative programs in higher education,鈥� said Excelsior College President Dr. James N. Baldwin. As provost, Dr. Caron will be a key driver in developing academic offerings and strategies that are aligned with the changing landscape of higher education, so that Excelsior may maintain positive growth and advance its position among peer institutions.鈥�

Dr. Caron will be the College鈥檚 chief academic officer and second-ranking officer with strategic responsibilities that span the entire institution. He will report to the president, serve on the executive team, take a leadership role in the annual budget process, and implement the strategic plan. He will collaborate closely with faculty and staff on academic strategic planning.

With more than 20 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Caron comes to Excelsior from Endicott College where he served as founding provost. Prior to Endicott, Dr. Caron served as the associate dean of the Krieger School of Arts & Sciences at Johns Hopkins University. He taught graduate courses online. Dr. Caron is an inaugural member of UPCEA鈥檚 National Council for Online Education and past chair of the International Leadership Network. Dr. Caron鈥檚 research interests focus on two strands of inquiry: strategic management and online education. He is the first in his family to go to college, earning a bachelor鈥檚 in sociology from Providence College.听He earned a master鈥檚 in sociology from the University of Connecticut and a doctorate in higher education management from the University of Pennsylvania.

# # #

Media Contact:

Alicia Jacobs, ajacobs@excelsior.edu 听听听听听听听听听听听听听 听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听(518) 464-8531

ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE

Excelsior College (excelsior.edu) is a regionally 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. Learn more at excelsior.edu.

 

 

 

Excelsior Presents Project Management Case Study Webinar on Historic Apollo 11 Launch

Posted on by Caitlin Abram

“That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

Even if you weren鈥檛 alive for the United States鈥� historic Apollo 11 space mission in 1969, you鈥檝e probably heard Neil Armstrong鈥檚 famous quote spoken as he took his first steps on the moon.

What you probably don鈥檛 know, is the story behind all the years of planning and preparation that it took to make the Apollo mission a success. On May 22nd, Excelsior College hosted a webinar titled 鈥淪mall Steps and Giant Leaps鈥� that took another look at this monumental undertaking with a project management perspective. Presented by , a Spacecraft Systems and Crew Operations Lead, Flight Dynamics Division at Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center as well as a member of the Excelsior College Alumni Leadership Council, the program examined the historical context in the years leading up to the launch, the project management process and lessons learned.

Throughout the 1950鈥檚, Cold War tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union ran high as both sides were striving to demonstrate the superiority of their systems through political expansion, military, industrial, and scientific achievements. The 鈥淪pace Race鈥� grew out of this rivalry with the two world powers pushing to claim each technological milestone first.

After several early victories for the Soviet Union, including the first successful satellite launch with Sputnik, the United States significantly ramped up their space program.听 The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) started operating in 1959 with a budget of $150 Million and immediately began Project Mercury, designed to put the first man in orbit. In 1961 President John F. Kennedy upped the ante with his State of the Union Address in which he stated: 鈥淚 believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the earth.鈥� With that statement, 鈥淧roject Apollo鈥� began.听 Mr. Bowman put into perspective just how audacious a goal this was considering that a mere 57 years earlier the airplane had been invented.

Mr. Bowman then broke down the entire Apollo project using the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), a system that uses process groups and knowledge areas the plan and execute a project:

Project Management Body of Knowledge

The PMBOK provides valuable guidelines for Project Management Processes and Knowledge Areas that have been accumulated over many years of experience around the world, are tailorable, and should be used as a starting point for any project.

From May through November, 1961 the planning process took place in earnest.听 Four in-depth studies were performed by NASA and 1 jointly with the Department of Defense. The studies looked at launch vehicle needs, spacecraft requirements, explored three different options for reaching the moon, and identified all 1200 tasks that would need to be performed during a lunar mission.

The studies determined that during first six months, NASA had to do 6 things to meet its 鈥渨ithin the decade鈥� goal:

  1. Assign program management and system responsibility (essentially, develop a Project Management Plan)
  2. Obtain re-entry heating data to enable Apollo spacecraft design
  3. Complete contracts for Apollo and launch vehicle development
  4. Establish flight crew make-up, selection techniques, and training plan
  5. Accelerate engine funding
  6. Initiate Construction of Facilities:
    1. Center for spacecraft dev and astronaut training (JSC)
    2. Launch facility and Vehicle Assembly Building
    3. Tracking stations

Three major caveats were identified; failure of any one of which could prevent meeting the goal within the decade:

  1. Immediate funding
  2. Major catastrophes
  3. Relief from labor slow-downs

From this starting point, all identified stakeholders used what they had learned in the discovery process to define and sequence activities, estimate activity resources and durations, develop a schedule.

Despite a tragic, 鈥渕ajor catastrophe鈥� in the form of a fire during an early ground test that took the lives of three astronauts, the team was able to overcome the schedule delay and meet the 鈥渆nd of decade鈥� goal with five months to spare.

An extremely complex project that was nearly a decade in the making, the Apollo Project underscored the need for cooperation, adequate budget allocation towards scientific and technological innovation and of course, efficient project management!

If you鈥檇 like to read more in depth information about the engineering lessons learned from Apollo and subsequent programs, Mr. Bowman recommended the NASA Systems Engineering Handbook (SP-2016-6105), Rev 2 and in Expanded Guidance on Systems Engineering (Volumes 1 & 2), which have both recently been updated and are available free of charge online.

visit our Alumni Events Page to see what webinars we have coming up.听 A recording of this webinar is available for our by logging in.

 

Excelsior College Commencement Celebrations Held on Thursday, July 11 and Friday, July 12 in Albany, NY

Posted on by Alicia Jacobs

Albany, NY 鈥� Excelsior College, a not-for-profit, accredited online institution, welcomes graduates from throughout the United States for its annual Commencement Celebrations this week. Our annual Awards Convocation will be held Thursday, July 11 at 5:30 p.m. at the Albany Capital Center. The 48th Annual Commencement ceremony includes traditional pomp and circumstance and will take place Friday, July 12 at 3 p.m. at the Empire State Plaza Convention Hall in Albany.

2019 is significant for both graduates and the College. This year, Excelsior has the second largest graduating class since 2010, with 6,001 students earning degrees. This year鈥檚 graduates include 1,148 from New York and 142 from the Capital Region. We are also expecting our largest registered attendance with 540 graduates traveling to the Commencement ceremony, each bringing their own stories of achievement.

The graduate speaker is Anthony Cinquini from Glendale, Arizona. He is a two-time graduate of Excelsior College. He completed a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in 2004 and earned a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies in 2019. Cinquini, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army, will speak to his leadership philosophy, honed in the military and through his studies at Excelsior.

If you would like to attend Convocation and/or the Commencement ceremony and set up interviews, email ajacobs@excelsior.edu or call (518) 410-4624.

Additional Information: Excelsior College Awards Convocation

During the Awards Convocation on Thursday, July 11, Excelsior honors graduates for their accomplishments and alumni who have made substantial personal, professional, and community contributions. President鈥檚 Medals will also be awarded. Four faculty members will also receive Distinguished Faculty Awards.

The Awards Convocation showcases graduates鈥� stories of work/life balance, overcoming obstacles, and lifelong learning. Several award recipients will speak, including:

  • Ebony Thomas, of Fayetteville, North Carolina. Thomas completed a Bachelor of Science in National Security in August 2018, summa cum laude, with a 3.95 GPA. She is a language professional with Acclaim Technical Services based in Reston, Virginia. She served in the U.S. Air Force from 2011 to 2016 as a cryptologic language analyst where she provided support for the NSA. During her time in the Air Force, Thomas expanded a military outpatient referral program to provide care for hundreds of servicemembers while reducing more than $1 million of costs to the U.S. Department of the Army. She is also the recipient of three service medals, two achievement medals, and more than 15 other accolades during her time in active-duty military service.
  • Steven Marciano, of Palm Harbor, Florida. Marciano completed a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences in December 2018, summa cum laude, with a 3.93 GPA. He is a policies and procedures coordinator with a large health care system based in Florida where he collaboratively contributes to the growth of the public health approach to the delivery of care to the community. Marciano is a first-generation college student who has found his calling to advocate and serve marginal, vulnerable populations. Marciano attended the Transgender Health Conference in Boston in fall 2018 and continues to provide information and resources to better serve the transgendered population in his area.
  • Susan D. Mueller, of Ithaca, New York. Mueller completed a Master of Science in Nursing Education in June 2018, magna cum laude, with a 4.0 GPA. She is a RN diabetes educator at IthacaMed and a clinical instructor at Tompkins Cortland Community College. She also volunteers in a variety of community health-related positions. For Mueller鈥檚 capstone project鈥攖he culminating project in the master鈥檚 program鈥攕he, along with several others, founded a food pharmacy at the Ithaca Free Clinic to provide supplemental nutrition for patients who struggle with both food insecurity and chronic cardiometabolic disorders like obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.

Additional Information: Excelsior College 48th Annual Commencement

The 48th Annual Commencement on Friday, July 12 will have more than 500 graduates crossing the stage. The Class of 2019, with 6,001 members, includes graduates from all 50 states plus the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico. Our international graduates also represent 17 other nations: Australia, Canada, Ecuador, England, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Gibraltar, Israel, Lebanon, Maldives, Netherlands, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, and United Kingdom. Of this year鈥檚 graduates, 35 percent are members of the U.S. military; 959 are U.S. military veterans.

Our oldest graduate is a 78-year-old James Arthur Moynihan, from Kennesaw, Georgia, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Business. Excelsior provides educational opportunity to all learners. The average age of graduates in the Class of 2019 is 36 years old.

###

Media Contact: Alicia Jacobs听 听 (518) 464-8531

ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE

Excelsior College (excelsior.edu) is a regionally 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. Learn more at excelsior.edu.