Alumni Award Honorees

This award recognizes outstanding academic, professional, personal, and community contributions that are representative of our graduates. It is presented to a graduate whose achievements may serve as a role model to inspire other graduates and students.
 
Kenya Beard, BS ’01

Kenya Beard is the inaugural dean and chief nursing officer at Mercy University’s School of Nursing and a former chair of the New York State Board of Nursing.

A fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and co-founder of the Academy of Diversity Leaders in Nursing, Beard has led national efforts to dismantle systemic inequities in nursing education and practice. She developed one of the first national nursing faculty residency programs and consulted with health care organizations to improve equity and access.

A 2012 Macy Faculty Scholar, she founded the Center for Multicultural Education and Health Disparities and continues to influence policy through her service on advisory boards and editorial panels. She has partnered with the Harvard Macy Institute and co-edited “Future of Nursing 2020–2030: Global Applications to Advance Health Equity.” She has contributed to multiple publications, including print and radio. She works to integrate artificial intelligence in nursing education to advance health equity and prepare for innovative, patient-centered care.

Beard earned a Doctorate in Education from Dowling College, a Master of Science in Adult Nurse Practitioner from Stony Brook University, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Excelsior University (then College), and an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing from Phillips Beth Israel School of Nursing. She also has a Certificate in Educators in the Health Professions from the Harvard Macy Institute.

The Alumni Service Award recognizes outstanding service by a graduate to the community in which they live and work, while also supporting the mission and goals of Excelsior University. This award honors efforts in advocacy, connection, or outreach that serve as a role model to others. Candidates for this award are nominated by the Alumni Leadership Council, Excelsior staff, Excelsior Board of Trustees, or the alumni community at large.
 
Benjamin Bryant, BS ’06

Benjamin Bryant is an Emmy-nominated broadcaster, writer, and filmmaker. In a public service career spanning nearly three decades, he held senior roles on high-profile task forces and commissions for the Department of Defense, Congress, and the president of the United States. Bryant was a 2024 recipient of the Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service, the Department’s third highest civilian award.

Bryant’s graduation from Excelsior University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies was the culmination of a 12-year nontraditional undergraduate journey. He went on to earn a Master of Science in Organizational Development and Leadership and a Master of Arts in Applied Administration from the University of the Incarnate Word in 2015.

Now the managing partner and president of Virginia-based communications company Bryant Zamberlan Group, Bryant began his career in 1996, working in on-air and management roles at a Texas radio station group. He later served as a print journalist and editor before transitioning into speechwriting and strategic communications for high-level corporate, military, and federal entities, across areas as diverse as technology, health care, and veterans’ affairs. Over a public service career spanning nearly three decades, Bryant held increasingly senior roles on high-level state and federal government task forces and commissions, including leading writing and support teams for the Fort Hood Shooting Task Force and serving as executive director for pandemic influenza preparation efforts.

Named after Excelsior’s first president, this award is presented in recognition of outstanding public service and community involvement by a graduate.
 
Ashley Adams , AS ’11, BS ’17

Ashley Adams is a devoted wife, mother of 11, accomplished philanthropist, dynamic speaker, U.S. Navy Sailor, and visionary community leader. She serves as a chief logistics specialist aboard the Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) John F. Kennedy.

Adams is the co-founder of Lend A Secondhand, Inc., a nonprofit organization that has distributed over $1 million worth of clothing and essentials to families in need. She also founded Auntied: A Women’s Mentorship League, which connects experienced women with those seeking guidance, support, and personal growth.

Her passion for service has earned her honors from various organizations, including the Big Sister of the Year Award, the Equity in Unity Award, and the 2025 Exceptional Woman Award. In the Navy, her excellence has been recognized with honors such as Senior Sailor of the Year (FY22) and the Congressional ‘Serve with Courage’ Commander Award (FY22).

Adams began her Navy journey in 2006, enlisting shortly after graduating from high school. She has since earned her Associate of Science in Liberal Arts from Excelsior University (formerly Excelsior College) in 2011, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in 2017. She is pursuing an MBA with a concentration in leadership, also from Excelsior.

Anchored by the truth of Romans 8:28 and the philosophy that “no one can whistle a symphony,” she leads with purpose and continues to uplift others through purposeful action and compassionate service.

Presented to an outstanding nursing graduate in recognition of the accomplishments and vision of Dr. Carrie Lenburg, coordinator of the Regents College Nursing Program from 1973 to 1990. It commemorates her commitment to helping nurses attain their educational and professional goals. This award is presented to a nurse who demonstrates a commitment to nursing education as well as academic and professional accomplishments in the field of nursing.
 
Deidra Thompson, AS ’10, BS ’11

Deidra Thompson is a dual-certified family and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with more than a decade of experience in clinical care, education, and health equity advocacy. She is the founder and CEO of Graceful Wellness PLLC, providing integrated mental health and primary care services across several states. She also serves as director of health equity and education for the J.R. Young Health Equity Institute and is president of its governing board. A dedicated educator, she also teaches graduate nursing students at Walden University.

An advocate for underserved communities, Thompson serves on multiple professional boards, including for the Diverse Coat Society, and was appointed international chamber ambassador for Business Empowered International Chamber of Commerce. Her accolades include the 2023 Best of Mississippi Nurse of the Year and the 2025 AANP State Award for Outstanding Contributions. Her published research and public speaking continue to shape national conversations on health care access, equity, and HPV vaccination.

A Mississippi native, Thompson earned a degree in biology from Millsaps College and an Associate in Science in Nursing and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Excelsior University (then College) before completing advanced practice training at Alcorn State University and the University of Southern Mississippi. She earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Walden University in 2018.

The Ever Upward Award honors alumni who have achieved extraordinary success in their careers or shown exceptional promise early on. It recognizes individuals whose accomplishments, leadership, and service have brought distinction to their alma mater and made a national impact.
 
Dorothy Jean Tillman II, BS ’18

Dorothy Jean Tillman II is an internationally renowned child prodigy, STEAM leader, and public speaker. She is the founder and CEO of the DorothyJeanius STEAM Leadership Institute, which operates STEAM labs in Chicago, Illinois, and Cape Town, South Africa, and hosts immersive education programs for youth.

Tillman’s impact extends globally; she was honored in Ghana with the title Ankobea Ama Akuffo and serves as an advisor on youth STEAM initiatives. Her awards include Black Girls Rock’s Who Rocks Next, Black Enterprise 40 Under 40, and the Phenomenal Woman Award at the Black Women’s Expo. She has been featured on “Good Morning America” and in The New York Times and Essence, among other media. Through education, arts, and innovation, Tillman leads by her motto: Leading by Examples of Excellence.

Tillman earned a Doctorate in Behavioral Health from Arizona State University (ASU) in 2023 at age 17. Named an outstanding graduate student, she spoke at ASU’s College of Health Solutions Convocation in May 2024. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts from Excelsior University (then College) in 2018.