Reed Markham of Mount Dora, Florida, earned an Associate of Science in 1980 and Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in 1982. He shares this news, “Associate Professor, School of Communication, Daytona State College and USA Ambassador and Global Advisory Board, World Speech Day received a national award from Pearson Publishers: https://beacononlinenews.com/2024/05/09/daytona-state-college-professor-receives-national-recognition-for-championing-student-success/.”

Medgar Reid of Wahiawa, Hawai’i, earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in 1995. He shares his professional bio with the Excelsior community: “After more than 30 years as a professional chaplain/director of spiritual care and chaplaincy services for many health care organizations – including the 10,000+ employee University of Maryland Medical System – Dr. Medgar L. Reid serves as executive professional visionary dreamer with his Hawaiian holding company Brassri Samadhi, LLC, established in October 2021. He is an active full voting ordained clergy member with The Historic Kawaiaha’o Church in Honolulu, Hawai’i, founded in 1820. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Quantum Consciousness Studies from The Luxor Institute (1999) and Doctor of Divinity degree in Systematic Theology from Family Bible Institute, College, Seminary & University (2012) and a Master of Divinity degree from Saint Mary’s Seminary & University Ecumenical Institute and United Baptist College & Seminary (1996) and a Bachelor of Science degree from Coppin State University and Excelsior University (1995). He holds a certificate in Ethics from the Above Ivy League Eight Coalition at The University of Oxford – England, United Kingdom. He is a distinguished fellow at Stanford University School of Medicine’s Successful Aging Program and a McNair Scholar. He is currently pursuing his third doctorate degree (Doctor of Ministry) as a postdoctoral research fellow at the Pacific School of Religion established 1866. focused on mathematical models of quantum mechanics, quantum computing, and astrophysics’ nexus with the existence of consciousness and spirituality seen through the lenses of ancient metaphysical and/or spiritual belief, thought, practice, or philosophy. Dr. Reid is the creator of the revolutionary Brassri Protocol™®© (synergistic energy exchange within yourself) which has been presented locally, statewide, nationally, and globally at gatherings of the Association of Professional Chaplains, American Society on Aging, the Spiritual Care Association and 19 others. Medgar, also known as MAGICK, is the son of the late Dr. Edgar L. Reid and the late Lady Mrs. Christene Crues Reid. Named after his father’s good friend, assassinated civil rights icon Medgar Wiley Evers, he is a native of Baltimore, Maryland, and product of the Jesuits’ Loyola Blakefield Private School in Towson, Maryland, and the Yogic Vedic traditions combined with the Kemetic Benin MA’AT Circle of Enlightenment in Khaos MAGICK (who mentored him for over 40 years beginning in 1980). He served eight years in the United States Marine Corps as an avionics intelligence noncommissioned officer becoming a service-connected disabled veteran whose benefits were secured for him by the military order of the Purple Heart. He is a life member of the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and the Marine Corps League. Dr. Reid is connected to many different civic and fraternal organizations including 33° Freemasons and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., supporting others and himself in harnessing what Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. described as the drum major instinct in the jet-set emerging ebony essence of the “Black Elite African American Upper Class Bourgeoisie Savoy Network for Black Excellence” in leading people of color in culture, business, style, substance, and lifestyle. He is the husband of certified Superconscious coach, naturopath, singer/songwriter, author and founder of Your Healing Place Dr. Stephanie Evelyn ‘StephSingz’ Reid. He is the father of an angel daughter, the late Melody Elizabeth Reid, four amazing adult children, and two grandchildren. Dr. Reid’s passion in academia lies at the intersection of advanced quantum physics, metaphysical information science and philosophical spirituality as a tireless advocate of optimal mental health which he facilitated at the Jesuits’ Loyola University Maryland and Notre Dame of Maryland University’s Renaissance Institute. He loves all forms of meditation, spiritual Montu-martial arts, comedy, music, running marathons, and skydiving. His life scriptures are Psalms 46:10; Isaiah 45:7; John 10:34, and especially Proverbs 3:5,6 ’Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.’”

Jeri Hallberg Harmon of El Paso, Texas, earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in 2000. She shares, “I was eligible for graduate school, received increased pay, and completed my master’s program. This allowed me to enter the University Teacher Alternative Certification program. I taught Medical Assisting students and was in charge of all nonclinical basic college classes, enabling medical assisting students to obtain their Allied Health degrees. From 2013 to 2016, I served on the Texas State Advisory Board for the Training and Certification of Community Health Workers, representing Health Regions 9 and 10 in far west Texas. I created after-school programs focused on STEM, Aerospace, and Aviation for children at Krupp and Sandoval public housing units. As the community liaison for at-risk youth in El Paso, Texas, I implemented the Sebring Aviation and Life Skills program, which ensured students’ reading and math levels increased by one to three grade levels within eight weeks. An additional one-year mentorship and guidance program for school success followed the initial eight weeks. Comparative baseline and program finish Texas Assessment of Basic Education (TABE) results proved skill levels increased as predicted. Additionally, I implemented and completed the MCEC and Texas Education Agency Purple STAR school designation for Harmony School of Innovation. Thanks, Excelsior! God bless all our military.”

Michael Stevens of Arlington, Virginia, earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in 2015. He shares, “Dear Excelsior University, I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for the pivotal role your institution played in helping me achieve one of the most significant milestones in my life – the completion of my bachelor’s degree. As a student who grew up in a small town in western Montana, the path to higher education was not readily available to me after high school. Following my graduation, I enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1983, where I served for 33 1/2 years. In 2012, I made the decision to pursue my college degree as a means to lead by example and show my fellow sailors that it is never too late to chase after one’s dreams. This decision was fueled by a deep-rooted belief in the transformative power of education and the desire to inspire those around me to reach for their goals. In 2015, thanks to the unwavering support and excellent academic guidance provided by Excelsior University, I proudly graduated with my bachelor’s degree. The knowledge, skills, and perspective I gained during my time at Excelsior not only enriched my personal growth but also equipped me with the tools needed to excel in my professional endeavors. Although I had already been selected as the 13th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, I firmly believed that completing my education was something I must do. If not for me, for those around me. The sense of fulfillment and accomplishment I experienced upon earning my degree was amazing, and I am sincerely grateful for the exceptional faculty and staff at Excelsior University who played a vital role in this journey. I am eternally thankful for the opportunities and support provided by Excelsior University, which have profoundly influenced my life and career after my service. Your institution’s commitment to academic excellence and dedication to empowering students to strive for their best selves have left an indelible mark on me, and I am proud to call myself an alumnus of Excelsior. Thank you once again for your unwavering support, belief in my potential, and for being an integral part of my educational journey.”

Marilyn Hau of Avon Park, Florida, earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 1989. She shares, “I had to work as a diploma RN to pay for my BSN from Regents – although not accredited yet, it was the only option that long ago. Thank you for what turned out to be the best decision of my life. I moved into occupational health nursing, then got my master’s in Environmental Health and Safety Management from the University of Findlay, Ohio. After independent consulting and a corporate safety manager position, I was appointed the EHS director at the University of Illinois at Chicago with a six-figure salary. I retired from that position with an excellent retirement annuity income. I am now a millionaire, and it all started with that rare and precious opportunity to obtain my BS degree through the Regents College Degree Program. AND I learned a lot through those courses! Thank you!”

Lourdes Velez of Ponce, Puerto Rico, earned a BS in Spanish/Literature in 1995. She shares, “I live in Puerto Rico now, but while living in New York, I used my degree to teach Spanish. I recently graduated from NOVA University with a doctorate degree. I thank Excelsior for allowing me to transfer my credits from another university to get my degree.”

Smith Washington of Lake Charles, Louisiana, earned an Associate of Science in 1978. Washington shares with the Excelsior community that he is retired.

Linda Morrell of Port Orange, Florida, earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 1994. She shares, “I have long since retired in 2004 and moved to Florida in 2010. It is hard to believe it has been that long. After advancing my degree I was able to transition into managerial positions at Albany Medical College, with the Department of Pediatric Pulmonary and Cystic Fibrosis. I never regretted taking the time to return to college while working full time and raising a family. Set your goals and they are there for the taking.”

Roosevelt Thomas of Hampton, Virginia, earned a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies degree in 2014. He shares, “I am an administrative officer at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). I process and advise on personnel actions and procurement.”

Joe Pennington of Grand Prairie, Texas, earned a Bachelor of Science and Associate of Applied Science in 2001. He shares, “It is with great pleasure that I share my notes on the great success that an Excelsior University degree has afforded me. I am currently an academic department chair at Grand Prairie Independent School District in Grand Prairie, Texas. I am also a Doctor of Education. There is great value in any degree earned at Excelsior University.”

Trudy Avery of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, earned a BA in Liberal Arts in 1993. Trudy graduated with a BA in Liberal Arts in 1993 while raising four sons under the age of 9 at the time. She recently accepted a position as the senior director of development for The Kennedy Forum, a national nonprofit that focuses on mental health and substance use parity. Previously she was the chief development officer for Pavillon, a nonprofit substance use program located in Mill Spring, North Carolina.