Excelsior University to Provide Free Tuition for Eligible New York State Students 

Publicado el por Jason Bonafide

ALBANY, N.Y. – Excelsior University is offering free tuition to eligible students in its home state of New York. After applying federal and state grants, Excelsior will cover the full balance of undergraduate tuition costs and course-related fees for qualifying learners starting in the Fall 2026 trimester. Interested students can check their eligibility and learn more on Excelsior’s New York Free website.  

To qualify, students must be full-time residents of New York state with an adjusted gross income of $60,000 or less; file taxes as dependents, or as independents with at least one dependent; and be eligible for both Federal Pell Grant and New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) funding. Excelsior will apply Pell grant and TAP funds first, and institutional funding may cover any additional eligible balance. Excelsior’s Admissions Office will guide prospective students through the process.  

“Excelsior University serves students globally, but New York is our home. The University’s name reflects those roots: Excelsior is the New York state motto, a Latin expression meaning ‘ever upward.’ Access to higher education is central to the progress of our state’s communities and workforce, but financial barriers often stand in the way. By removing those barriers for eligible New York learners, we can help our neighbors move ever upward in their lives and careers as they contribute to New York’s future,” said Excelsior University President David Schejbal.  

While Excelsior’s online and hybrid online/in-person learning programs serve students in all 50 states and around the world, New Yorkers represent the University’s largest student population. Approximately 2,500 New York residents are currently enrolled at Excelsior, including about 300 from the Capital Region. In keeping with Excelsior’s mission to serve students often left behind by the higher education system, about 750 New York state learners are first-generation college students, and nearly 10% are active military service members or veterans. Excelsior educates more practice-ready nurses than any other school in the state, with more than 1,600 current New York students preparing to help address the state’s nursing shortage. 

The free tuition program is available for qualifying students pursuing any of Excelsior’s undergraduate degree programs beginning in the Fall 2026 trimester, starting agosto 31. Excelsior offers online degree programs in business, health sciences, liberal arts, nursing, public service, and technology, aligned with New York’s workforce and community needs. Learn more at excelsior.edu.  

Media contact Excelsior University:
Jason Bonafide, jbonafide@excelsior.edu

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. 

Why Partnerships Are Becoming Essential to Higher Education’s Future

Publicado el por David Schejbal

Excelsior President David Schejbal was interviewed by Presidents Forum about how collaborations between institutions, employers, and other organizations can help create a more seamless student experience. President Schejbal discusses Excelsior’s “constellation” model—a network of partnerships designed around student success rather than institutional boundaries.

Vea el podcast aquí.

The Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation Makes Historic Gift to Excelsior University Nursing Programs

Publicado el por Jason Bonafide

ALBANY, N.Y. — Excelsior University and the Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation, Inc. signed an agreement securing a $300,000 gift supporting Excelsior nursing students. The donation will establish the Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation, Inc. Scholarship at Excelsior University, an endowment to provide Excelsior nursing scholarships in perpetuity.

Made as the Foundation concludes its operations, the $300,000 gift is the capstone in a long history of Excelsior nursing scholarship support beginning in 1989. Established in recognition of the legacy of Julia O. Wells, a 1918 graduate of the Memorial Hospital Training School for Nurses in Albany, the Foundation’s previous gifts to Excelsior total $260,000. To date, this support has helped approximately 300 individual students pursue academic and professional goals in healthcare. 

“Excelsior University is grateful for the Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation’s decades of generous support for nursing students,” said Robin Goodrich, Excelsior University College of Nursing and Health Sciences Purnell executive dean. “The Foundation’s final donation will carry on Julia O. Wells’ legacy for many decades to come, through generations of nurses who will use the opportunity this scholarship creates to complete their education and serve communities around the world.”   

“The Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation, Inc. is officially dissolving, but our mission of educating nursing is simply changing form to last forever. Our commitment to ‘growing nurses’ will now live on in perpetuity,” said Kathleen Bagley Santarcengelo, president of the Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors. “Signing this gift agreement with Excelsior University is both an ending and a profound new beginning. We are handing Excelsior the torch and know that they will keep it lit.”

Candice Johnson, an Excelsior University Class of 2026 graduate who earned a Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Administration of Healthcare Systems, is one of many students who have received scholarship funding through the Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation. Johnson said, “As a nursing student at Excelsior University, this scholarship not only helped ease the financial burden of my education but also inspired me to continue striving for excellence in my academic and professional pursuits. The Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation’s belief in my potential reinforces my commitment to serving others and making a meaningful impact in the field of healthcare.” 

This $300,000 donation represents a landmark gift in the Excelsior’s recently announced Empower with Purpose campaign, the largest capital campaign in the institution’s history. The University has now raised $4.4 million toward its $5 million campaign goal.  

# # #

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

Acerca de la Universidad Excelsior 

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 es una universidad sin ánimo de lucro con un campus principal en Albany, Nueva York, y un centro educativo en San Petersburgo, Florida. Los programas académicos de la Universidad Excelsior están registrados en el Departamento de Educación del Estado de Nueva York, con licencias adicionales para los programas con sede en Florida.   

Autorizada por la Comisión de Educación Independiente del Departamento de Educación de Florida (n.º de licencia 12928). Para obtener más información sobre esta institución, comuníquese con la Comisión en 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, número gratuito: (888)-224-6684. 

DBA vs. PhD: What’s the Difference?

Publicado el por Jenna Kerwin

Have you ever looked at the letters that come after someone’s name and wondered what differentiates a DBA from a PhD? Well, you’re likely not alone. At first glance, both degrees represent the highest level of achievement, and both require you to conduct extensive research. Not to mention, both can open doors to meaningful leadership opportunities. But what’s the difference? If you’re considering a doctoral degree but aren’t sure which to pursue, understanding the difference between a DBA and PhD can help you determine the path that aligns best with your goals.

What Is a DBA?

Geared toward accomplished managers and executives, a Doctor of Business Administration is a business-oriented doctorate program that provides the skills necessary to solve real-world problems. A DBA can be beneficial to business professionals who have not finished growing in their fields. It requires leaders to research, analyze data and evidence, identify patterns, challenge the status quo, and communicate ideas in ways that result in better decision-making.

What Is a PhD in Business?

A Doctor of Philosophy in Business is a research-based degree designed for individuals looking to obtain careers in academia or research-based industries. It focuses mainly on research and theory, and since its core focus areas are finance, accounting, marketing, etc., it trains students to research new management and business theories. Individuals may choose to pursue a PhD in Business Administration, a PhD in Business Management, a PhD in Business, or another business-oriented doctoral program.

What Is the Difference Between a PhD and a DBA?

The main difference between a DBA and a PhD in Business is that a Doctor of Business Administration is a professional degree, whereas a Doctor of Philosophy is an academic degree. The DBA is focused on using practical applications and solving real-world problems; the PhD is primarily aimed at expanding academic knowledge and contributing to scholarly discussions. Let’s dive a bit deeper into what makes them different and which one is more suited to your goals.

dba-vs-phd-infographic

DBA vs. PhD: Focus and Curriculum

A Doctor of Business Administration is what’s considered an experiential degree, which means that much of your studies will be applying your research to your professional work. You can choose to concentrate in areas like health care, finance, cybersecurity, marketing, leadership strategy, and more. Most DBA programs also include in-person residences where you can work with your peers, get feedback on your research, and meet with faculty. These programs end with a dissertation project that includes using your research methods to solve practical business problems. You should be prepared to defend these projects before expert panels, and your work may even be published.

Alternatively, a PhD program includes seminars, independent research, and oftentimes teaching or being a research assistant. This is important to help students learn how academic knowledge is produced, taught, and ultimately published. During a PhD program, you may take several exams before moving into your dissertation phase. Students in a PhD program are expected to make a theoretical contribution to their field, which means challenging or refining given scholarly knowledge.

DBA vs. PhD: Career Goals

Depending on your career goals, a DBA and a PhD can lead you in different directions. Many DBA graduates go on to advance within industries such as business, health care, finance, technology, government, and nonprofit leadership, where they use their knowledge to lead organizational change, evaluate strategy, and solve complex business challenges. DBA career paths often lead to executive-level positions, including CEO, CFO, or COO, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting the median annual salary of chief executives at $206,420. DBA alumni may become management consultants who advise organizations on strategy, become executive educators or scholar-practitioners, or teach business concepts in academic settings where industry experience is valued.

A PhD is an appropriate choice for someone whose career goals lie within the academic community. These graduates are prepared to pursue careers focused on research, teaching, scholarship, and the creation and sharing of knowledge. You can usually find PhD graduates in jobs at universities, business schools, think tanks, research institutions, and other places that require analytical expertise. Some may produce research that helps inform policy, industry, or strategic decision-making, and they may consistently research and publish their scholarly work. Others may pursue becoming department chairs of institutions. Doctoral degree holders can see usual median weekly earnings of $2,278, according to the BLS.

DBA vs. PhD: Format and Time Commitment

DBA programs tend to be more flexible, as they are designed for experienced professionals who want to advance their careers while continuing to work full time. A lot of these programs can be completed on a part-time basis in three to five years. Although a DBA emphasizes the practical application of existing theories rather than creating new ones, the program still requires significant research skills, strong writing abilities, and a defense of your dissertation.
PhD programs are generally more academically intensive and time-consuming, often requiring four to seven years of study and a full-time commitment. Most programs begin with approximately two years of coursework in research methodology, statistics, and theory development, followed by several years dedicated to original research and dissertation work. Many PhD programs also require residency and full-time attendance at the college or university. Earning a PhD is a demanding but rewarding path for those pursuing careers in academia and research.

Which Business Doctorate Is Right for Your Goals?

Choosing between a Doctor of Business Administration and a Doctor of Philosophy in Business ultimately comes down to your career goals. If you want to come up with new theories, conduct scholarly research, and pursue a full-time career in academia as a researcher or tenure-track professor, a PhD is likely the better fit for you. However, if your goal is to advance into executive leadership, solve real-world business challenges, and influence organizational strategy, a DBA is probably the better choice.

It should be noted that you can also teach with a DBA. Many DBA graduates serve as adjunct professors, executive educators, and faculty members at colleges and universities. For professionals who want to continue leading in business while also sharing their knowledge in the classroom, a DBA offers a powerful combination of academic rigor and career flexibility.

Excelsior University’s DBA Program

Excelsior University’s Doctor of Business Administration program is designed for experienced professionals, including executives, industry specialists, and military leaders who want to elevate their leadership and expertise without taking time away from their careers. The 60-credit program combines eight-week online courses with two immersive in-person residencies in Albany, New York, and/or St. Petersburg, Florida, and offers the flexibility to complete the degree in as little as two years. You can choose from two concentrations from seven in-demand areas and select either of two dissertation options: a considered solution for an organization, using design science principles, or a three-paper research model.

Designed specifically for working professionals, the program offers multiple start dates, flexible pacing options, and a transparent pathway to completion that respects both students’ ambitions and their busy lives. If you’re ready to change your industry, talk to an admissions counselor today about enrolling in Excelsior’s Doctor of Business Administration program.

Lake Forest Center for Leadership Joining Forces with Excelsior University

Publicado el por David Schejbal

David Schejbal, president of Excelsior University, was interviewed by journalist Myrna Petlicki of the Chicago Tribune for an article on the Lake Forest Center for Leadership joining Excelsior University. President Schejbal speaks on Excelsior’s history, the institution’s focus on strategic organizational partnerships, and the new academic pathways available to students through the Center for Leadership’s integration into Excelsior.

Lea el artículo aquí.

The Computer Science Skills You Need for a Successful Career

Publicado el por Personal de Excelsior

Ask someone what skills a computer science student needs, and the answer is often simple: Learn to code.

Coding is certainly important. Computer science students should graduate with strong technical skills and the ability to develop software solutions. But if we look at what makes someone successful over the course of a career, the answer is much broader.

Computer technology continues to reshape nearly every aspect of our lives. The professionals designing those systems need more than technical knowledge. They need to solve complex problems, communicate ideas, work with diverse teams, adapt to constant change, and understand the impact their decisions have on people and society.

The challenge for today’s computer science students is not simply learning the technologies of today. It’s developing the habits of mind and professional skills that will allow them to continue learning, adapting, and leading throughout their careers.

Here are 10 computer science skills that any student should be working to develop while earning their computer science degree.

10 essential computer science skills rendered as icons

  1. Problem-Solving and Computational Thinking

Computer technologies change constantly. That’s why the ability to think critically and solve problems remains one of the most valuable skills a computer science professional can possess.

What This CS Skill Includes

  • Breaking complex problems into manageable parts
  • Identifying patterns and relationships
  • Designing efficient solutions
  • Thinking logically and systematically

Why It Matters

Computer science is fundamentally about solving problems. Whether developing software, analyzing data, or building AI systems, employers value professionals who can think critically and develop effective solutions to complex challenges.

  1. Programming and Software Development

Programming remains one of the foundational skills of computer science. But just as important as understanding the syntax of a programming language is a strong grasp of the software development process.

What This CS Skill Includes

  • Writing clean, maintainable, and reliable code
  • Debugging and testing applications
  • Understanding how software is designed, developed, and maintained
  • Working with modern development tools

Why It Matters

Programming transforms ideas into reality. Strong development skills enable professionals to build applications, automate tasks, and create technologies that solve meaningful problems and drive innovation across industries.

Build a successful career in tech with a BS in Computer Science from Excelsior University.

  1. Data Literacy and Analysis

Data has become one of the most valuable resources in modern organizations. Computer science professionals increasingly work with large amounts of information and must be able to not only gather and understand data but also turn it into actionable insights.

What This CS Skill Includes

  • Collecting, organizing, and interpreting data
  • Working with databases and data systems
  • Understanding statistical concepts
  • Visualizing data
  • Making data-informed decisions

Why It Matters

Organizations increasingly rely on data to guide decisions, making this skill valuable regardless of career specialization. The ability to ask good questions, evaluate information critically, and make informed decisions is becoming increasingly important in a data-rich world.

  1. Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technology Literacy

Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of everyday computer technology development. Students entering the workforce should understand the fundamentals of AI as well as other emerging technologies; however, this does not mean every graduate must become an AI specialist. Rather, they should understand how these technologies work, recognize their strengths and limitations, and evaluate their appropriate use.

What This CS Skill Includes

  • Understanding AI fundamentals, machine learning, automation, and other emerging technologies
  • Using AI-assisted development tools effectively
  • Evaluating new technologies critically
  • Adapting to technological change

Why It Matters

Learning today’s tools is an important part of earning a computer science degree, but that won’t be sufficient over the span of your career. You must also develop the ability to adapt as new technologies emerge. The professionals who thrive over time are often those who remain curious, open to change, and willing to learn.

  1. Ethical Reasoning and Responsible Technology Design

Computer science professionals increasingly find themselves making decisions that affect privacy, access, fairness, and even opportunity. The challenge is not simply determining what technology can do; it’s determining what we should do once it can—and ensuring that the people affected by those decisions have a voice in shaping them.

What This CS Skill Includes

  • Evaluating the societal impact of technology
  • Recognizing bias and unintended consequences
  • Designing systems that are fair, secure, and accessible
  • Balancing innovation with responsibility

Why It Matters

Technology shapes how people communicate, work, learn, and interact with the world. As a result, computer science professionals must consider the ethical and societal implications of their decisions and strive to create solutions that are trustworthy, inclusive, and beneficial to society.

  1. Cybersecurity Awareness

Cybersecurity is no longer a specialized concern reserved for security professionals. Every technology professional— regardless of whether their focus is software development, data analytics, artificial intelligence, or information technology–needs a foundational understanding of how to protect systems, applications, and data.

What This CS Skill Includes

  • Understanding security principles
  • Protecting data and systems
  • Identifying vulnerabilities and risks
  • Applying secure development practices

Why It Matters

Cybersecurity affects every organization. Understanding how to protect information and build secure systems helps prevent breaches, safeguard privacy, and maintain trust in digital technologies.

  1. Habilidades de comunicación

One of the most underrated skills in computer science is the ability to communicate effectively. Technology professionals frequently work with clients, managers, executives, and stakeholders who may not have technical backgrounds.

What This CS Skill Includes

  • Explaining technical concepts to diverse audiences
  • Writing clear documentation
  • Presenting ideas and recommendations
  • Bridging technical and nontechnical perspectives

Why It Matters

The best technical solution has limited value if others can’t understand its purpose, importance, or impact. Effective communication helps professionals collaborate with colleagues, influence decision-makers, and translate technical knowledge into meaningful outcomes. The ability to explain complex concepts clearly can often be the difference between a successful project and a failed one.

  1. Collaboration and Teamwork

The stereotype of the lone programmer working in isolation rarely reflects reality. Modern technology projects typically involve teams of developers, designers, analysts, project managers, cybersecurity professionals, and business stakeholders.

What This CS Skill Includes

  • Working effectively in multidisciplinary teams
  • Participating in agile and collaborative workflows
  • Giving and receiving constructive feedback
  • Contributing to shared goals

Why It Matters

The ability to collaborate effectively is an often-underrated workplace skill. It is often what allows good ideas to become successful solutions.

  1. Adaptability and Continuous Learning

Programming languages evolve, new frameworks emerge, and entirely new fields can develop within just a few years. Developing adaptability requires cultivating curiosity and becoming comfortable learning independently. A commitment to lifelong learning helps ensure resilience in a field where change is constant.

What This CS Skill Includes

  • Learning new tools, languages, and frameworks
  • Responding to industry changes
  • Developing self-directed learning habits
  • Embracing lifelong professional growth

Why It Matters

The computer technology landscape changes constantly. Professionals who remain curious and committed to learning are better positioned to seize new opportunities and navigate future career shifts. Perhaps more importantly, continuous learning encourages students to view education as something that extends beyond graduation—an ongoing part of their professional and personal development.

  1. Systems Thinking

One skill that often gets overlooked is systems thinking. Technology rarely operates in isolation. Software interacts with hardware, networks, organizations, policies, and people. Systems thinking encourages students to move beyond asking, “Does this work?” and begin asking, “How does this fit into the larger system, and who might be affected by it?”

What This CS Skill Includes

  • Understanding how technologies interact within larger systems
  • Recognizing connections between technical and human factors
  • Evaluating trade-offs and dependencies
  • Anticipating broader impacts of decisions

Why It Matters

Systems thinking helps professionals understand how software, hardware, data, people, and processes work together, leading to more effective and sustainable solutions.

Looking Beyond Technical Computer Science Skills

Computer science is often associated with technology, but at its heart it is about solving human problems.

Programming, software development, data analysis, and cybersecurity remain essential technical foundations. Yet the professionals who make the greatest impact are often those who combine technical expertise with communication, collaboration, ethical judgment, and a commitment to continuous learning.

The technologies students will work with a decade from now may not even exist today. The specific programming languages, tools, and platforms will change. What will remain valuable is the ability to learn, think critically, solve problems, work with others, and make thoughtful decisions about how technology should be used.

Beyond teaching technical skills, preparing students for the future is about helping them develop the judgment, adaptability, and sense of responsibility needed to thrive in a world where computer technology increasingly shapes how we live, work, and interact with one another.

Start Your Career with a Computer Science Degree from Excelsior University

A computer science education should indeed prepare students for their first jobs. But also the one that follows. And the one after that—preparing them for a lifetime of learning, growth, leadership, and meaningful contribution in a technological world. That is the guiding principle of Excelsior University’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program.

Excelsior’s flexible online format is designed for working adults balancing work, family, or other life commitments. Our student-centered approach includes robust support resources as well as Career Readiness to help graduates enter or reenter the workforce with intention. And with a choice of concentrations like Artificial Intelligence, Networking and Cloud Computing, Software Development, and Data Science, you can tailor the program to fit your career goals.

At Excelsior, you will build these 10 critical computer science skills while earning your computer science degree, but more than that, you’ll receive a well-rounded education that serves you over a lifetime.

Lake Forest Center for Leadership Joins Excelsior University 

Publicado el por Jason Bonafide

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Excelsior University and the Lake Forest Center for Leadership today announced an agreement that brings the Center for Leadership’s nationally respected leadership development programs into Excelsior’s academic degree pathways. The move is part of a broader agreement with the recently closed Lake Forest Graduate School of Management to create new opportunities for learners while ensuring continuity for leadership development programs, students, alumni, and employer partners. The addition of the Center for Leadership represents an early, defining step in Excelsior’s Constellation℠ strategy, a student-centric ecosystem of institutions, employers, and learning providers designed to expand access and remove barriers to opportunity for working adults. 

The Lake Forest Center for Leadership will continue to operate at Excelsior, preserving the practitioner-led faculty model and curriculum, including its Pathway Programs, skill-building courses, and comprehensive leadership development offerings, that have defined the organization for more than 35 years. As part of Excelsior, Center for Leadership programs will give participants and client organizations a fuller continuum of learning, from leadership development through degree and certificate pathways. 

The Lake Forest Center for Leadership moves to Excelsior University following the junio 30 closure of the Lake Forest Graduate School of Management. Excelsior also served as the preferred teach-out partner for students in the Lake Forest Graduate School of Management MBA program, offering a soft landing for learners to complete their studies at Excelsior’s School of Business and continued access to professional development opportunities through the Lake Forest Center for Leadership.  

“Excelsior and the Lake Forest Center for Leadership share a common goal: to provide education and training that is designed for practical application and delivered by those with real-world experience,” said David Schejbal, president of Excelsior University. “By welcoming Lake Forest MBA students to Excelsior and bringing the Center for Leadership into the University, we are continuing its legacy. Together, we expand access to professional and executive leadership development for individuals and organizations.” 

“Leadership requires the courage to look ahead and make decisions that position an organization for what comes next. While we close this chapter of our MBA program with deep respect for our community, the Lake Forest Center for Leadership has joined Excelsior University to focus on practical, timely leadership development and continue serving individuals and organizations with the relevance and impact they need today,” said Carrie Buchwald, former president of Lake Forest Graduate School of Management.  

For Excelsior, the addition of the Center for Leadership expands its portfolio with live, in-person, and hybrid program delivery to complement its established national online model and strengthens its presence in the Chicago-Milwaukee metropolitan area. For the Center for Leadership, joining Excelsior provides a sustainable foundation for future growth and broad reach through the University’s national platform.  

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

Acerca de la Universidad Excelsior 

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 es una universidad sin ánimo de lucro con un campus principal en Albany, Nueva York, y un centro educativo en San Petersburgo, Florida. Los programas académicos de la Universidad Excelsior están registrados en el Departamento de Educación del Estado de Nueva York, con licencias adicionales para los programas con sede en Florida.   

Autorizada por la Comisión de Educación Independiente del Departamento de Educación de Florida (n.º de licencia 12928). Para obtener más información sobre esta institución, comuníquese con la Comisión en 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, número gratuito: (888)-224-6684. 

About the Lake Forest Center for Leadership 

The Lake Forest Center for Leadership provides practitioner-led leadership and professional development programs to executives and organizations across the Chicago metropolitan region. Built around a faculty model of experienced C-suite practitioners, the Center for Leadership offers Pathway Programs, skill-building courses, and comprehensive leadership development offerings designed for immediate, practical application. 

Pub101 for Authors: Reflections on Our Inaugural Series

Publicado el por Melissa Chim

Melissa Chim, Excelsior University’s scholarly communications librarian, co-presented at the Open Educational Network (OEN) Engage Conference on julio 22, 2026. The presentation, titled “Pub101 for Authors: Reflections on Our Inaugural Series,” provides an overview of Pub101, a series of learning sessions designed to serve as an orientation to open textbook publishing.

View slides from the presentation here. 

 

Ghost Student Busters: Mitigating Fraudulent Application Risk

Publicado el por Sarah Egerton

Fraudulent “ghost students” are increasingly exploiting admissions and financial aid processes and creating financial, operational, and reputational risk for higher education institutions. As application volumes rise and access expands, institutions need effective ways to detect and prevent this evolving threat without creating barriers for legitimate students. Lizz Petroski, executive director of student financial services, and Sarah Egerton, director of risk management and internal audit, presented with the University Risk Management and Insurance Association (URMIA) to examine the risk landscape of ghost student activity and share how cross-functional mitigation strategies can strengthen controls and reduce application fraud risk in higher education.

View slides from the presentation here.

 

Excelsior University Launches the Largest Capital Campaign in Its History

Publicado el por Jason Bonafide

View video from the Empower with Purpose campaign launch dinner here. 

ALBANY, N.Y. – Excelsior University has launched the public phase of the largest capital fundraising campaign in its 55-year history. The Empower with Purpose campaign has already raised more than 80% of its $5 million goal, with $4.1 million secured.

The public phase of the campaign launched with a dinner at the Renaissance Albany Hotel’s Dewitt Ballroom on julio 8, bringing together alumni, donors, faculty, staff, and community partners from around the country ahead of Excelsior’s Commencement ceremony. Funds raised through the campaign will support Excelsior’s promise to meet students where they are, especially those historically underrepresented in higher education.

“The Empower with Purpose campaign is a continued commitment to Excelsior University’s mission to expand access, create opportunities, and transform lives through education,” said Excelsior University President David Schejbal. “Strengthening the support systems that help learners begin, persist, and complete their academic journeys contributes directly to student success. Together, we can empower future generations to achieve their goals through higher education.”

Empower with Purpose campaign highlights to date include a $1 million legacy gift from renowned nursing educator and Excelsior emeritus professor Larry Purnell, the largest individual donation in the institution’s history; a transformational estate gift to support the College of Nursing and Health Sciences from Mary Beth Hanner; the establishment of 15 new endowed scholarships; immediate use funds from Arrow Financial Corporation, Broadview Federal Credit Union, CDPHP, High Blue Shield of Northeastern New York, J.O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation, KeyBank, the Massry Family, M&T Bank, United Healthcare, Upstate Commercial Property Management, and more; and strong support from trustees and the Excelsior staff, faculty, and alumni community. These gifts are already providing support for new student scholarships, career readiness programs, military and veteran services, nursing workforce development including clinical partnerships, and engineering and technology program enhancements.

Learn more at www.excelsior.edu/empowerwithpurpose. 

SOBRE LA UNIVERSIDAD EXCELSIOR

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.

Autorizada por la Comisión de Educación Independiente del Departamento de Educación de Florida (n.º de licencia 12928). Para obtener información adicional sobre esta institución, póngase en contacto con la Comisión en la dirección 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, o llame al número gratuito: (888)-224-6684.

Sarah Stone, Licenciada en Tecnología de Ingeniería Nuclear, 2024

Publicado el por Jason Bonafide

Sarah Stone of St. James, Missouri, earned a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology in 2024. She shares, “Upon completion of my degree, I accepted a position as the Missouri University of Science and Technology health physicist in the Environmental Health & Safety department.

Within two years of working in academia, I have become an active member within the Health Physics Society and volunteer in two groups: Public Information Committee and Women in Radiation Protection. I am also an atomic ambassador for Generation Atomic, where nuclear advocacy is a big focus. One of my advocacy avenues involves public postings on LinkedIn and Facebook. I have the nickname Your Friendly Neighborhood Health Physicist and am gaining followers each week.

I am still in the ‘early career’ phase, but I have many goals that I am chasing after, including certifications! Senior HP is a goal among many!”

Marc Sacco, Associate of Science in Nursing, 2008

Publicado el por Jason Bonafide

Marc Sacco of Reading, Vermont, earned an Associate of Science in Nursing in 2008. Sacco is a nursing graduate, clinical nurse hypnotist, and recently published his latest book, A Man & A Machine: How a Human and an AI Built Two Films and Learned to Trust Each Other. After a 2023 bicycle accident left him with a traumatic brain injury disrupting the cognitive and language abilities that had defined both his nursing career and his earlier book, Verbal Medicine: The Language of Healing, Marc returned to creative writing through an unexpected six-week collaboration with Anthropic’s AI system, Claude. The result: two complete, WGA-registered feature screenplays, Gray Ops and The Corner of Fast and Easy, both of which are now competing nationally, as well as a book documenting the entire process. A Man & A Machine is available now on Amazon.