What Is the Certified Information Systems Security Professional Certification?

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

Becoming a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) gives you a globally recognized qualification in the information security field. You can earn the certification, offered by ISC2, by demonstrating your expertise across eight domains.

The benefits of earning the CISSP certification include better job opportunities, higher salaries, and credibility. You will also have access to a network of leaders in the field. Furthermore, organizations benefit when they can hire people with proven knowledge and skills as well as a shared approach and commitment to cybersecurity best practices.

What Are the Prerequisites for CISSP Certification?

You cannot earn this certification simply by studying and taking a test. The credential has experience requirements and stipulates other essentials. You will need at least five cumulative years of industry experience, including full-time work in two or more of the eight exam domains, though internships and part-time work may also be applied. You may be able to count other achievements toward that requirement, as well, such as:

  • A bachelor’s or master’s in computer science, information technology, or cybersecurity, which may count toward up to a year of the experience requirement
  • A credential on the list approved by ISC2, which may also count toward up to a year
Become a leader in information security with Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity from Excelsior.

What Are the 8 Domains on the CISSP Exam?

Earning your CISSP requires that you have expertise across eight areas to design, implement, and then manage a comprehensive cybersecurity program.

Cybersecurity is multidisciplinary, having technical and managerial aspects that fit together to protect systems and data. That’s why the exam requires well-rounded expertise across the eight domains. Being a specialist in one area is not effective against the broad and sophisticated threat actors of today.

The following overview of CISSP domains gives you an idea of the breadth and depth of knowledge required.

The 8 domains on the Certified Information Systems Security Professional exam

Security Risk Management

This domain encompasses the foundational principles, policies, approaches to risk assessment, and cybersecurity frameworks for governance, compliance, and ethical practices that underpin effective cybersecurity. They are based on the initialism “CIA” for confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your IT systems and data.

Asset Security

Your data, applications, and infrastructure are key digital operational assets that need protection. This domain is about classifying the assets, determining ownership, and ensuring the proper handling of data from its creation to eventual archiving or destruction. In short, it’s about defining who can access what and under what conditions.

Security Architecture and Engineering

Security needs to be designed into systems and technologies from the beginning. Cybersecurity techniques around cryptography, as well as both hardware and software architecture, must be considered at every step.

Communication and Network Security

In our connected world and with so much computing done in the cloud, the secure design and protection of networks is paramount. Defending data in motion requires firewalls, VPNs, network protocols, and communication channels that are kept secure.

Identity and Access Management (IAM)

Controlling access and managing the identity of systems and data users keeps threat actors out. This CISSP domain covers authentication, authorization, conditions of access, and levels of access. Recordkeeping and compliance are also vital in this area.

Security Assessment and Testing

Cybersecurity is a dynamic concept that constantly changes based on threats, techniques, and trends. This domain is about constantly checking and testing the effectiveness of your cybersecurity programs. It covers tools and techniques, how to conduct audits and penetration tests, and how to assess and respond to vulnerabilities.

Security Operations

This domain is composed of the everyday operations and tasks of running a cybersecurity program, including responding to incidents. Logging, monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting play a part, as does responding to attacks, mitigating damage, and recovering to keep systems operating.

Software Development Security

Security that’s designed into all phases of software development is a must. Secure development practices, including secure coding, testing, and documentation, are part of software life cycle management.

Prepare for the CISSP Exam with Excelsior

Excelsior University’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program not only is academically rigorous, including hands-on experience, but also prepares you for the CISSP exam. What’s more, a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field could lower your experience requirement by up to a year. But earning your Excelsior degree prepares you for so much more than just a certification; you’ll be picking up the hard and soft skills necessary to build a successful career. And if you seek leadership positions within the field, you can transition seamlessly into Excelsior’s MS in Cybersecurity program.

Earning a degree from Excelsior opens the door to a wide array of job opportunities in the field of cybersecurity. And adding the CISSP credential takes you to another level. Contact Admissions when you’re ready to take the first step toward your dream career.

Excelsior University Celebrates 54th Commencement Ceremony

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

View photos from the ceremony here.
View b-roll video footage here.

ALBANY, N.Y. — Excelsior University celebrated its 54th Commencement and its 200,000th graduate on Friday, July 11 at 11 a.m. at the MVP Arena in Albany, New York. The Commencement ceremony brought together graduates of Excelsior’s online programs to commemorate their achievements in-person with University faculty and staff, family, friends, and supporters.  

This year’s Commencement ceremony featured remarks from graduate speaker Natasha Arnold, a married mother of four and 20-year U.S. Army veteran who shared the story of her journey to earn her Bachelor of Psychology degree with the Class of 2025.  

The event closed with the ceremonial passing of the Excelsior Alumni Torch from Excelsior Alumni Leadership Council members John Baldino and Sena Amegbletor to Class of 2025 graduate Jatik Gibbs-Judd. A poet, U.S. Navy veteran, and radiological control technician at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico, Gibbs-Judd rose from a childhood marked by homelessness and foster care to graduate magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology. He shared a short original poem to conclude Commencement.  

The Excelsior Alumni Service Award was presented to Emmy-nominated broadcaster, writer, and public servant Benjamin Bryant. A 2006 Excelsior graduate, Bryant’s distinguished career in media, communications, and government service includes senior roles on high-profile task forces and commissions for the Department of Defense and the President of the United States. Bryant is a 2024 recipient of the Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service, the Department’s third highest non-career civilian award. He delivered the Commencement address to the Class of 2025.  

Excelsior celebrates its diversity and global representation. The Class of 2025 includes 3,783 graduates from across the world. The graduates represent 49 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico, as well as 17 other nations spanning six continents. A total of 1,058 graduates are from New York state, including 94 from the Capital Region. The graduates range in age from 16 to 84, and the average age of the Class of 2025 is 35 years old. 35% of graduates are active-duty service members or veterans of the U.S. military, and 22 students earned more than one degree during the academic year. For more facts about Excelsior’s Class of 2025, view the Graduates at a Glance document.  

“As our alumni community welcomes its milestone 200,000th graduate with the Class of 2025, we reflect on the determination, resilience, and passion for lifelong learning that these extraordinary individuals share,” said David Schejbal, president of Excelsior University. “Most Excelsior graduates are working adults balancing careers, families, and service with their education. They are putting their Excelsior degrees into practice immediately, making a positive impact on communities and workplaces around the world. We are proud to join their families and friends in celebrating the accomplishments of Excelsior University’s Class of 2025 today.”  

The event was livestreamed for those unable to attend. The video and all Commencement information is available at excelsior.edu/commencement.  

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

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 University Honors the Legacy of Lt. Gen. Arthur J. Gregg with Building Naming and President’s Medal Ceremony 

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

View video of the event here. 

ALBANY, N.Y. – Excelsior University commemorated the life and service of the late Lt. Gen. Arthur J. Gregg, the U.S. Army’s first Black three-star general and a founding trustee of the University, with a ceremony today to officially dedicate Excelsior’s Albany headquarters as the Lt. Gen. Arthur J. Gregg University Center. Gregg was also posthumously awarded the Excelsior University President’s Medal at the event. The medal was accepted on his behalf by his daughter, Alicia Collier. 

Gregg’s accomplished military career was recognized in 2023, when Fort Lee in Virginia was renamed Fort Gregg-Adams in honor of Gregg and Lt. Col. Charity Adams Earley. At the time, Gregg was the only living service member with a United States military installation named in his honor. With the recent news of the fort reverting to its original name, Excelsior University is proud to continue sharing Gregg’s story and celebrating his trailblazing accomplishments. 

“In a life filled with achievements and accolades, Lt. Gen. Arthur Gregg’s most important legacy may be the example he set for those who did not see themselves represented in education, military leadership, or the boardroom,” said Excelsior University President David Schejbal. “His impact on Excelsior University, the armed forces, and the nation is immeasurable. We continue to honor his commitment to the power of service every day at the Lt. Gen. Arthur J. Gregg University Center as we fulfill Excelsior’s mission.”    

Growing up in the segregated South, Gregg overcame discrimination to reach the upper echelons of the military. During his remarkable 35-year career with the U.S. Army, Gregg served as quartermaster general for Europe and deputy chief of staff for logistics for the Army. In 1966, he commanded one of the largest battalions in Vietnam, earning a Meritorious Unit Citation. His success in Vietnam pushed him to further advance his career by attending the U.S. Army War College. In 1977, Gregg became the first Black service member to achieve the rank of lieutenant general. The Army created the Lt. Gen. Arthur J. Gregg Sustainment Leadership Award in 2016 and honored its namesake as the first award recipient.  

Gregg continued serving his country and community long after he retired from the Army. A lifelong proponent of higher education, Gregg was a strong supporter of Excelsior University for more than three decades, beginning under the institution’s early identity as a program of the New York State Board of Regents. Gregg began serving on the Regents College Board of Overseers in 1993, and was one of the five founding trustees of Regents College when it first received its charter to operate as the independent institution now known as Excelsior University. Gregg served as chair of the board of trustees from 1998 to 2004, was awarded chair emeritus in 2007, received an honorary degree in 2012, and continued to actively support the institution for many years. 

Gregg died at the age of 96 in August 2024. Excelsior University established a scholarship fund in his memory, which supports military students with scholarships granted through the Lt. Gen. Arthur J. Gregg Fund for the Advancement of Military and Veteran Education.  Learn more about the scholarship fund at https://www.excelsior.edu/giving/in-memory-of-arthur-gregg.   

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

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.   

 

Why Your Career in Computer Technology Starts with an Associate Degree

Posted on by James Tippey

Employment in computer technology careers is expected to grow faster than the average over the next decade, offering not just jobs, but resilient and purpose-driven vocations. If you’re considering a new career path, whether you’re just starting out or looking to shift to something more future-focused, computer technology is worth a serious look. From solving everyday tech problems to helping secure vital systems, this field touches nearly every industry, offering opportunities to grow, specialize, and make a meaningful difference.

Whether you’re brand new to IT or transitioning from another field, an associate degree in computer technology gives you a solid foundation. It helps you acquire the skills employers need today while preparing you for future learning and advancement in the fields of information technology and computer science.

Why Start with an Associate Degree in Computer Technologies?

An associate degree in computer technologies is more than just training in tech; it’s a practical starting point for a wide range of careers, from cybersecurity and health care IT to data analytics. Today’s programs are built with input from industry leaders and aligned with in-demand skills, so you’re not just learning what’s current—you’re learning what’s relevant.

But technical skills aren’t the whole picture. Today’s tech professionals are also expected to think critically about the ethical and social impacts of their work. Understanding topics like AI bias, data privacy, and responsible system design is becoming just as important as knowing how to write code or configure a network.

Associate Degree in Computer Technology vs. Boot Camp

Coding boot camps can be fast and focused, but they often leave out the broader understanding that helps professionals adapt and grow over time. An associate degree provides a deeper, more balanced approach. You’ll build technical knowledge and critical thinking skills. Plus, a degree often carries more weight with employers and can open doors to promotions or certifications down the line.

Associate vs. Bachelor’s

A bachelor’s degree offers a wider range of opportunities, especially at the midcareer level, but starting with an associate degree helps you get working faster. In many cases, you can finish in under two years, start earning income, and then continue your education with a clear path forward. Many associate programs are designed with transfer in mind, so your credits can count toward a bachelor’s degree later on.

Launch your career in computer technology with Excelsior’s AAS in Computer Technologies.

Computer Technology Jobs You Can Get with an Associate Degree

There’s no one-size-fits-all path in tech, and that’s a good thing. With an associate degree, you can pursue entry-level roles that let you build experience, explore specialties in information technology or computer science, and grow into more advanced positions.

Some common roles include:

Computer service technician. In this role, you would help diagnose and repair hardware and software issues in desktops, laptops, and mobile devices. These professionals often work directly with users to troubleshoot problems, replace components, and keep systems running smoothly.

Software technician. The primary duties of software technicians include assisting with installing, configuring, and maintaining software across devices or departments. In this role, you would support software updates, manage compatibility issues, and help ensure systems stay up to date and secure.

Computer specialist. In this role, you would provide general IT support across systems, software, and devices. In addition, you may manage user accounts, support equipment setup, or help troubleshoot a wide range of tech issues for individuals or teams.

Technical support analyst. These tech professionals troubleshoot more complex issues involving software, hardware, and networks. This role often involves remote support, ticketing systems, and diagnostic tools to resolve problems efficiently and keep systems online.

Network support technician. In this role, you would maintain secure and reliable networks for businesses, schools, or nonprofit organizations. Your responsibilities might include setting up routers, monitoring network performance, or assisting with cybersecurity basics like firewalls and access controls.

6 Key Skills You’ll Need for a Career in Computer Technology

Pie chart showing essential skills for careers in computer technology

The field of computer technology calls for more than just knowing how to code. The following six skills are essential to getting started and growing in a tech career:

Programming languages. Learning languages like Python or Java helps you understand how software works and how to make computers do what you want them to do.
Networking basics. Knowing how data moves and how systems connect is core to most IT roles.
Cybersecurity fundamentals. With so much at stake, being able to identify and fix security risks is a critical part of almost any tech job.
Database management. From customer information to internal records, nearly every business runs on data. Understanding how it’s stored and accessed is a valuable skill.
Cloud computing. Today’s systems increasingly run in the cloud. Knowing how to work with platforms like AWS or Azure helps you stay current.
Ethical and responsible tech use. Good tech work means thinking beyond the screen. Can users trust the system you built? Is it fair? Is it secure? These questions matter, and students who can engage with them thoughtfully stand out. Whether you’re building a network for a school district or configuring cloud services for a hospital, understanding the broader impact of privacy, accessibility, and fairness, as well as your technical choices, makes you a more thoughtful and trusted professional.

Why Start Your Career in Computer Technology with Excelsior University?

Excelsior University’s AAS in Computer Technologies program is designed for working adults and career changers who require flexibility without compromising on quality. You’ll get real-world scenarios, hands-on practice, and a program built around the skills employers care about.

Even better—this associate degree isn’t a dead end. It’s a direct pathway into Excelsior’s bachelor’s program in information technology, cybersecurity, or computer science. Your credits transfer seamlessly, so when you’re ready to take the next step, you won’t have to start over. You can keep building on what you’ve already accomplished.

Additionally, new tuition scholarships can reduce the program’s cost to as little as $350 per credit, making it one of the more affordable, high-quality options available. And you may be eligible to receive credit for specific industry certifications, like some offered through our partner MedCerts, which can help you gain workforce skills and earn your degree sooner.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Whether you’re returning to school, switching to a career in computer technology, or just starting out, Excelsior’s associate degree in computer tech gives you the tools and the support to take your next step with confidence. Explore the AAS in Computer Technologies program or reach out to one of our friendly admissions counselors with your questions.

Online vs. Hybrid Learning: Find Your Fit with Excelsior

Posted on by Divyaleen Manchanda

Are we witnessing the end of education as a place and the rise of education as an experience? The COVID-19 pandemic brought immense challenges, but one unexpected silver lining was the rapid normalization of online learning, boosting it into the mainstream and introducing millions to its possibilities.

Although some learners may prefer in-person classes, others have embraced the flexibility of an online approach, or a hybrid of the two. Institutions of higher education like Excelsior University are rising to meet students’ changing needs by offering specialized programs where they can thrive in online or hybrid environments.

How Do You Learn Best?

Where you choose to earn your degree is a weighty decision for any student. But you can narrow down your options by identifying key personal details about yourself. For instance, do you work a full-time job, and do you need to continue working? Do you have family obligations? And, critically, in what environments do you learn best? If you’re not sure how to answer that last question, weighing the pros and cons of online learning vs. hybrid learning can be useful.

Benefits of Online Learning

When your professor is on Zoom and your peers are in three different time zones, “being present” takes on a whole new meaning—one that prioritizes accessibility, flexibility, and a personalized learning experience. Imagine taking courses with a view of a beach; online learning breaks down geographic and physical barriers, making education accessible no matter where you are.

Additionally, you have freedom to learn on your schedule, empowering students to balance education with work, family, and other responsibilities. Online platforms offer tailored learning paths, allowing students to earn degrees at their own pace and engage with content that fits their learning style.

Benefits of Hybrid Learning

Do you prefer to learn on your own terms but still miss the connection of a classroom? Hybrid learning combines the flexibility of online education with the immersive experience of in-person classes. Regular in-person touchpoints offer valuable opportunities to build a strong, diverse network. This dual exposure broadens and deepens professional connections and the enrichment learners receive from the wide range of perspectives, industries, and experiences of their peers. Hybrid learning makes every moment feel more intentional and valuable as students cut down on the daily commute while still benefitting from thoughtfully designed, high-value experiences.

What Are Some of Excelsior’s In-Person and Hybrid Learning Opportunities?

Excelsior University is always innovating new programs and courses, as well as forming strategic institutional partnerships, as part of our mission to meet students where they are, academically and geographically. Here are two recent hybrid learning opportunities available to Excelsior students, plus a way to add in-person learning when enrolled in some Excelsior undergraduate programs.

Summer Course with Paul Smith’s College

Excelsior University has partnered with Paul Smith’s College, nestled in the breathtaking Adirondack Mountains, to offer a bold new 3-credit course featuring a one-week immersive outdoor learning experience. This isn’t just another hybrid course; SUST 300 Humans, Health and the Environment: A One Health Approach is preparation for careers that require cross-disciplinary collaboration across health, science, and environmental sectors. This eight-week course is about tackling real-world challenges at the intersection of people, planet, and policy.

Executive MBA Program

Excelsior University’s Executive MBA (EMBA) program goes beyond the traditional online classroom experience. Along with hands-on activities, simulations, and collaborative projects, the program features residencies in three world-class business hubs: Albany, New York; Tampa, Florida; and Chicago, Illinois. Each city’s residency will cover a different theme, from entrepreneurial leadership in a complex world, to greening the bottom line through sustainable business strategies, to mastering brand intelligence.

And the best part? It all happens within just one year. Graduates of Excelsior’s EMBA program don’t just finish with a degree—they walk away with a competitive edge.

Study Abroad with Excelsior

Excelsior University students have the opportunity to study in Rome as part of our Study Abroad Program through John Cabot University. Studying abroad offers immense value, affording you the opportunity to earn academic credit while immersing yourself in a new culture and gaining a fresh perspective. Many students report having a transformative experience while studying in the Eternal City. Whether your background is in psychology, business, or technology, experiencing new ways of thinking and living can profoundly enrich your education, career, and life.

Start Your Education with Excelsior

Online education is the new foundation of learning, but when blended with in-person experiences, it can elevate the entire journey. Excelsior University is constantly innovating to meet the demands of modern education, including offering different educational modes like hybrid learning. It’s all part of Excelsior’s unwavering student-centered approach to education: Industry professionals design our programs and courses so that you can readily apply new knowledge and skills to your career. And you can count on our career support and counseling from enrollment through graduation and beyond.

Learn more about Excelsior’s areas of study or reach out to an admissions counselor with questions. Whether the path to your success is online or hybrid, let’s put you on it.

Creating a Student-Centered Experience

Posted on by David Schejbal

Excelsior University President David Schejbal spoke with Jay Halfond of Boston University’s Wheelock College of Education and Human Development as part of the Collegial Conversations series of interviews exploring the American academic landscape. In the interview, President Schejbal discusses the history of Excelsior University and how higher education can best serve adult learners.

Read the interview here.

Excelsior University Partners with Paul Smith’s College for Immersive Summer Course

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

ALBANY, N.Y. – Excelsior University has partnered with Paul Smith’s College to offer an innovative new summer course, “Humans, Health, and the Environment: A One Health Approach,” focused on teaching sustainability concepts through an immersive outdoor learning experience at Paul Smith’s campus in the Adirondack Mountains. The course explores the One Health philosophy – an approach recognizing the interconnected health of humans, animals, and the environment they share – with a hybrid educational program combining online coursework with a week of on-location learning in the Adirondacks. 

The core of the course is a field residency at Paul Smith’s College from August 3-9, 2025, where students will connect their studies with practical applications in nature. Participants will gain hands-on experience in understanding how domestic, agricultural, and wild animal populations intersect with human communities through guided field studies and expert-led thematic campfire discussions. Topics explored during the field residency include plant identification, zoonotic and vector-borne diseases, pollinators and food security, water and human health, sustainable agriculture, and the impact of the outdoors on physical and mental health.    

“This collaboration with Paul Smith’s College reflects Excelsior University’s commitment to building community and providing unique experiential learning opportunities for our students,” said David Schejbal, Excelsior University president. “Through partnerships like this, Excelsior is creating a seamless environment for learners to enhance their online education with unforgettable in-person experiences and practical skills that will serve them throughout their lives.” 

“Our partnership with Excelsior University underscores Paul Smith’s College’s commitment to expanding access to hands-on, immersive education,” said Dan Kelting, President of Paul Smith’s College. “By combining our distinctive strengths with Excelsior’s expertise in online learning, we’re enabling students to enrich their virtual studies with impactful, real-world experiences. Situated in the heart of the Adirondacks, Paul Smith’s offers unparalleled access to one of the nation’s most vibrant natural classrooms, an ideal setting for this kind of collaboration. We’re excited to continue investing in partnerships that prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and agility to succeed in today’s rapidly changing world.”

The 3-credit course is enrolling students now through June 27 for Excelsior’s Summer II term, beginning June 30. The course cost of $2,751 includes tuition, meals, and housing for the one-week residential field experience. The course is open to current Excelsior students, alumni, and the general public.  

For more information, visit: https://www.excelsior.edu/page/summer-course-with-paul-smiths-college.  

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

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.   

ABOUT PAUL SMITH’S COLLEGE
At Paul Smith’s College, it’s about the experience. As the only four-year college located in the Adirondack Park in upstate New York, Paul Smith’s provides real-world, hands-on learning in fields such as business and hospitality, culinary management, forestry, environmental sciences and natural resources. We are able to draw on industries and resources available in our own backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. Our community of resourceful, enterprising, supportive and adventurous individuals collectively provide experiential education, student support in the classroom and beyond, and meaningful opportunities for our alumni. We pride ourselves on research and advocacy on issues that improve our planet and the lives of the people who inhabit it. Learn more at paulsmiths.edu.

Excelsior University Welcomes Benjamin Bryant as 2025 Commencement Speaker

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

Excelsior University’s 2025 Commencement speaker, Benjamin Bryant. 

ALBANY, N.Y.  – Emmy-nominated broadcaster, writer, and public servant Benjamin Bryant will address Excelsior University’s Class of 2025 at its Commencement ceremony on July 11 at the MVP Arena in Albany, New York. A 2006 Excelsior graduate, Bryant’s distinguished career in media, communications, and government service includes senior roles on high-profile task forces and commissions for the Department of Defense and the President of the United States, and the facilitation of emergency evacuations during the 2021 Afghan airlift. Bryant is a 2024 recipient of the Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service, the Department’s third highest non-career civilian award.

Like many Excelsior students, Bryant did not follow a traditional higher education path. After his studies were long delayed by professional opportunities and health issues, Bryant found Excelsior. Compiling credits from other institutions and completing coursework online, his Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies degree was the culmination of a 12-year 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. 

“Earning my degree from Excelsior while working full-time was a key accomplishment in my life, giving me confidence and momentum I would use to build a storied career that, like my educational journey, has been unconventional in the best ways,” said Bryant. “I am grateful for the invitation to speak to this year’s graduates, who know the challenges of balancing school, career, service, and life well, and look forward to sharing my experiences with them as they celebrate this special milestone.” 

“Benjamin Bryant’s remarkable story exemplifies how an Excelsior degree can empower students to achieve greater heights in their lives and careers,” said Excelsior University President David Schejbal. “We are delighted to count Benjamin among our impressive alumni community, and to welcome him to the stage to inspire Excelsior University’s Class of 2025.” 

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. 

In 2021, Bryant played a key role in the emergency evacuation of American citizens and allies from Afghanistan, serving as a case worker and national spokesperson for the “Digital Dunkirk” coalition of current and former military, diplomatic, and defense civilians. In 2022, he joined the U.S. Vietnam War Commemoration as Chief of Staff, Task Force 23, planning “Operation Welcome Home,” a multi-day exposition honoring Vietnam veterans and their families, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. He later launched a touring version to bring the “Welcome Home” celebration to local communities nationwide. His work on the “Welcome Home! Honoring Your Legacy” Vietnam veteran tribute special was nominated for a 2023 Capital Emmy Award. 

As a broadcaster and media figure, Bryant hosted the series “The Brink with Benjamin Bryant,” and has produced and directed award-winning films, documentaries, podcasts, and live programs. His creative credits include notable and varied feature film, television, and stage roles as writer, director, and actor, earning recognition from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Broadway World, Indie Series Awards, and Filmhaus Berlin, among others. He regularly performs voicework for audio series, children’s programs, documentaries, and public service announcements for military families and veterans. 

A member of a multigenerational military family, Bryant remains committed to a tradition of public and community service. He has served as an auxiliarist and flotilla staff officer in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary for more than a decade, continues to advocate for military families and veterans, and serves as a mentor-in-residence at Caroline Community Theatre in Virginia, where he sits on the board of directors. 

Excelsior University’s 54th annual Commencement ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 11 at the MVP Arena in Albany, New York. For more information on Excelsior University’s 2025 Commencement ceremony, visit: www.excelsior.edu/commencement. 

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

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. 

Advocate to Support Training of Healthcare Workers Who Work With Refugees on Utilizing Culturally Congruent Care When Assessing for Grief

Posted on by Brian Pervis

Excelsior University School of Nursing department chair Brian Pervis presented at Sigma Theta Tau’s Global Advocacy Academy. The presentation, titled “Advocate to Support Training of Healthcare Workers Who Work With Refugees on Utilizing Culturally Congruent Care When Assessing for Grief,” addresses the need for culturally congruent grief assessment among refugee populations. Refugees often experience prolonged grief and trauma in ways that are deeply tied to cultural beliefs, yet such perspectives are frequently overlooked in Western clinical practice. View the presentation here.

Pain, Anger, and Aggression: A Complex Interplay of Symptoms, Social Factors, and Behaviors

Posted on by Brian Pervis

Excelsior University School of Nursing department chair Pervis co-authored an editorial in Pain Management Nursing titled “Pain, Anger, and Aggression: A Complex Interplay of Symptoms, Social Factors, and Behaviors.” The piece explores the intersection of chronic pain, emotional dysregulation (especially anger), and patient aggression in health care settings. View the full article here.

Detection of Brucella Ceti and Brucella-Associated Disease in Stranded Cetaceans in Hawaii, USA, 2000-24

Posted on by Ilse Silva-Krott

Excelsior University liberal arts faculty member Ilse Silva-Krott co-authored an article titled “Detection of Brucella Ceti and Brucella-Associated Disease in Stranded Cetaceans in Hawaii, USA, 2000-24” in the Journal of Wildlife Diseases. The article discusses the detection of infectious diseases in stranded marine mammals found in Hawaii. View the article here.