La’Kendrick Dennis, Bachelor of Science in Business, 2022; Master of Business Administration, 2026

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

La’Kendrick Dennis of Hampton, Virginia, shares, “I earned my Bachelor of Science in Business in 2022, an accomplishment that represented much more to me than simply earning a degree. I began my college journey in 2010, and 12 years later, I reached a goal that required perseverance, determination, and an unwillingness to give up. My professional journey has been just as meaningful. I spent 12 years working in government accounting and financial management. Throughout my government career, I gained experience in accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, grants, procurement, compliance, internal controls, and public-sector financial operations. Those years provided the foundation for the accounting and financial professional I am today.

After 12 years in government accounting, my journey took me in a different direction. I entered education and have spent the past five years as a teacher. Although education allowed me to continue serving the public in a different capacity, my background and experience in accounting, finance, business, and leadership have remained an important part of who I am professionally. My commitment to education did not end when I earned my bachelor’s degree. Since 2022, I have completed three master’s degrees: a Master of Accounting, a Master of Professional Studies, and a Master of Business Administration. I am currently pursuing my fourth master’s degree, a Master of Public Administration, along with a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Leadership at Excelsior University.

At the same time, I am studying for the Certified Public Accountant examination and preparing for the next chapter of my professional career in accounting and financial leadership. For me, this next chapter is not about starting over. It is about bringing everything together. I am bringing 12 years of government accounting experience, five years in education, three completed master’s degrees, continued graduate study in public administration and leadership, and years of public service into the next phase of my life and career. Each experience has contributed something valuable to the person and professional I have become. My journey has taught me that success does not always happen according to the timeline we originally created for ourselves. When I began college in 2010, I could not have predicted everything that would happen before I finally earned my bachelor’s degree in 2022. There were obstacles, changes in direction, setbacks, and moments when the destination seemed far away.

But I kept going. One of the greatest influences on that perseverance was my late nana, Diane. She spent 39 years as an educator and was the first person in her community to graduate from college. Through her example, I learned the importance of education, faith, service, hard work, and perseverance. My Nana always said, “Your best days are ahead of you.” Those words have followed me throughout my journey, and they continue to mean more to me with every chapter of my life.

Nearly four years after earning my undergraduate degree, I continue to build upon the determination that helped me reach that milestone. My educational accomplishments are important to me, but my story is about more than the number of degrees I have earned. It is about the perseverance required to keep moving forward when life does not happen exactly as planned. I believe excellence is attainable through diligence, commitment, faith, and a clear sense of purpose. I also believe that our journeys do not have to look like anyone else’s to be meaningful. You can change directions. You can rebuild. You can return to something you started years earlier. You can discover new purposes along the way. Most importantly, you can continue reaching higher.

As an Excelsior alumnus and current graduate student, the words “onward and upward” have taken on an even greater meaning for me. Onward means that I refuse to allow where I have been to determine how far I can go. Upward means that no matter what I accomplish, I will continue challenging myself to grow. My journey is not finished. I am currently pursuing my fourth master’s degree and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Leadership. I am studying for the CPA examination. I am preparing to return fully to accounting and financial leadership. And I am looking forward to discovering just how far this journey can take me.

Every journey begins with a single step. Mine began years ago, and through every accomplishment, setback, change, and new beginning, I have continued to move forward.

I am still going onward.

I am still going upward.

And I still believe what my nana always told me:

My best days are ahead of me.”

 

Ronald Mendell, Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies, 1978

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

Ronald Mendell of Austin, Texas, earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts from Excelsior University in 1978. Mendell also received a Master of Science in Network Security from Capitol Technical University in 2005. With 10 years of graduate teaching under his belt at Western Governors University (WGU), he continues instructing information security courses. Recently, he helped develop a course titled Governance, Risk, and Compliance in the Age of AI at WGU. Mendell is the author of How To Do Financial Asset Investigations, fifth edition. His latest Kindle e-book is Keeping the Leopard at Bay: Digital Safety in the Age of AI. He holds a CISSP designation from ISC2 and is a member of the Authors Guild. Mendell lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife, Rebecah, and his dog, Bella.

 

The Future of Mechanical Engineering Technology

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

From the steam engines in the Industrial Revolution to today’s robots, engineers have continuously found new ways to make machines work better and do more. Now, it’s about building smarter machines. Artificial intelligence, robotics, the Internet of Things, additive manufacturing, and digital twins are changing how engineers design, test, build, and improve mechanical systems. As mechanical engineering technology continues to evolve, engineers will continue to bring together traditional engineering expertise and emerging technologies.

5 Mechanical Engineering Technologies Shaping the Future

Mechanical engineering technology is changing at a rapid pace, bringing new tools and possibilities to the engineering process. Check out these five trends that are reshaping the field.

Robotics Engineering and Automation

Mechanical engineers are working more closely with electrical and software engineers to develop more connected systems. AI and machine learning are making robots more intelligent and adaptable, allowing them to recognize their surroundings, make decisions, and adjust to changing conditions. Collaborative robots, or cobots, work alongside people, handling repetitive, strenuous, or hazardous tasks while improving productivity and workplace safety. Additionally, mobile and humanoid robot systems are being developed for warehouses, health care, industrial inspection, and disaster response.

Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing)

Additive manufacturing (AM), or 3D printing, is moving beyond prototyping and becoming a more common option for design. Engineers can create complex, lightweight, and customized components faster while reducing material waste. Advances in metal printing, sustainable materials, and hybrid manufacturing—which combines 3D printing with CNC machining—are expanding its use in industries like aerospace, automotive, and health care. AM is also changing how products move from design to production. Digital inventories allow companies to store designs in the cloud and produce parts on demand, closer to where they’re needed.

Advanced Materials and Smart Materials

New materials are giving mechanical engineers more ways to create products that are lighter, stronger, more durable, and more efficient. Advanced carbon fiber composites, smart materials, and self-healing materials are expanding possibilities in areas from aerospace and the automotive industry to health care and renewable energy. Nanotechnology is taking this even further. Nanomaterials such as graphene and carbon nanotubes can improve strength, efficiency, energy storage, and durability while supporting more efficient designs.

Sustainable and Renewable Energy Technologies

Sustainability is becoming a large part of mechanical engineering technology as industries look for ways to reduce waste, conserve resources, and use energy more efficiently. Engineers are designing everything from energy-efficient HVAC systems to regenerative braking while considering a product’s environmental impact. They are also working on energy storage, electric vehicles, carbon capture, and smart grids.

Renewable energy is another growing area, with mechanical engineers striving to improve wind, solar, hydroelectric, geothermal, and hydrogen power. For example, hydrogen can be produced through thermochemical, electrochemical, biological, and photocatalytic processes and can be transported as compressed gas, as a liquid, or through chemical carriers. Hydrogen can be used in electricity generation, transportation, industrial processes, and energy storage. For example, fuel cells convert hydrogen into electricity, while hydrogen combustion provides heat and power.

Digital Twins and Predictive Design

Digital twin technology creates virtual replicas of physical components, systems, and processes, giving mechanical engineers a powerful way to design, test, and optimize products throughout their life cycle. Engineers can use digital twins to simulate designs, test different scenarios, identify problems early, and make improvements before anything is physically built. For mechanical engineers, digital twins are becoming an important tool for improving reliability, efficiency, and product quality.

Your Future in Mechanical Engineering Technology at Excelsior

The future of mechanical engineering technology is being shaped by engineers who are willing to think differently, embrace new technologies, and turn ideas into solutions. If you’re ready to be one of them, Excelsior University’s Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology program can help you build the skills to turn innovation into action. You’ll develop hands-on knowledge in areas such as computer-aided design, robotics, automation, materials, manufacturing, engineering analysis, and emerging technologies like AI and digital twins.

And you won’t have to navigate your degree alone. Excelsior offers dedicated academic support and resources to help you stay on track, along with Career Readiness resources that can help you explore employment opportunities and strengthen your professional skills.

Mechanical engineering technology is constantly evolving—and so are the opportunities to make an impact. With the right skills, curiosity, and a willingness to innovate, you can help design what comes next. Start building your future as a mechanical engineering technologist with Excelsior University.

Excelsior University and Vance-Granville Community College partner to expand access to advanced degree programs

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

ALBANY, N.Y. – Excelsior University and Vance-Granville Community College are proud to announce a new partnership expanding access to educational opportunities. This collaboration creates a seamless and affordable pathway for Vance-Granville graduates to continue their education and advance their careers through Excelsior’s robust portfolio of online degree programs.

Excelsior University welcomes Vance-Granville certificate and associate degree earners to build on their academic achievements. Through this partnership, eligible students will benefit from:

  • 10% tuition discount on undergraduate and graduate tuition.
  • Tuition deferral option, allowing eligible students whose employers offer to repay some or all of their tuition.
  • Access to more than 40 Excelsior degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and now doctoral levels through the new Doctor of Business Administration program, as well as professional development courses and skills training through Excelsior’s Center for Executive and Professional Education.
  • Personalized support from an enrollment specialist to answer questions and guide students through the enrollment process.
  • Dedicated partnership webpage with program details, transfer information, and enrollment guidance.

These educational partnership benefits are also available for eligible Vance-Granville Community College employees, as well as their spouses or domestic partners and children.

“As the needs of students and employers continue to evolve, it is increasingly important for institutions to create clear and affordable pathways for lifelong learning,” said Excelsior University President David Schejbal. “Through this partnership with Vance-Granville Community College, learners can move seamlessly between institutions, with new possibilities for personal and professional growth at every stage of the educational journey.”

“Our partnership with Excelsior University provides Vance-Granville Community College graduates with many options for continuing their education. The flexibility Excelsior offers allows students to pursue degree programs in ways that work for them, which is really important for people managing a variety of life responsibilities,” said Kim Sepich, vice president, instruction and student services at Vance-Granville Community College. “We couldn’t be more pleased to make this opportunity available to our students.”

Excelsior University’s online programs are designed to meet working adult students where they are, academically and geographically. Excelsior provides online degrees in six fields of study that directly align with Vance-Granville Community College’s educational offerings, including programs in Business, Liberal Arts, Health Sciences, Nursing, Public Service, and Technology. Excelsior’s rolling admissions calendar offers additional flexibility for students to register for classes on a schedule that fits their lives.

For more information on the partnership, visit excelsior.edu/partner/vance-granville-community-college.

Media contact Excelsior University:
Jason Bonafide, jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446

About Excelsior University

Excelsior University 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 — academically and geographically — 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. Excelsior University’s 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.

MBA Skills Checklist: Critical Thinking

Posted on by Santarvis Brown, EdD, JD

Why Critical Thinking Is an Important MBA Skill

Not every business problem arrives as a tidy case study. A leader may have a crowded dashboard, conflicting advice, an impatient client, and only a few hours to decide what happens next. In moments like these, knowledge matters, but judgment matters just as much.

That is why critical thinking ranks among the most valuable MBA skills. Indeed, the U.S. Department of Labor lists critical thinking and problem-solving among the competencies employers identify as key to success in the 21st-century workplace. Professionals who can question assumptions, weigh evidence, and apply human judgment are better prepared to lead through uncertainty, especially as AI reshapes work.

What Is Critical Thinking in Business, and Why Does It Matter?

Critical thinking in business is the disciplined process of defining a problem, evaluating available information, considering competing explanations, and choosing a course of action supported by evidence. It is not endless skepticism or the habit of disagreeing with everyone in the room.

Research describes critical thinking as identifying and analyzing problems, interpreting information, synthesizing evidence, considering consequences, and communicating conclusions. In practice, it helps a manager recognize when a sales decline is really a retention issue or when a staffing problem is actually a workload problem. Better thinking supports better business decision-making.

How Critical Thinking Improves Other Business Skills

Critical thinking strengthens other MBA skills by helping professionals move beyond surface-level information and connect decisions to larger organizational goals.

Strategic Planning

Strategic planning requires more than setting ambitious targets. Leaders must read the environment, distinguish a passing disruption from a lasting change, and decide where limited resources will have the greatest effect. Critical thinkers test the assumptions beneath a plan and consider what could change the outcome. The result is a strategy that is more realistic and adaptable.

Data Analysis

Numbers can clarify a situation, but they can also create false confidence. A strong analyst asks where the data came from, what may be missing, and whether the measure actually answers the question. Critical thinking helps leaders avoid confusing correlation with causation or treating a polished dashboard as proof. Data becomes useful when it is examined in context.

Problem-Solving

The first explanation for a problem is often the most convenient, not the most accurate. A critical thinker separates symptoms from causes, compares possible solutions, and considers unintended consequences. This approach reduces repeated fixes and makes business decision-making more deliberate. It also helps teams learn from setbacks.

Communication

Clear communication begins before anyone speaks or writes. Leaders must decide which facts matter, what the audience needs to understand, and where uncertainty remains. Critical thinkers can explain not only what they recommend but why. Because they have considered alternative views, they are better prepared to answer questions without becoming defensive or vague.

Practical Ways MBA Students Can Strengthen Critical Thinking

Critical thinking improves through repeated use, reflection, and feedback. MBA students can build the habit in class discussions, case analyses, workplace projects, and everyday professional conversations.

Challenge Assumptions

Before approving a recommendation, write down what must be true for it to succeed. Then, examine each assumption. Is it supported by current evidence, or does it come from habit, preference, or an earlier situation that no longer applies? This step can expose risk before time and money are committed.

Ask Better Questions

Broad questions—Will this work?—often produce shallow answers. Instead, ask, “Under what conditions would this work, and what could cause it to fail?” Replace “Which option is best?” with “Best for which customer, budget, and time horizon?” Better questions sharpen analysis and improve business decision-making.

Seek Diverse Perspectives

Fast agreement can feel productive, but it can also hide blind spots. Invite input from people in different functions, at different levels of authority, or who will experience the consequences of the decision. Ask one person to challenge the favored option. A wider range of perspectives often reveals overlooked risks and opportunities.

Data-Driven Decision-Making

Use evidence to guide judgment without expecting data to make the decision for you. Compare sources, check how current the information is, and identify what cannot yet be known. After acting, compare the result with the original expectation. That feedback loop turns experience into learning.

Hone Your Critical Thinking at Excelsior

A Master of Business Administration program gives students a structured environment in which to practice difficult decisions, defend recommendations, and learn from feedback. Those experiences can strengthen critical thinking while developing other MBA skills in strategy, leadership, communication, analytics, and problem-solving.

Excelsior University’s 30-credit MBA program is 100% online and designed with the flexibility working adults need. Courses begin every eight weeks, and the program combines asynchronous study with required live components that support collaboration and professional presentations. Students may choose from 13 in-demand concentrations or select General Business and pursue an area of focus personalized to their career goals.

Eligible graduate coursework may be considered for transfer, with up to 15 graduate credits accepted toward the MBA, subject to grade, age, evaluation, and program requirements. The School of Business is listed by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education as a member with accredited programs, and Excelsior identifies its MBA program as accredited by the IACBE.

Students can also draw on instructors, academic advisors, career counselors, peers, and other student success resources throughout their studies, including Career Readiness, which can help you apply your skills and advance your career after graduation. Explore other MBA skills and learn more about why an MBA is worth it in a workplace increasingly shaped by AI.

Critical thinking in business is the ability to pause without becoming passive, question without becoming cynical, and act without pretending every uncertainty has disappeared. It is a practical discipline—and one that can change the quality of a leader’s decisions.

How Nuclear Degree Programs Prepare Students for Careers in Nuclear Energy

Posted on by Anveeksh Koneru

A nuclear engineering technology program prepares students for a wide range of careers in nuclear energy by combining technical knowledge with operational training and industry best practices. Students gain an understanding of how nuclear facilities generate power, maintain safe operations, and meet strict regulatory requirements.
Beyond classroom theory, many programs emphasize real-world applications through laboratory exercises, simulations, and problem-solving activities. This combination helps students develop the skills employers value while building a foundation for long-term success in the field.

What You Learn in a Nuclear Engineering Technology Program

In addition to building technical expertise, students develop skills that employers across the nuclear industry value, including problem-solving, decision-making, communication, and attention to detail. Through coursework, laboratories, and simulation-based learning, a nuclear engineering technology program helps prepare graduates to contribute to the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of nuclear facilities throughout their careers.

Technical Competence

Technical competence is the foundation of nearly all careers in nuclear energy. Nuclear engineering technology programs help students develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to support the operation, maintenance, and oversight of nuclear systems and facilities.
Students typically study subjects such as reactor systems, radiation protection, electrical systems, thermodynamics, instrumentation and controls, and nuclear regulations. These topics help them understand not only how systems work individually but also how they interact within a complex operating environment.

Many nuclear degree programs also incorporate simulations and simulator-based learning. These tools allow students to practice responding to realistic operating conditions in a controlled environment. By working through scenarios that mirror what professionals encounter in the field, students can strengthen their decision-making, troubleshooting, and analytical skills before entering the workforce.
This blend of theory and hands-on learning helps graduates prepare for careers in nuclear energy that demand technical precision, sound judgment, and continuous learning.

Safety Culture

Safety culture is the collective commitment of an organization and its employees to prioritize safety in every decision, action, and process. In the nuclear industry, safety culture goes beyond following rules. It involves personal accountability, open communication, continuous improvement, and a shared responsibility to identify and address potential risks before they become problems.

Because nuclear facilities operate within one of the most highly regulated industries in the world, employers place significant value on professionals who understand the principles of a strong safety culture. Nuclear engineering technology programs introduce students to industry expectations, regulatory requirements, and the importance of maintaining safety-focused attitudes throughout their careers.

Students learn how human performance, procedures, teamwork, and leadership contribute to safe operations. They also gain an appreciation for how a strong safety culture supports public confidence, environmental stewardship, and operational success.

Whether pursuing technical, supervisory, or management positions, professionals who embrace safety culture are better prepared to succeed in careers in nuclear energy and contribute to the long-term reliability of nuclear facilities.

Reliability and Operational Excellence

Reliability and operational excellence are essential principles across the nuclear industry. Facilities are expected to operate safely, efficiently, and consistently while meeting demanding performance standards. As a result, employers seek professionals who understand how disciplined operations contribute to organizational success.

A nuclear engineering technology program helps students develop habits and skills that support reliable performance. Coursework often emphasizes attention to detail, problem-solving, procedural compliance, quality assurance, and systems thinking. These competencies help graduates understand how their work affects broader operational outcomes.

Students also learn the importance of continuous improvement. By analyzing performance data, identifying opportunities for improvement, and following established processes, nuclear professionals help facilities maintain high levels of efficiency and reliability.
These capabilities can position graduates for stable and rewarding careers in nuclear energy. Organizations value employees who contribute to operational excellence because their work supports safety objectives, regulatory compliance, and long-term organizational performance.

Prepare for Your Career in Nuclear Energy with Excelsior

If you’re interested in a career in nuclear energy, Excelsior University’s Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology program can help you build the technical knowledge, safety mindset, and operational expertise employers value. As the only fully online ABET-accredited BS in Nuclear Engineering Technology program in the United States, the program offers flexibility for working adults while incorporating industry-relevant learning experiences, including simulator-based training. With dedicated student support and resources like Excelsior’s Career Readiness services, you can prepare to start or advance your career in nuclear energy with confidence.

Will You Join Me? 4 Reasons Why I Go to bbcon

Posted on by Sara Niemiec

Sara Niemiec, Excelsior University advancement operations specialist, contributed a blog post to Blackbaud’s ENGAGE blog titled “Will You Join Me? 4 Reasons I Go to bbcon.” The article discusses professional and personal development opportunities available at bbcon, the annual conference for experts in Blackbaud fundraising software.

Read the blog post here.

Excelsior University signs its first partnership serving international students

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

Virtual University of Côte d’Ivoire President Tiémoman Kone (left) shakes hands with Excelsior University President David Schejbal (right) to commemorate a new partnership serving international students.

ALBANY, N.Y. – Excelsior University welcomed representatives from the Virtual University of Côte d’Ivoire (UVCI) to its Albany headquarters to sign a historic global partnership agreement. The two institutions formally established their international collaboration with a signing ceremony.  

Excelsior’s first partnership serving international students, the collaboration with UVCI reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to higher education and creating new opportunities for students across borders. Graduates of UVCI’s database license program— the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree— will have access to a seamless pathway to earn an MBA at Excelsior.  

Based in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire’s largest city, UVCI was established in 2015 to expand access to quality postsecondary education while addressing capacity constraints at traditional universities in the West African country. Like Excelsior University, UVCI’s mission is based on providing accessible education through digital innovation.  

“Our commitment is to use digital technology to train young people capable of innovating and launching ventures directly in the field, without being held back by physical or geographical barriers,” said UVCI President Tiémoman Kone. “By partnering with Excelsior University, an institution with a long history of online education innovation, we can create even more opportunities for learners through advanced degrees grounded in practical, workforce-ready knowledge.” 

“From West Africa to the American Northeast, UVCI and Excelsior share a mission that unites us across oceans and borders,” said Excelsior University President David Schejbal. “This partnership will establish new educational pathways for UVCI learners, supporting their pursuit of personal and professional goals anywhere in the world.” 

For more information on this partnership, visit: excelsior.edu/partner/universite-virtuelle-de-cote-divorie-virtual-university-of-the-ivory-coast/  

 # # # 

Media Contact Excelsior University:
Jason Bonafide, jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446
  

ABOUT EXCELSIOR UNIVERSITY 
Excelsior University 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 — academically and geographically — 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. Excelsior University’s 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.

How AI and Digital Twins Are Changing Mechanical Engineering

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

What if you could test a machine before it existed, predict when a part might break, or use AI to quickly create new designs? That’s the future of mechanical engineering—and it’s already taking shape. Artificial intelligence and digital twins are giving engineers innovative new ways to design, simulate, and improve machines using real-time data and virtual models. These technologies are expanding what’s possible, opening the door to smarter designs, more efficient systems, and innovative solutions to today’s complex challenges.

Living Through Industry 4.0

Industry 4.0, or the Fourth Industrial Revolution, was the term first introduced in 2011 to define the rapidly emerging industrial technology in the world. Industry 4.0 is transforming manufacturing through technologies like AI, cloud computing, 3D printing, Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, and digital twins. By combining real-time data with smart machines or automated systems, manufacturers can create more efficient, flexible, and responsive items.

What Are Digital Twins, and How Do They Work?

A digital twin is a detailed virtual representation of a physical product, machine, process, or entire facility. It uses real-time data and simulations to show how the physical counterpart acts. Unlike an ordinary model, a digital twin changes throughout the item’s life cycle. This allows engineers to design, test, troubleshoot, and fix systems in a virtual environment before building or making physical changes. By utilizing Industry 4.0 technology, including extended reality, digital twins can help manufacturers improve product quality, streamline production, help with maintenance, reduce waste, train employees, and make smarter decisions.

How AI and Digital Twins Work Together

Artificial intelligence and digital twins rely on data, so combining the two technologies creates powerful opportunities for mechanical engineers. AI can analyze the large amounts of data generated by a digital twin to identify patterns, make predictions, and improve performance. For example, AI-enhanced digital twins can predict when an aircraft engine may require maintenance. By learning from historical data and analyzing new information, digital twins can make accurate predictions, helping engineers design more efficient systems and make smarter decisions.

The Benefits of Combining AI with Digital Twins

AI-powered digital twins are beneficial to mechanical engineers and manufacturers in a variety of ways, including:

  • Predictive maintenance: AI detects potential equipment failures early, reducing downtime.
  • Smart data processing: AI analyzes large volumes of data to uncover useful insights.
  • Faster design: AI allows engineers to test more design possibilities in less time.
  • Energy optimization: AI improves efficiency, output, and energy use throughout the design, production, and maintenance processes.
  • Smart recommendations: AI provides guidance to help engineers troubleshoot problems and make faster, better decisions.
  • Smart solutions: AI not only identifies problems but also recommends solutions and next steps.
  • Safe virtual testing: Engineers can test system changes virtually before implementing them in the real world.

Skills You Should Develop to Work with Digital Twins

Working with AI and digital twins requires technical, engineering, and interpersonal skills. Mechanical engineers need to understand data analytics, IoT, programming languages like Python, simulation and modeling tools, and cloud computing. It’s also helpful to have strong engineering and industry knowledge. In addition, problem-solving and communication skills help engineers and engineering techs troubleshoot issues, interpret complex data, and explain issues to others.

Start Your Career in Mechanical Engineering Technology at Excelsior

As AI, digital twins, and other emerging technologies continue to reshape mechanical engineering, professionals with a strong foundation in engineering and technology will be most successful in this field. Excelsior University’s Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology program teaches you the technical knowledge and hands-on skills needed to adapt to emerging technologies. Excelsior also provides academic support and resources to help you stay on track, and Career Readiness can help you explore career paths, strengthen your resume and interview skills, and put your degree to work.

Whether you’re looking to advance in your current role or transition into a new career in engineering technology

Finding His Way: Patrick Corbett’s Unexpected Journey

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

When Patrick Corbett first enrolled in college in 2017, he couldn’t have imagined that one day he would be a graduate with a 4.0 GPA, let alone an engineer, a college instructor, and a father.

“I failed so many times,” Corbett says. “And if you told me at 20 years old that I was going to be in the position that I am now, then I don’t think I would have believed myself.”

Corbett, who graduated from Excelsior University with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology in 2025, works as an electronic warfare engineer for SRC Inc., a defense contractor focused on technologies that help protect military service members. Corbett also teaches industrial electricity at Onondaga Community College, in Syracuse, New York, and is pursuing a Master of Business Administration at Excelsior.

He still finds his success humbling.

A Loss That Changed Everything

Corbett’s career path began with his family.

His father owned a construction company and was the first person to encourage him to think beyond working with his hands. “Basically, the first thing he said to me, he said, ‘Patrick, I don’t want you working for me,’” Corbett recalls. Instead, his father suggested that he look into studying electrical technology at Onondaga Community College because he could succeed financially and professionally in such a diverse field. Corbett started the program in 2017, but just two months later, his father died unexpectedly of a heart attack.

The loss was devastating for Corbett, and he dropped out of college.

He found himself trying to process grief while figuring out what direction his life would take. So, for a time, he stepped away from school. He was unsure what his future would hold and didn’t know what to do next. Ultimately, he settled on a direction.

“I realized [my father] probably wouldn’t want me to drop out,” Corbett says.

The Right Fit at Excelsior

Corbett had difficulty finding a higher education institution where he felt like he belonged. He eventually returned to Onondaga Community College and finished his associate degree in electrical technology in 2021. At the same time, he landed a position as an electronics RF technician at SRC. He then enrolled in an online electrical engineering program at Arizona State University, but the experience didn’t feel like the right fit.

Then, he remembered that professors at Onondaga Community College—an education partner of Excelsior University­—spoke highly of Excelsior, so he decided to make the switch.

For Corbett, the biggest draw was balance. He was working full time, teaching, and building a family life with his fiancée and young daughter. At Excelsior, he found an online format that gave him clarity and structure from the start. He appreciated being able to look ahead, understand course expectations, and build school around the realities of his daily life. Just as important, he found professors who were accessible and invested.

“The work-life balance … is the whole reason why I chose Excelsior,” he says, adding, “I really was able to thrive [because] the professors really pay attention to you.”

That support helped him succeed.

Work with Real-World Impact

 Corbett graduated from Excelsior University in August 2025 with a 4.0 GPA, and soon after, he was promoted to his current position as an electronic warfare engineer.

At SRC, he contributes to the development and analysis of advanced electronic systems that support U.S. defense missions. His role involves working with complex signal data and creating models that help improve awareness and protection for military personnel.

It’s meaningful work for Corbett. “I think the most rewarding part about it is just knowing you’re saving a life,” he says. “Just being able to do anything that you can to make sure that they make it home safe to their families is the most important aspect of the job.”

As a father, Corbett approaches his work with gravity. He often thinks about service members with families waiting for them to return home. The responsibility, he says, keeps him focused.

Student to Teacher 

While building his engineering career, an unexpected opportunity opened for Corbett. An adjunct position in Corbett’s field became available at Onondaga Community College, so he quickly applied. Former professors at his alma mater remembered the student he had been and the potential they had seen in him. So, when they saw he had applied, they were excited at the prospect of having him return as a faculty member.

They offered Corbett the chance to teach industrial electricity and develop a course from the ground up.

He is now in his fourth semester teaching at Onondaga Community College and says his favorite part of being in the classroom is the moment when something finally clicks in a student’s head.

He knows the feeling well because he has lived it himself.

“I love seeing when they just don’t understand something, and then that second it finally clicks,” he says. “Then I get to tell them, ‘See, I told you you’d be able to do it.’” He hopes he can help them stay on their paths and meet their goals.

Learning from Failure

Corbett knows firsthand how easy it is to feel like the finish line is too far away. He also knows what it feels like to miss family events, lose free time, and wonder whether the sacrifices are worth it. But he believes there is value in staying focused on the bigger picture.

“You’re allowed to be selfish for something that’s going to better your future. And I think that’s a big aspect that a lot of students need to see,” Corbett says. “I tell my students that, as well. I say, ‘You’re allowed to be selfish because this is for you, and overall, you’re the only one that’s going to be able to live your life. So, this is the way to make it better.’”

Corbett says that, looking back, one lesson stands above the rest: What feels like failure in the moment often turns into something much bigger.

“I’ve realized that your greatest failures are actually your biggest successes,” he says.

That realization has defined much of his journey.

Where He Wants to Be

The young man who dropped out of college more than once is now an engineer, a teacher, a graduate student, a father, and a soon-to-be husband. And he’s a professional who is trusted with work that helps protect lives.

Corbett is also someone who understands that success doesn’t always look the way you imagined it.

These days, when he isn’t working, studying, or teaching, Corbett spends time with his fiancée, daughter, and family, or out on the golf course, whenever he can.

Life is busy now, but in the best way.

“It’s nice. It’s steady,” he says. “It’s where I want to be.”

Excelsior University and PITC Institute partner to expand access to nursing programs

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

ALBANY, N.Y. – Excelsior University and PITC Institute are proud to announce a new partnership designed to expand access to educational opportunities. This collaboration creates a seamless and affordable pathway for PITC Institute Practical Nurse Associate in Specialized Technology degree graduates to continue their education and advance their careers through Excelsior’s portfolio of online degree programs, including further studies in nursing and health sciences.

Through this partnership, eligible students will benefit from:

  • 10% tuition discount on undergraduate and graduate tuition.
  • Tuition deferral option, allowing eligible students whose employers offer to repay some or all of their tuition.
  • Personalized support from an enrollment specialist to answer questions and guide students through the enrollment process.
  • Dedicated partnership webpage with program details, transfer information, and enrollment guidance.

These educational partnership benefits are also available for eligible PITC Institute employees, as well as their spouses or domestic partners and children.

“Excelsior’s partnership with PITC Institute helps learners continue their healthcare education with greater flexibility and more opportunities for academic and professional growth,” said Excelsior University President David Schejbal. “Through collaborations like this, higher education institutions can support lifelong learning while meeting the needs of an evolving workforce.”

“At PITC Institute, we are committed to creating opportunities for our graduates to continue building on the education and skills they have worked so hard to achieve,” said Shahid Ahmed, president of PITC Institute. “Our partnership with Excelsior University provides PITC graduates with an accessible pathway to advance their education, expand their professional opportunities, and continue growing within the nursing and healthcare professions.”

Excelsior University’s online and hybrid online/in-person programs are designed to meet working adult students where they are, academically and geographically. Excelsior’s rolling admissions calendar offers additional flexibility for students to register for classes on a schedule that fits their lives.

For more information on the partnership, visit excelsior.edu/partner/pitc-institute.

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Media contact Excelsior University:
Jason Bonafide, jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446

Partnership contact:
Jane Kelley, Business Development Manager, jkelley@excelsior.edu, 518-332-5758

About Excelsior University

Excelsior University 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 — academically and geographically — 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. Excelsior University’s 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.