Corey Gause of Winchester, Virginia, earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in 2003. He shares, “Excelsior University was a vital part of my military journey. While serving in the Air Force, I attended several schools, but Excelsior’s flexible program and excellent counseling truly supported my degree completion. My Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts provided a strong foundation for further education, which ultimately helped me earn my commission and achieve the rank of Colonel.”
Anthony Casas, Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts, 1991
Anthony Casas of McKinleyville, California, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts in 1991. His story was recently featured in a podcast available on Spotify and Apple. The episode, “From Drive-By Shooting, Private Investigation Firm, to Learning the Most Valuable Lesson About Time with CPO Anthony Casas,” is part of the podcast series Enterprise Alchemy. Listen now: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2AHbDkSlBqLfnqfVbnqWxw?si=hNk8AKSdRPmNoiIxhanpvA&nd=1&dlsi=9724decb
Jesse Sigurdsen, Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts, 2025
Jesse Sigurdsen of Lino Lakes, Minnesota, earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in 2025. He shares, “The decision to return to school after my 23 years of military service was a significant one, and I’m incredibly grateful to have found that Excelsior University truly understands how to support veterans. From the start, they made the process of converting my military experience into academic credits seamless, which was a huge relief. Beyond the administrative support, the education itself was truly transformative. The curriculum and instructors played a pivotal role in honing my writing skills and strengthening my communication abilities, which I now feel confident using in any professional setting. My favorite part of the experience was undoubtedly my Capstone project. As a group, we were able to collaborate and share ideas on how to help people in need around the world, creating a project that was not only academically challenging but deeply meaningful. It was during these collaborations that I also had the chance to connect with my classmates by sharing my passion for natural and regenerative farming and the importance of healthy eating. The supportive and collaborative environment made it easy to share my perspective and learn from the perspective of others. This University is more than just a place to get a degree; it’s a community that helps you grow both professionally and personally.”
Zoann Murphy, Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts, 1996
Zoann Murphy of Everett, Washington, earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in 1996. Murphy recently received her PhD in Psychology from National University on July 1, 2025.
George Shadman, Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts, 1988
George Shadman of Barboursville, Virginia, earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in 1988. He shares, “While living in New York, Excelsior University allowed me to get my degree through night school while working. My bachelor’s degree was a tremendous help through my career in local government which gave my family a very nice standard of living. Thank you, Excelsior University.”
Eduardo Rivas, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, 2017
Eduardo Rivas of Boylston, Massachusetts, earned a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology in 2017. He shares, “Earning my degree at Excelsior University was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I had the honor of serving as the student graduation speaker at the 2018 Commencement ceremony. Today, I am a full-time professor of accounting, teaching courses in both mathematics and information technology. In addition to teaching, I serve as the coordinator of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program sponsored by the IRS in my community. In 2024, I was proud to receive the NISOD Excellence Award in recognition of my teaching practices and the many initiatives I’ve led to support student learning and community engagement. Excelsior’s flexible and forward-thinking approach enabled me to complete my degree using previously earned college credits, opening doors to teach multiple online courses and inspire others to continue their education.”
Excelsior University ranked among Military Times 2025 Best for Vets: Colleges
Arlington, Va. – Military Times has included Excelsior University in its 2025 Best for Vets: Colleges rankings, the most trusted, comprehensive list of U.S. colleges and universities committed to supporting military service members, veterans and their families.
This year’s list includes 357 institutions, marking the largest field in the program’s history and a substantial increase from 304 in 2024. The growth underscores the expanding network of colleges prioritizing veteran success through targeted programs, financial support and student-veteran communities.
“For 15 years, Best for Vets has helped transitioning service members find schools that not only welcome veterans but actively invest in their success,” said Jon Simkins, Executive Editor of Military Times and Sightline Media Group. “The record-breaking participation this year shows that higher education leaders are listening and working to create environments where veterans can thrive academically and personally.”
Military Times collects data from an extensive survey from colleges across the country. Institutions are evaluated on academic quality, student support services, affordability, and outcomes for veterans, including graduation and retention rates.
Key trends from the 2025 survey include:
- Increased participation among public universities and community colleges, signaling broader institutional engagement.
- A surge in online and hybrid program options, which continue to support active-duty and Guard/Reserve students.
- Growth in dedicated veteran resource centers, peer mentorship networks and mental health services tailored to post-service transition.
The full 2025 ranking, along with an interactive database of schools, can be found at bestforvets.militarytimes.com/colleges.
For more information about Excelsior University’s student veteran programs, visit Excelsior University’s website at www.excelsior.edu/military-and-veterans.
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Media contact Excelsior University:
Jason Bonafide, jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446
About Military Times
The Military Times digital platforms and magazines are the trusted source for independent news and information for service members and their families. The military community relies on Air Force Times, Army Times, Marine Corps Times, and Navy Times for reporting on everything that matters in their lives, including pay, benefits, finance, education, health care, recreational resources, retirement, promotions, product reviews, and entertainment. Military Times is published by Sightline Media Group. To learn more, visit militarytimes.com.
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.
Empowering Future Nurse Leaders: Sigma’s Accelerated Membership Pathway
Since July 2024, Excelsior University has celebrated the achievements of more than 300 nursing students who have academically qualified for the Zeta Chi Chapter of Alpha Delta Nu, the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing’s student honor society. During that time, Excelsior students have benefited from the partnership between OADN and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma), a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to cultivating nurse leadership. Sigma and OADN developed an accelerated membership pathway for Alpha Delta Nu nursing graduates participating in baccalaureate or graduate nursing programs, which has been a transformative opportunity that has aligned perfectly with the mission of many international nursing programs. This initiative reflects a robust recognition of academic excellence and professional development within the nursing community as students progress toward eventual membership into Excelsior University’s Tau Kappa at-Large Sigma chapter or others.
Recognition of Academic Excellence and Professional Development
This collaboration between Sigma and OADN opens new doors for our nursing graduates to join a prestigious global network of nurse leaders. It empowers them to engage with Sigma, an organization that promotes leadership, scholarship, and advancement in nursing. By streamlining the eligibility process, Sigma has acknowledged and celebrated the accomplishments of Alpha Delta Nu members, reinforcing the value of nursing pathways.
Empowering Nursing Students to Assume Leadership Roles and Become Lifelong Learners
This is not only an honor society membership but also an entry into leadership for our students. It will expose them to resources, guidance, and a network of professionals striving to make a difference in nursing and patient care. Excelsior students will be challenged to endeavor for academic achievement in the future, maintain the principles of professionalism, and actively pursue professional development at all times, which is crucial in nursing.
Strengthening the Value of Nursing Pathways
Sigma’s accelerated membership pathway for Alpha Delta Nu graduates shows how all nurses are essential in health care, regardless of entry point. This initiative promotes inclusion by acknowledging the importance of all nursing programs, as Sigma acknowledges students’ academic achievement. It also sends the message that nursing excellence is not defined by the type of degree one has but by the desire and potential to lead, thus allowing the graduates of our associate nursing program to continue with their professional development and leadership through Sigma.
Impact on Students’ Professional Identity and Global Health Care Contribution
The accelerated Sigma membership pathway for the Alpha Delta Nu graduates is an excellent chance for our students to enhance and cement their professional selves. Thus, they become members of the prestigious international network, which provides them with opportunities for leadership, research, and collaboration, developing their careers and enabling them to impact global health care positively. This incentivizes them to work hard to realize their potential and positions them to improve the standard of nursing globally.
Excelsior University launches Florida site for immersive new learning opportunities
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Excelsior University, a pioneer in online education, will open the first standalone on-ground learning site in its five-decade history this fall in St. Petersburg, Florida. Excelsior University St. Petersburg opens its doors to students beginning Oct. 20. Excelsior University St. Petersburg – located on 4th Street N – will enhance the institution’s comprehensive online education with immersive in-person learning opportunities. Excelsior is currently enrolling students in hybrid Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, Master of Science in Cybersecurity, and Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology degree programs for the Spring I Term, with classes beginning Jan. 5, 2026. The new St. Petersburg site offers hands-on learning and lab space for students in these vital fields, a brick-and-mortar complement to the institution’s history of innovation in distance and online education. Health care programming is planned to open to enrollment in early 2026.
In collaboration with career training leader Medcerts, Excelsior is now offering pre-degree certification programs and select hybrid lab training aligned with in-demand careers in allied health and IT at the St. Petersburg site. This partnership offers students access to workforce-ready training programs and onramps to further education with Excelsior. From October to December, students in select certificate programs will have access to complimentary practical hands-on training to supplement their online learning.
With more than 200,000 graduates positively impacting communities around the globe, Excelsior’s expansion into hybrid learning is the next phase of its mission to provide accessible education to all learners.
“Modern learners need flexibility,” said Excelsior University President David Schejbal. “While many students thrive in a fully online classroom, Excelsior University St. Petersburg presents new opportunities for learners to build community and hone the practice-ready skills that the workforce demands. With this site, Excelsior delivers on its promise to meet students where they are – academically, geographically, in-person, or online.”
Headquartered in Albany, New York, Excelsior established its first on-ground learning site in St. Petersburg for many reasons. The site provides new opportunities for Excelsior faculty and staff to strengthen their connections with the large community of 500 current Excelsior students and nearly 17,000 alumni in Florida. With a strong focus on technology and health care, Excelsior’s programs are positioned to help learners gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in Florida’s major industries. With veterans and active-duty military students comprising more than 30% of its current enrollment, the institution’s long history of serving the nation’s service members makes Excelsior University St. Petersburg a destination for Florida’s military learners. More than three-quarters of Excelsior’s 2024 technology program graduates were military-affiliated, driving the decision to bring hybrid versions of the cybersecurity and electrical engineering technology programs directly to this center of the military student population.
For more information on Excelsior University, visit excelsior.edu.
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Media contact Excelsior University:
Erin Coufal, ecoufal@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8498
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.
Failing 101: How to Fail Well and Thrive in the Workplace
Sara Niemiec, advancement operations specialist for Excelsior’s Development and Alumni Engagement team, co-presented at Blackbaud‘s annual customer conference, bbcon, on Oct. 6, 2025. The presentation, titled “Failing 101: How to Fail Well and Thrive in the Workplace,” offers tips for turning setbacks into learning and growth opportunities.
View the presentation slides here.
Cyber Strength
After graduating from Excelsior University in 2023 with a master’s degree in cybersecurity, Jonathan Pichardo said his goal was to be at the forefront of the cyber age. He saw himself working as an advisor, helping people navigate the complexities of networks and software, as well as providing resources for those looking for answers. He’s now doing that in his full-time role at the U.S. Army Research Laboratory in Maryland, where he serves as a cyber operations technician and crew lead on the 169th Cyber Protection Team.
It’s been a busy couple of years for Pichardo, a native of the Bronx borough of New York City and a member of the Army National Guard. After completing his master’s degree, Pichardo attended the Warrant Officer Candidate Course at Fort Novosel (now Rucker), in Alabama. Upon completion of that course, he then applied for and attended the Warrant Officer Basic Course at the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence at Fort Gordon, in Georgia. He then successfully became a cyber operations technician. He was then assigned to the 169th Cyber Protection Team for the Maryland Army National Guard, where he now leads cyber defensive operations for state and national operations.
A Cybersecurity Degree Was Worth It
Excelsior graduate courses in cybersecurity helped prepare Pichardo for his role in leadership opportunity. Many of the courses fell within the curriculum and covered the requirements he needed to become a cybersecurity specialist. His Excelsior studies also prepared him to qualify for the necessary certifications. “[My studies] helped me to prepare for a lot of CompTIA certifications and … kept me on the right track. … It’s actually opened a lot of doors for me,” says Pichardo.
When he completed his schooling at Warrant Officer Candidate School in February 2025, Pichardo landed his current role as a cyber operations technician maintaining and monitoring defense and offense operations as well as network architecture and aiding in cyber operations planning. The position gives him the opportunity to hold various positions within the field and develop subject matter expertise.
Evolving to Face New Cyberthreats
Pichardo’s interest in cybersecurity also led him to attend the cybersecurity doctoral program at Capital Technology University. He’s working on a dissertation about implementing artificial intelligence within the cyber operations technician role and exploring how the Army can use AI in defensive and offensive operations and day-to-day technologies. For example, the Army now uses a private network instead of the commercial internet. With the integration of AI, accessing any military site on your home computer can be streamlined.
“The integration of AI and cyber operations is figuring out a way to make that process simple, secure, and efficient for everybody working at home,” Pichardo says. “The Army’s going to see a big, big change in security and vulnerability risk.”
To be ready for future challenges and opportunities, Pichardo wants to keep growing in the field of cybersecurity. “I want to continue teaching myself as much as I can. … [Cybersecurity] is constantly changing: new updates, new software, new integrations, new implementations.”
Deployments Spur Interest in Defensive Operations
It was his deployments to Kuwait and Iraq in 2019 that ignited Pichardo’s interest in cybersecurity. Assigned to air defense operations, he explored the intricate connections among air defense systems, computer systems, and configuration systems. The experience piqued his curiosity. “Doing the hands-on portion of it is what actually gave me a little interest, and I started looking into different career fields in the military,” he says.
It was during this time that Pichardo began his journey into higher education, and he discovered Excelsior University (then College). A military friend had told him about Excelsior’s flexible online courses and how the school understands the needs of military personnel. “You know, the staff, the faculty, the professors, they were all very military friendly. It was easier for me to start the [admissions] process based on [a friend] who had the prior experience,” Pichardo recalls.
Excelsior’s online format made his learning experience seamless, and he effectively managed his coursework alongside his military commitments. Pichardo earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in November 2020 and a Master of Science in Cybersecurity in February 2023.
Pichardo has sometimes faced complex challenges on his career path. Attending Excelsior, pursuing Warrant Officer Candidate School, and studying for his doctoral program has sometimes meant putting friends and family on hold. With the help of mentors and scheduled chats and get-togethers with his loved ones, Pichardo has balanced the various demands in his life.
His determination has shown his family that anything is possible when you put your mind to it. Pichardo is the first member of his family to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree, and he has inspired family members to pursue their education goals. His wife returned to school and recently completed a bachelor’s degree with Excelsior. Their son is also pursuing the ROTC program in high school. “[Earning my degrees has set] a foundation for my family and then the generations to come,” says Pichardo. “I feel like the completion of my degree, my studies, opened the whole landscape for me.”
Excelsior University kicks off 2025 Snacks for Students collection drive
ALBANY, N.Y. — Excelsior University has partnered with Albany High School and Troy High School for the fourth annual Snacks for Students collection drive. Led by Excelsior’s employee community engagement group, the initiative fights food insecurity in the classroom by collecting and donating healthy snacks to students each month of the 2025-26 school year. With the support of the Excelsior community, the community engagement group made the first Snacks for Students drop-off of approximately 600 items to the two schools.
During the last school year, Excelsior University’s Snacks for Students program supplied approximately 3,500 snacks over seven monthly deliveries to Albany and Troy High Schools. Driven by donations from Excelsior staff and faculty, Snacks for Students provides teachers with a variety of healthful items like granola bars, bottled water and fruit snacks to distribute as needed to help students focus on education instead of hunger.
Those interested in supporting the program may send donations directly to Excelsior for distribution via an Amazon Wishlist. Items can be set up using the “subscribe and save” feature for easy monthly contributions that are shipped directly to Excelsior’s mailroom. Community donations will also be collected through a fundraiser organized in collaboration with Paesan’s Pizza on Oct. 22. Paesan’s will donate 50% of that day’s proceeds from pick-up orders at their Guilderland location to Snacks for Students when diners mention Excelsior University or the Snacks for Students program. Organizations interested in donating to the program can email communications@excelsior.edu for more information.
“The Snacks for Students program provides more than nutrition—it’s about fostering relationships and supporting education,” said Excelsior University community engagement group co-chair Zachary Patterson. “Something as simple as a granola bar or bottle of water can create a connection between a teacher and student. We look forward to growing this initiative to serve more classrooms this year.”
“Snacks for Students exemplifies Excelsior University’s commitment to becoming a multicultural institution that actively promotes justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion,” said Daniel Pascoe Aguilar, founding director of the Center for Social Justice and chief diversity officer of Excelsior University. “This program is a meaningful way to extend that mission into the broader Capital Region community. We deeply appreciate the collaboration with Albany and Troy High Schools and thank the Excelsior and Capital Region communities for their continued support.”
Food insecurity is defined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as a lack of consistent access to enough food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life. According to the USDA, children in 3.2 million U.S. households were food insecure in 2023. A survey conducted by nonprofit organization No Kid Hungry demonstrates that students struggling with food insecurity face significant barriers to academic success.
Snacks for Students deliveries will be made through June 2026.
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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.
