​Excelsior Celebrates 52nd Commencement and First as a University

Posted on by Connor Hall

​Albany, New York— Excelsior University celebrates its 52nd Commencement on Friday, July 14 at 2 p.m. at the MVP Arena in Albany, NY. The commencement celebrates the Class of 2023 and is the first commencement since becoming Excelsior University on August 1, 2022.   

​This year’s Commencement speaker will be Command Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Gretchen Evans, an author, athlete, and retired Army Command Sergeant Major. In addition to telling her inspirational story, Evans will also receive an honorary Excelsior University degree. She has a decorated Army career and Evans was the 2022 recipient of the Pat Tillman Award for Service awarded at the ESPN ESPY Awards and a 2021 inductee of the U.S. Army Women’s Foundation Hall of Fame.  

​Excelsior celebrates its diversity and global representation. The Class of 2023 features 3,949 graduates from across the world. The graduates represent 49 states plus the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico in addition to 20 other nations. A total of 959 graduates are from New York state, including 111 graduates from the Capital Region. The oldest graduate is 82 years young, while the youngest is 11 years old, and the average age of the Class of 2023 is 36 years old. Thirty students earned more than one degree during the academic year.  

​“We celebrate the tremendous accomplishments of our graduates as well as the determination and perseverance to reach this goal,” said David Schejbal, president of Excelsior University. “Many of our working adult students put their education into practice immediately at their workplace, and their degree can now give them the confidence to advance professional, influence their communities, and impact generations of their family.”   

​Excelsior University is an accredited, not-for-profit distance learning institution founded in 1971 focused on providing educational opportunity to adult learners.  

​For those unable to attend, the event is live streamed with engagement opportunities. The livestream and all Commencement information will be shared at excelsior.edu/commencement.   

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Video b-roll footage: https://we.tl/t-eCmQPGV5kZ

​Media Contact Excelsior University: 

​Erin Coufal, ecoufal@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8498 

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​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 servicing 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. 

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Career Spotlight: Patient Relations Coordinator

Posted on by Mary Kate Weaver

Let’s face it, a hospital trip usually isn’t easy. Doctors and nurses are focused on the patient, which many times leaves the family members feeling isolated, alone, stressed, and somewhat angry. Add in bills, discharge information, medicine lists, and you might burst because of the unknown. A patient relations coordinator is there to ensure the family members and the patients understand the information they are given. If you enjoy helping others and want to work in a hospital setting, this might be the job for you!

What Is a Patient Relations Coordinator?

A patient relations coordinator helps to ease the patient and the family’s stress by answering their questions, explaining insurance policies and billing statements, and reviewing hospital policies. Patient relations coordinators act as the mediator between patients and their families and their medical team.

Where Do Patient Relations Coordinators Work?

A patient relations coordinator works in a hospital or other health care-related setting. Every department in a hospital has patient relations coordinators. Whether you are in the emergency room or in a long-term stay wing, a patient relations coordinator is available to you and your family. Not only are patient relations coordinators there to help the patient’s family members understand what is going on, but they are also there to advocate for the patient.

Many times, patients have family members or caregivers that can advocate for them, however what happens if someone comes to the hospital alone? A patient relations coordinator will work with the patient and for the patient to ensure they are receiving appropriate care.

Advance your career with Excelsior University’s AS in Health Sciences.

What Do Patient Relations Coordinators Do?

Job duties can vary depending on what the patient or family needs on any given day. At the end of the day, all patient relations coordinators work to ensure the needs of the patients and the families are met.

Typical job responsibilities of a patient relations coordinator are to:

  • Advocate for the patients and their families
  • Educate patients and their families on insurance and billing information
  • Explain policies, procedures, and services to patients and their families
  • Create and implement care plans
  • Review care plans with the patients and family members to monitor their progress
  • Communicate and coordinate with other direct care providers

In addition, patient relations coordinators are responsible for researching additional health care resources and referring patients who might need additional assistance and care. Whether you are arranging for a patient to be transferred to a hospice facility, working with a family member to ensure the insurance is set up correctly, or calming down family members during stressful times, patient relations coordinators are key members of a patient’s care team.

Patient Relations Coordinator Education Requirements

Patient relations coordinators are a great entry-level position to get into the health care- and patient care-related fields. Most employers look for candidates with at least an associate degree in health sciences, psychology, business, or a related field. An associate degree in health sciences from Excelsior University can help you obtain or advance your career as a patient relations coordinator. This program can help expand your medical vocabulary, provide knowledge of health insurance, health care billing and financing, federal health care legislation and regulation compliance, and electronic medical records.

As a patient relations coordinator, you will receive on-the-job training as each job can vary depending on where you are working

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Patient Relations Skills Needed

Patient relations coordinators are responsible for a lot of different areas in the hospital; therefore it is important to have the following skills:

  • Customer service skills: It is important to understand customer needs and provide high quality service since you will be working with a lot of different families during stressful times.
  • Active listening and social perceptiveness skills: You must give your full attention to what your clients are saying. It is important to be aware of other’s reactions and to understand why they might be reacting as they do.
  • Critical thinking skills: You will use logic and reasoning to identify solutions for your patients’ problems and concerns.
  • Time management skills: As a patient relations coordinator, you will work with multiple families and patients at one time. Being able to prioritize and manage your time to ensure all of your clients are receiving the best care is important.
  • Negotiation skills: You must advocate for your patients to receive the best care. Because of this, there will be times you will need to negotiate with insurance companies, health care facilities, and other members of the patient’s care team.

In addition, patient relations coordinators must obtain a personable attitude throughout their day. It is important to remember that most of the people you will be working with are probably under extreme stress, and worried or scared. It is your job to calm them down, and provide information that will make them feel better.

According to Zippia, patient relations coordinators make roughly $45,000 per year. Start your career today by chatting with an admissions counselor at Excelsior University!

Athena Fertig, AS in Nursing, 2003

Posted on by Mackenzie Veglia

Athena Fertig of Council Bluffs, Iowa, earned an Associate in Science in Nursing from Excelsior University (then Excelsior College) in 2003. She shares, “…Regents gave me the opportunity to earn my degree at my own pace while raising three small children and working full-time as an LPN. This opened doors to higher education that otherwise would have been unattainable for a GED holder.”

In addition to her associate degree, Fertig has earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Master of Science in Nursing, and, most recently, a post-master’s certificate for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

Bernard Brown, Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts, 2007

Posted on by Mackenzie Veglia

Bernard Brown, of Fair Oaks, California, earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Excelsior University (then Excelsior College) in 2007. Brown shares, “I am proud to be an alumnus of Excelsior. The foundation of my undergraduate degree has allowed me to go on to earn two master’s degrees (Clemson and Texas A&M).” He is the chief operating officer for an emerging energy company.

Linda Peacock, AS in Nursing, 1992; BS in Nursing, 1994

Posted on by Mackenzie Veglia

Linda Peacock, of Saratoga Springs, New York, earned an Associate in Science in Nursing and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Excelsior University (then Regents College) in 1992 and 1994, respectively. As a single mother of three sons, Peacock worked three jobs as an LPN while pursuing her degree. She shares, “I now have an MBA and have been a nurse educator in pharmaceuticals for the past 10 years! Regents changed my life tremendously!”

John Baldino, MA in Liberal Studies, 2017

Posted on by Mackenzie Veglia

John Baldino, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, earned a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies from Excelsior University (then Excelsior College) in 2017. After using his Excelsior degree for six years as an instructor at Lackawanna College in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Baldino was recently promoted to assistant professor in philosophy and religious studies. He also was recently published in Catholic Insight for his articles, “A Little Lenten Reflection,” and “Matthew’s Lessons on Lenten Humility.”

Janet Huizenga, AS in Nursing, 2000

Posted on by Mackenzie Veglia

Janet Huizinga, of Morrison, Illinois, earned an Associate in Science in Nursing from Excelsior University (then Regents College) in 2000. Huizinga was an LPN for 27 years prior to earning her degree from Excelsior. She has had experience in CCU, ICU, and cardiac nursing. In addition, she taught clinicals for LPNs and was a travel nurse. She shares, “I’m now retired. Thank you for that great ride. I am very proud of what I am!”

Fred Chmiel Named BGSU Women’s Basketball Head Coach

Posted on by Caitlin Abram

Fred Chmiel is the new head women’s basketball coach at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio.

Chmiel comes to BGSU after spending the last eight seasons on head coach Dawn Staley’s staff at University of South Carolina. During Chmiel’s tenure, South Carolina won two national titles reaching the Sweet 16 in all seven seasons the NCAA Tournament was held in that time.

Chmiel earned his BS in Liberal Arts from Excelsior in 2010 before earning a master’s degree in coaching and athletics administration from Concordia University in 2022.

Read more about Fred Chmiel.

Arcimoto Appoints Chris Dawson as Chief Executive Officer

Posted on by Caitlin Abram

Arcimoto, Inc., makers of ultra-efficient electric vehicles announced on April 20, 2023, that Christopher W. Dawson has been appointed to the role of Chief Executive Officer.

Dawson, a 2009 graduate with a BS in Nuclear Engineering Technology, most recently served as the Chief Executive Officer of Nikola Tesla Co., an engineering services company. He has also served as the Chief Technology Officer for both HNO international and Tesla Aerial Robotics, as well as Chief Engineer on various U.S. Department of Defense projects.

Read more about Chris Dawson.

Tracey Lee Celebrates 28 Years of Service to the Lakewood, Colorado Police Department

Posted on by Caitlin Abram

On May 1, 2023, Agent Tracey Lee celebrated his retirement after 28 years on the Lakewood Colorado Police force.

Lee served in the United States Air Force before graduating from Excelsior in 2014 with a BS in Public Service. After joining the L.P.D in 1991, Agent Lee started in the Patrol Division, before moving to the Economic Crimes Unit as a detective and then serving on the Special Enforcement Team. Agt. Lee also worked as a field trainer molding the next generation of police agents and is the recipient of two Distinguished Service Medals and the Medal of Valor.

Read more about Tracey Lee.

Career Spotlight: Urban Planning and Development Director

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

When you were a child, did you ever build complex cities out of Legos? Have you always been fascinated by how cities develop and grow? The professionals who figure out the best way for cities to develop responsibly are urban planners.

Urban planning ensures citizens and nature can exist together in a diverse, sustainable place where people want to live, work, and play. Urban planners help develop a city’s infrastructure all the way from designing public transportation systems to creating plans for building parks, sewer systems, and bridges.

At the forefront of every planning team is the leader. These professionals, known as urban planning and development directors, work to identify the needs of a community and develop solutions to improve and advance cities.

What Is Urban Planning?

Urban planning involves determining what land to use for green spaces, transportation, buildings, and other features of a city. Urban planners work to create the plans for cities, towns, and other urban areas. They work with government officials, land developers, and other community members to develop cities to meet the needs of the community and the environment.

There are different types of urban planners, depending on their area of focus and expertise. A sample of these types are:

  • Land use planners. These planners develop guides that include working with zoning laws and codes that determine how land is used and developed.
  • Environmental planners. These planners predominantly focus on the development of the natural environment and try to minimize the impact municipal growth has on natural resources.
  • Infrastructure planners. Infrastructure planners focus on developing and managing a city’s important systems, including the transportation system that includes roads, highways, pedestrian walk lanes; community infrastructure that includes hospitals and schools; and public works that includes the water supply and sewage system.
  • Economic development planners. These planners work with the goal of promoting economic growth in a city. They work to make sure a city can support new businesses and create jobs.
  • Community planners. Community planners work with community members and stakeholders in the planning process. They hold public meetings, conduct surveys, and gather feedback from residents to make sure the city meets community members’ needs and desires.

What Does an Urban Planner and Development Director Do?

Urban planning and development directors lead teams of planners in identifying and creating solutions to improve and advance cities. They use a variety of tools to help them in their work. They will often prepare spreadsheets, use statistical programs, design visuals, and use other programs like Geographic Information System software to develop their plans.

Some of their responsibilities and duties include:

  • Oversee recruiting and managing of staff and other workers
  • Report to senior management and elected and appointed officials
  • Attend meetings with city council, planning commission, boards, and other officials
  • Represent the organization at public events and presentations
  • Make site inspections and assess project proposals
  • Manage client expectations
  • Prepare and establish the budget for the department
  • Review, evaluate, and process applications and technical documents
  • Keep up to date with the latest laws and regulations
  • Organize, motivate, develop, and manage the planning team
  • Prepare and write recommendations, reports, and graphic presentations
  • Manage databases and use data to improve services
  • Interpret and explain zoning codes and regulations
  • Monitor and evaluate the efficiency of methods and procedures

Important Skills of an Urban Planning and Development Director

Urban planning and development directors must have the knowledge and experience to develop, oversee, and manage plans accurately and efficiently for a city. Some of the other important qualities and skills they should possess include:

  • Interpersonal skills
  • Written communication skills
  • Ability to understand political situations
  • Analytical skills
  • Leadership and management skills
  • Networking skills
  • Sense of creativity

How to Get Started on a Career in Urban Planning

Is urban planning starting to sound like a career you want to pursue? That’s great! There are few steps to follow to become an urban planner and development director.

The first step to becoming an urban planner and development director is earning a degree in higher education. A bachelor’s degree in urban planning, architecture, environmental management, or similar is required to get you started, and a master’s degree can take you further in your urban planning career. Earning a master’s degree can make you stand out to a potential employer and help you obtain employment in higher positions, like as an urban planning and development director. You may also want to gain experience in urban planning by taking internships with community developers or taking entry-level jobs in urban planning.

Since urbanization occurs so frequently and across the world, it is important to keep your knowledge up to date. Being aware of new laws and regulations can help you to make accurate planning choices. Though not required in all states, you may also consider earning a certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners.

Urban Planner and Development Degrees—What Degree Is Best?

As mentioned, a bachelor’s degree is necessary to get you in the door at entry-level urban planning jobs. A master’s degree is necessary if you prefer to move further up in your career and take on roles like an urban planning and development director. Excelsior University’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program can prepare you to become a skilled public service leader who works toward improving your community.

The MPA program can help you master both the personal and the business side of public administration with courses and assignments that show you how to harness information technology, respond to ethical issues, foster constructive collaboration, and more. You can also gain practical experience in honing your presentation skills, developing strategic plans and financial reports, and analyzing data to make strong decisions. This program is an excellent choice if you wish to pursue an urban planning career.

Urban Planning Career Paths

Earning a master’s degree can help you obtain a job as an urban planning and development director, but it can also set you up for success in other planning careers. Some of the other types of jobs that you can get with a degree related to urban planning are:

  • City government planner
  • Urban consultant planner
  • Economist
  • Geographer
  • Real estate development manager
  • Planner and analyst for a nonprofit organization
  • Architectural designer
  • Land surveyor
  • Urban planner for municipal law firms
  • Planner for telecommunication companies
  • Consultant with an engineering firm
  • Owning your own consulting firm

    • According the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the annual wage for urban and regional planners was $78,500 in May 2021. Employment is expected to grow 4 percent from 2021 to 2031, which is average for all other occupations. According Comparably.com, the annual wage for urban planning and development directors was $139,609, though the salary range is between $125,500 to $173,809.

    If a career in urban planning or as a urban planning and development director sounds right for you, consider speaking with an Excelsior University advisor to get started on your education.