Excelsior University Welcomes New Chair and Members to Board of Trustees

Posted on by Erin Coufal

Matt LoebAlbany, New York—The Excelsior University board of trustees has named Matt Loeb as its chair. He has been a member of the board since 2017. Loeb has more than 30 years of global leadership experience and is a certified board director by the National Association of Corporate Directors. He is currently CEO and principal of Optimal Performance Seekers LLC, and non-executive chair of the Bubblr (OTC:BBLR) Board of Directors.

“Excelsior is a leading online university, and we are fortunate to benefit from the expertise of our board members who are leaders in industry, technology, finance, and higher education,” said David Schejbal, president of Excelsior University. “We look forward to working with Matt Loeb as the new chair of the board. His passion for our mission and focus on strategy is essential to growing Excelsior’s impact.”

Charlene DukesThe board also named Charlene Dukes, president emerita at Prince George’s Community College, vice chair of the board. Dukes was the first female president of the community college, which is the home of the National Cyberwatch Center, an advanced technology education site funded by the National Science Foundation.

Dr. Dan GreensteinNew trustees appointed to the board include Daniel Greenstein, chancellor of Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, and David Wilson, president of Morgan State University.

In 2018, Greenstein became chancellor of Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, the state’s system of public universities. The system serves more than 90,000 degree-seeking students. Greenstein is leading a system-wide redesign effort focused on increasing opportunities for students.

David Wilson, Board TrusteeWilson’s tenure as Morgan’s president, which began in 2010, has been characterized by great gains and an era of unprecedented transformation for the University. He has authored two books and more than 20 articles and was inducted into the Baltimore Sun’s Business Civic Hall of Fame in 2021.

In addition to Loeb and Dukes, other board officers are Kent Clark, treasurer, and Jeanne Meister, secretary. Greenstein and Wilson join David Baime, Jennifer Gentry, Karen Kocher, KH Maman, Karim Merchant, Rose Wang, and Alec Whitters on the board of trustees.

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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 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.

Christmas

Posted on by Pamela Jimenez

Christmas is celebrated on December 25. Christmas is both a sacred religious holiday and a global cultural and commercial phenomenon. People around the world observe it with traditions and practices that are both religious and secular. For Christians, it is the celebration of the birth of Jesus, a spiritual leader whose teachings form the basis of Christianity. For Christians and non-Christians alike, popular customs include:

  • Gathering with the family.
  • Exchanging gifts.
  • Decorating Christmas trees.
  • Sharing meals with family and friends.
  • Waiting for Santa Claus to arrive on December 25.

    • The History of Christmas

    While today Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus during the Christmas holiday, the precise origin of assigning December 25 as the birth date of Jesus is unclear. The bible does not mention a date for Jesus’ birth until the fourth century. Pope Julius I chose December 25 to celebrate and adopted and absorbed the traditions of the traditional winter solstice festivals, which were celebrated worldwide.

    When is and how is Christmas celebrated?

    In the 19th century, Americans began to embrace Christmas. Around the same time, the English author Charles Dickens created A Christmas Carol, a story about the importance of charity and goodwill toward all humankind. At the same time, families became more sensitive to the emotional needs of their children and lavished them with attention and gifts during the holiday.

    A monk named St. Nicholas gave birth to the legend of Santa Claus. St. Nicholas, born in Turkey around 280 A.D., traveled the countryside helping the poor and sick and gave away all his inherited wealth, becoming known as the protector of children and sailors. Americans embraced St. Nicholas in the late 18th century when an Episcopal minister wrote a Christmas poem more popularly known by its first line, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. Subsequently, in 1881, political cartoonist Thomas Nast drew on the poem and immortalized the jolly man in red with a white beard and a sack of toys.

    More Resources to learn about Christmas

    History of Christmas – Origins, Traditions & Facts – HISTORY
    The History of Christmas (historycooperative.org)
    Christmas | Origin, Definition, Traditions, History, & Facts | Britannica

    Kwanzaa

    Posted on by Pamela Jimenez

    History of Kwanzaa

    In 1966, Dr. Maulana Karenga professor and chairman of Black Studies at California State University, Long Beach created Kwanzaa. In an effort to bring African Americans together as a community, he combined aspects of several different harvest celebrations, such as those of the Ashanti and those of the Zulu to form the basis of the week-long holiday. Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza” which is Swahili for “first fruits.” Each family celebrates Kwanzaa in their own way. The holiday traditionally lasts seven days and on each of the seven nights, the family gathers, and a child lights one of the candles on the candleholder, also known as kinara, followed by a discussion of one of the seven principles.

    The seven principles called the Nguzo Saba in Swahili are values of African culture which contribute to building and reinforcing community among African Americans. In addition to the candle lighting ceremony, celebrations often include songs and dances, African drums, storytelling, poetry reading, and a large traditional meal.

    When and How is Kwanzaa Celebrated

    Even though Kwanzaa began as an alternative to Christmas, many families celebrate both holidays. According to Dr. Karenga, Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday with spiritual significance, not religious. Thus, African Americans of all faiths can and do celebrate Kwanzaa. In 2022, Kwanzaa begins on Monday, December 26, and ends on Sunday January 1,2023.

    Resources to learn more about Kwanzaa

    National Museum of African American History and Culture
    Official Kwanzaa Website
    African American Cultural Center

    Hanukkah

    Posted on by Pamela Jimenez

    Origins of Hanukkah

    Hanukkah is the eight-day celebration widely known as the festival of lights. This Jewish celebration commemorates the miracle of light that occurred when a vial of oil, just enough to light the temple’s menorah for one day, burned for eight days. The miracle became the foundation of the beloved holiday to celebrate the victory of light over darkness. The holiday is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, traditional foods such as latkes and sufganiyot, dreidel games, and gifts.

    How Hanukkah is Celebrated

    The Hanukkah celebration includes the lighting of a nine-branched menorah, known in Hebrew as the hanukkiah. On each of the eight nights, another candle is added to the hanukkiah after sundown, with the ninth candle, called the shamash (helper), used to light the others. Jews typically sing blessings during this lighting of the candles and display the menorah prominently in a window as a reminder to others of the miracle that inspired the holiday. Traditional Hanukkah foods are fried in oil, like potato pancakes (latkes), and jam-filled donuts (sufganiyot) are particularly popular for many Jewish households. Other customs include playing with four-sided spinning tops called dreidels and exchanging gifts. This year Hanukkah begins the evening of December 18 and ends the evening of December 26, 2022.

    More Resources for Understanding Hanukkah

    History of Hanukkah https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/hanukkah

    Taking the Road Less Traveled: New White Sox Manager Reflects on Journey to Head Coaching Position

    Posted on by Erin Coufal

    Albany, New York – The Chicago White Sox have welcomed Pedro Grifol as the 42nd manager in franchise history. Grifol, a native of Miami, Fla., is also a former professional baseball player and an Excelsior University graduate.
    Pedro Grifol

    Grifol’s baseball and coaching career has been anything but ordinary. After being named the Florida high school baseball player of the year in 1988, Grifol attended Florida State University to continue his playing career. Following his All-American season in 1991, he was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 6th round of the 1991 MLB draft. When he became a professional baseball player, Grifol was unable to complete his college degree at Florida State University. Following his nearly 10-year playing career, Grifol came to Excelsior to help complete his academic journey.

    “Excelsior University afforded me a great opportunity to attain my degree after a 9 1/2-year professional career, both of which led to countless opportunities,” said Pedro Grifol, manager of the Chicago White Sox. “I strongly encourage all those contemplating making this sacrifice for their education to take this leap of faith. Excelsior University will make it worth your while.”

    The next step in Pedro Grifol’s journey includes trying to do something that hasn’t been done since 2005–bring the White Sox back to the World Series. For Grifol, the World Series is familiar territory, serving as the catching coach for the Kansas City Royals during their 2015 championship. From his time at Florida State to Excelsior University, Grifol has always accomplished what didn’t seem possible and will look to continue those ways with the Chicago White Sox.

    “It takes incredible dedication to complete a degree as an adult. You have to be determined and focused among competing priorities,” said David Schejbal, president of Excelsior University. “Pedro’s story showcases this dedication to education that is shared by many students and alumni in our Excelsior community, and his success shows us all what is possible.”

    Excelsior meets students where they are to work toward degree completion through generous credit transfer and flexible, online education with instructor-led, self-paced courses for the changing needs of adult learners.

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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 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.

    Q&A with Stephanie Yackel

    Posted on by Emily Miller

    About Stephanie Yackel

    Stephanie Yackel is a faculty program director with Excelsior University’s bachelor’s and master’s in nursing programs. She has been with Excelsior since September 2020.

    Yackel brings 10 years of experience in higher education to her role at Excelsior. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from Bethel University and her doctorate in educational leadership from American Sentinel University. Prior to working with Excelsior, she was a dean of nursing, overseeing LPN, associate degree, and bachelor’s degree programs, at Rasmussen University. Clinically, she specialized in oncology and worked in post-surgical nursing.

    We asked Yackel about her career, her work in curriculum development, and how she thinks students will benefit from Excelsior’s bachelor’s and master’s in nursing programs. Check out her answers below.

    Q&A with Stephanie Yackel

    Q: Can you tell us a little about your background?
    A: I started off in nursing by achieving my bachelor’s degree, and I started in a post-surgical unit at a hospital. Then the majority of my career was as a RN in oncology. Then I achieved my master’s degree, and after that, I was recruited to be a full-time faculty member at a university. I did that for about a year, and I was recruited at that university to then move into the dean of nursing position.

    Q: How did you come to Excelsior?
    A: I decided that I wanted a new area and to try something a little bit different. I had been in my position for almost 11 years, and I wanted to just see what other options were out there. I came across Excelsior, and I really liked the job description. As far as the faculty program director [position] is concerned, a lot of it overlapped with my dean of nursing position. However, it also was a different avenue. A lot of it focused on curriculum development, which I had done in the past. This [role] was much more into that versus overseeing the students and all the issues and concerns that they dealt with. So this role was focusing more on the curriculum development part and the faculty.

    Q: Can you tell us about your work in curriculum development?
    A: Curriculum development is a team. We work with subject matter experts in the area of the course that we’re developing. As the faculty program director, I oversee the subject matter expert, who we call SME, and then we also work with a design team to put all the thoughts and ideas into the course and make it look nice and interactive for our students. We really want to ensure that when we’re developing the courses, the students are achieving the student learning outcomes within that course. So, we will create assignments, discussion posts, scaffold assignments. As a faculty program director, I oversee that the vision is coming together to meet the needs of the students and to ensure they’re achieving those outcomes.

    Q: What do you want students to get out of the bachelor’s and master’s in nursing programs?
    A: The bachelor’s is elevating them, such as from an LPN. Many facilities, particularly hospitals, are requiring a bachelor’s degree. The bachelor’s is putting them on that springboard to get to where they need to be within their current job or potentially new job. Excelsior prepares that graduate to be a critical thinker on the floor and also in leadership. Students then have the ability to move on, if they choose to do so, with the master’s program. A master’s creates the framework for no matter what area that they’re looking at, whether it be informatics, education, or leadership, and it creates leaders in education, leaders in informatics, and leaders in management. So, it’s more focused on that leadership platform.

    Q: What does Excelsior receiving university status mean to you? What do you think it means for our students?
    A: University status does elevate the college. It does show that [elevation] through our accreditation, through our processes, through surveys, and through showing how students make it through the courses. We’re meeting the needs of the accrediting bodies and of the community. So that status does rise us above and does put us into the same sort of bucket as other universities. It also allows us to continue to potentially create new programs, such as maybe doctoral programs in the future or other programs along that line.

    Excelsior University Named Best for Adult Learners by Intelligent.com Ranking of Best Online Colleges in New York

    Posted on by Erin Coufal

    [Albany, New York] – Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for program rankings and higher education planning, has included Excelsior University to its list of the Best Online Colleges in New York in 2023 and named Excelsior Best for Adult Learners. The research identifies top schools in the state based on tuition costs, the number of credits required to graduate, and the online coursework delivery format.

    “Excelsior has long been an education home for adult learners in all stages of their professional and educational journey,” said David Schejbal, president of Excelsior University. “We are proud to receive this recognition with a Best for Adult Learners ranking for 2023. This award is a testament to the hard work of our faculty, staff, and administration.”

    Excelsior University was awarded Best for Adult Learners as part of the Best Online Colleges ranking. Intelligent.com implemented a unique methodology that ranks each institution on a scale from 0 to 100 across six categories. The scoring system compares each school according to tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation, as well as the student resources provided for online students.

    Studies show that obtaining a degree increases income substantially, with graduates earning 84% more than those with only high school diplomas or those without a completed GED. The percentage difference in earnings continues to grow with higher learning degrees such as master’s, doctoral or professional degrees, with the unemployment rate decreasing to as much as 1.6% for those with a doctorate. To access the complete ranking, please visit https://www.intelligent.com/best-online-colleges/new-york/#excelsior_college

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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 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.

    Career Spotlight: Security Operations Engineer

    Posted on by Mary Kate Weaver

    As the use of technology increases daily, so do threats to the cyberworld. Companies and organizations all over the world are hiring cybersecurity professionals to help protect and defend their computer software and networks. A key member to this team is a security operations engineer who monitors computer systems to better protect the company or organization against cyber threats. While for this reason, security operations engineers play a critical role, at the end of the day, they protect the consumer too.

    If you’ve ever purchased something online and thought about what happens to your credit card or personal information, the protection guaranteed at companies starts with a security operations engineer. This guide will give you the steps to becoming a security operations engineer.

    Security Operations Engineer Job Description

    Security operations engineers make sure data, personal information, and software are protected against all cyber threats. While many members of IT teams help fix a cyberattack after it has occurred, security operations engineers work to prevent threats from becoming incidents. While we all know cybersecurity threats are bound to happen, hiring a security operations engineer will decrease the chances of a threats turning into an attack, which in turn will help your organization and your customers.

    Start your career defending against cyberattacks with a cybersecurity degree from Excelsior.

    Security Operations Roles and Responsibilities

    Security operations engineers are highly technical computer specialists whose main responsibilities include:

    • Research, design, develop, and test software
    • Implement safety measures to protect sensitive information and secure data from hackers
    • Maintain security policies at the points of access to a clients’ networks
    • Evaluate security vulnerabilities of all computers systems and networks
    • Create policies and procedures for end users to ensure systems are protected
    • Act as liaison for companies, working with different vendors and partners to ensure network access and security requirements are met
    • Provide defense tactics if and when a cyberattack occurs

    Security operations engineers are also considered experts in their field. If and when something occurs, they provide support and leadership to any parties involved.

    Skills and Education Needed to Become Security Operations Engineers

    Security operations engineers must be highly educated in the field of cybersecurity, information technology, or computer science. All positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity. As technology changes and companies continue to grow in the cyberworld, advanced degrees in cybersecurity, combined with multiple years of experience, are starting to be required. A graduate certificate in cybersecurity operations from Excelsior University will set you up to be a successful candidate for any cybersecurity engineering position. This degree builds your skills in threat detection, incident response, information assurance, defense mitigation, and risk assessment.

    In addition to education requirements, hiring managers look for individuals who have strong:

    • Communication skills. Security operations engineers must be able to explain technical language to leadership and other members of the team.
    • Project management skills. With technological advances happening every day, a security operations engineer will be pulled into a lot of projects. Being able to stay organized and prioritize projects efficiently and effectively is necessary.
    • Ability to work under pressure. In a crisis, security operations engineers must act quickly and professionally to access situations and protect data.

    Security Operations Engineer Salary

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for security operations engineers are expected to grow 28 percent by 2026. The demand will continue to grow as technologies change and new threats arise. Protection of sensitive data and the ability to fight cyberattacks should be a top priority for all companies. If a cyberattack occurs, it can mean a significant loss of money and resources for all involved. If the wrong people get a hold of sensitive and private information, many people could be in danger.

    According to Payscale.com, security operations engineers make, on average, $100k per year. Earn your degree in cybersecurity from Excelsior University to protect individuals, families, and companies from cyber threats from throughout the world.

    Career Spotlight: Medical Records Manager

    Posted on by Caitlin Abram

    Medical professionals know that the best care comes from a clean environment. Staff constantly check to make sure that everything providers and patients might touch is organized and sterile.

    While medical records managers may not interact directly with patients, they also play an important part in keeping the medical system running cleanly—by practicing good data hygiene. Dirty data, just like a dirty surface, can be hazardous to your health and result in wrong diagnoses, incorrect medications, and improper treatment plans.

    Medical records professionals work behind the scenes in health care facilities and anywhere else patient data is kept. They serve as a link between providers, clients, and patients and are the gatekeepers to your protected health information.

    Medical records management is a strong career choice for someone looking to put a bachelor’s degree in health care management to work and break into the administrative and informatics side of health care.

    Build a career in the business side of the health sciences with a BS in Health Care Management.

    Medical Records Manager Job Description

    Doctors count on having an accurate record of a patient’s health and health care history to make decisions about medications, tests, and other medical steps. Patients need to know their sensitive information is secure, accurate, and accessible to any provider they visit, and insurance companies rely on medical records to keep a detailed account of what care a patient has received and what it has cost. Keeping track of it all are medical records managers.

    Years ago, this process used to be done with rooms filled with paper folders and files, but today, medical records are entirely electronic and medical records managers are responsible for managing the complex technology systems and products that keep them organized.

    Most medical records manager positions are in large-scale health care facilities like hospitals, but they can also be found in physician’s offices, nursing homes, home health agencies, mental health facilities, and public health agencies. Organizations you might not expect to handle patient data such as pharmaceutical companies, law and insurance firms, and health product vendors employ medical records managers as well.

    Good communication skills and attention to detail is a must in this position. As a medical records manager, you’ll be working with and possibly supervising a staff of medical billing and coding personnel to make sure sensitive medical records are maintained correctly.

    You’ll be responsible for developing, maintaining, and evaluating existing systems, creating reports, and dealing with records requests. Security is essential for anything having to do with medical records, so you will also need a solid understanding of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) regulations to ensure that you comply with all financial, legal, or administrative requirements.

    Medical Records Manager Education Requirements

    To pursue a career as a medical records manager, you need at least a bachelor’s degree in health sciences and ideally some previous experience in medical billing or coding.

    A bachelor’s degree in health care management gives you in-depth knowledge of practical approaches to the business side of health care as well as other skills you’ll need to advance your career, such as departmental budget preparation, health insurance payment and reimbursement systems, financial reporting, health regulation compliance, electronic documentation, and digital data systems.

    Specialized certifications such as the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT®) or Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA®) credentials from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) are also recommended for boosting your career.

    Additionally, you can advance your medical records manager career by pursuing certain other certifications through Excelsior’s partnership with MedCerts. You may be eligible to receive credit for these special industry certifications, which can help you gain workforce skills and earn your degree sooner.

    Medical Records Manager Salary

    Salary.com reports that the average salary range of a medical records manager falls between $81,048 and $116,769 but can vary depending on education, certification, and years of experience.

    The field of medical records management continues to expand along with other related jobs in health data and health care informatics. Technology is always changing, and more of these data-driven health care professionals are needed to keep pace.

    If you’re interested in starting your career as a medical records manager or want to explore more growing careers in the health sciences, contact an Excelsior admissions counselor to start a conversation about how to reach your goals.

    Native American Heritage Month

    Posted on by Pamela Jimenez

    The History of Native American Heritage Month

    November commemorates Native American Heritage Month, also known as American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, and November 26 is proclaimed Native American Heritage Day. In 1986, President Reagan proclaimed November 23-30 as American Indian Week, which would typically fall alongside Thanksgiving in the United States. In 1990, President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November “National American Indian Heritage Month.” Similar proclamations, under variants on the name (including “Native American Heritage Month” and “National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month”), have been issued each year since 1994. This is a time to honor the contributions of the people who were the first inhabitants of North America. It is also a time to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of Native people.

    Why is Native American Heritage Month Important?

    Despite a harrowing history marked by unjust federal policies of assimilation and termination, American Indian and Alaska Native peoples have persevered. Currently, about 6.79 million Native Americans in the United States face extraordinary challenges including social, cultural, economic, and physical. Patterns of struggle uniquely and negatively impact Native American communities and families. While it is essential to be positive and hopeful about the future for Native Americans, it is also important to have a genuine and clear understanding of the challenges and struggles of Indigenous people individually and collectively. During this heritage month and beyond, let us take the time to honor the Native American community by educating ourselves and the public about the tribes, raising awareness about the unique challenges Native people have faced both historically and presently, and learning about how tribal citizens have worked to overcome these challenges. We invite you to explore the links below and learn more about Indigenous culture, life, and struggles.

    Learn more about Native American Heritage Month

    National Congress of American Indians Website
    Fact Sheet
    About Native American Heritage Month
    Celebrate Native American Heritage Month in New York State
    http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/native-american-heritage-month

    Thanksgiving

    Posted on by Pamela Jimenez

    Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday that is based on the 1621 Plymouth colonist and the Wampanoag people sharing an autumn harvest feast that subsequently became the first Thanksgiving celebration in the colonies. For the Native Americans, the assembly of the Wampanoag people and English settlers had more to do with political alliances, diplomacy, and a pursuit of peace. While Americans share a meal and give thanks for family, friends, and community, the United American Indians of New England recognize it as a National Day of Mourning for Native Americans and their allies.

    As a holiday, Thanksgiving originates from the from the Native American philosophy of giving without expecting anything in return. During this meal, the Wampanoag people shared their land, food, and knowledge of the environment with the English. The Wampanoag tribe not only provided the food, but also the teachings of agriculture and hunting. Corn, beans, wild rice, and turkey are some of the foods introduced by Native Americans.

    This time of year, the two holidays of Thanksgiving and Native American Heritage Day, give us the opportunity to reflect on our collective history and to celebrate the beauty, strength, and resilience of the Native tribes of North America. The idea of giving thanks is central to Native heritage and culture and in this way, Thanksgiving is a chance for all to appreciate family, community, and the riches of the land.

    Recommended Resources for Learning more:

    Native Hope
    The History of Thanksgiving
    Watch The True Story of the First Thanksgiving

    Career Spotlight: Power System Operator

    Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

    Do you like problem solving, figuring out how things work, and working with computers? Maybe being a power system operator is the right job for you. A power system operator, also known as a power plant operator, is someone who manages a power plant facility. They keep the power plant running and ensure the facility is safe and functioning properly.

    Let’s dig a little deeper to see if a power system operator lines up with your career goals.

    Power System Operator Job Description

    Power system operators work in a variety of power plants, including natural gas-powered electric, nuclear electric, hydroelectric, coal-powered electric, and solar-powered electric, but they may also work in manufacturing plants, hospitals, universities, and government organizations.

    Power system operators operate switchboards and other electrical equipment in highly advanced control centers to maintain and manage the distribution of electrical power throughout a transmission network. In other words, they are responsible for making sure electricity gets to the appropriate consumers.

    Duties of a Power System Operator

    Power system operators have a variety of responsibilities and duties depending upon where they work. They may perform some or all of the following:

    • Control and direct the transmission of electricity to meet distribution demands
    • Monitor power-generating equipment fueled by coal, gas, nuclear, wind, or other energy resources
    • Ensure constant flow of electricity to avoid blackouts
    • Check equipment to monitor pressure, temperature, and vibration
    • Oversee maintenance personnel
    • Monitor and visually inspect station instruments, meters, and alarms
    • Perform maintenance on machines
    • Start or stop generator turbines when necessary
    • Complete and maintain station records, logs, and reports
    • Locate and isolate system problems

    Skills Needed to be a Power System Operator

    You may have guessed that one of the top skills needed to be a successful power system operator is attention to detail because a power system operator is in charge of maintaining a whole power grid. There are other important skills you should possess, too.

    • Be in good physical condition. As a power plant operator, you may be required to carry out a variety of physical activities, from crouching, reaching, climbing, and more. It would be beneficial, then, to make sure you are in good shape.
    • Possess good communication skills. Although you may work alone some of the time, you will also interact with other team members to install new generators, upgrade systems, and carry out daily tasks. You may also need to communicate technical information to management, consumers, and stakeholders, so being a good communicator is crucial.
    • Possess strong technical abilities. As a power system operator, you may need technical skills to understand how a power plant runs and operates. Your technical abilities may include an aptitude for math and mechanical and technological knowledge so you can properly perform your duties.
    • Capable of patience and focus. Power system operators often must monitor gauges, dials, and other electrical equipment to make sure the plant is running properly. Having strict patience and a strong ability to focus can make monitoring various equipment easier and can help minimize distractions.

    How to Become a Power System Operator

    Does a power system operator job sound intriguing? Well, before you start applying for any openings, there are requirements you should be aware of if you want to pursue this career.

    Although it is possible to become a power system operator with just a high school degree, most companies prefer you to have at least an associate degree. Still others prefer a bachelor’s. Excelsior University’s Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology program prepares students for technical positions in the nuclear industry. The ABET-accredited program provides knowledge in areas such as reactor operations, health physics, quality assurance, chemistry, and instrumentation and control related to the nuclear engineering technology field.

    In addition, to work in a power plant, you must pass a background check as well as drug and alcohol screenings. Some states also require workers to be licensed as engineers or firefighters.

    Depending upon where you work, you may also need to obtain other certificates or licenses, so it’s important to do your research when you are looking for a job.

    Power System Operator Salary

    The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that as of 2021, the median annual wage for power system operators and similar occupations was $94,790. The BLS predicts employment in this career to decline 15 percent between 2021 and 2031. Despite this, about 3,200 openings are projected each year over the next decade, so this is still a career option to pursue if you’re interested in power plants, computers, and making sure things work correctly.