A Lifelong Career

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Rick Collinwood, of Pensacola, Florida, has worked for Pizza Hut for 30 years, starting as an entry-level manager and working his way up to his current position as a territory coach. Thanks to the Yum Brands partnership with Excelsior College, Collinwood was able to complete his lifelong dream of earning a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Business and Management in November 2020.

Collinwood joined the Pizza Hut family in 1991 when he was starting a family, and over the next 13 years, he moved from being a store manager to an area manager. It was also during this time that he started his college career by attending an in-person program for working adults. Collinwood accumulated some credits but did not complete a degree. “It was difficult to find time between working 60–70 hours a week and kids’ activities and all of that stuff,” he explained.

In 2006, Collinwood moved into a traveling role overseeing inspectors, which made attending college difficult. In 2013, he moved to Mississippi to oversee 40 corporate stores and he heard about Excelsior College. “But the thing about Excelsior was that they were going to take all of my Pizza Hut training over the 20 plus years that I’d been with Pizza Hut and all of the management training classes I’d been to, and they were going to be able to convert those into college credits,” Collinwood recalls about what drew him to the online college. His credits from the University of Phoenix also transferred to Excelsior. Collinwood still needed to take some courses to complete a degree, and he again put his education on pause when he moved to Pensacola for a new position as a territory coach with Pizza Hut.

It wasn’t until a conversation with his grandson that Collinwood decided it was time to buckle down and complete his degree. “We were talking about college and he looked at me, ‘but Grandpa, you’re a college dropout. And I want to go to college.’ And I’m like, my eight-year-old grandson is asking me if I’m a college dropout. I was like, ‘dang, I better finish.’” Collinwood immediately picked back up his studies and earned his degree four years later, in 2020.

Collinwood uses what he learned from pursuing his Excelsior business degree in his current job, but he also found that his Pizza Hut experience helped him in his Excelsior work. “My experiences actually helped me be able to write better papers and communicate better…but my school also helped with my work. It has helped me to fine-tune some of those communication skills,” he says.

Communication is a big portion of Collinwood’s job. He regularly meets virtually with franchise owners—about 1,500 stores—and discusses strategies that are working and offers advice. “I just want them to succeed, because if they succeed, then that helps me be successful in my job…I enjoy working with franchisees and helping them figure out ways that they can make more money, be profitable, and take care of their employees, which ultimately, you know, all of that’s taking care of their customers,” Collinwood explains, talking about his favorite part of his job.

After a long career and the pauses in his education, Collinwood used Pizza Hut’s partnership benefits with Excelsior to earn a degree, which ultimately helps him in his job. He advises others to look into Excelsior to pursue their educational goals. “You got to take that first step, and you got to reach out, reach out to a program, reach out to the school …, he says. “Really, the best advice I can give is to put it on your calendar.”

Empire BlueCross Donates to Excelsior’s Nursing Scholarship Fund

Posted on by Erin Coufal

Albany, New York— During Nurses Week 2022, Excelsior College thanks Empire BlueCross for its $10,000 donation to support Excelsior’s Nursing Scholarship Fund. This generous donation will fund scholarships for Excelsior’s nursing students in New York state.

“We are honored to announce this significant donation from Empire BlueCross during Nurses Week as we honor Excelsior’s nursing alumni and show support to future generations of nursing professionals,” said David Schejbal, president of Excelsior College. “Excelsior is committed to educating nurses and delighted to apply 100 percent of the donation to scholarships which offer much needed financial support to help nursing students reach their educational and professional goals.”

Excelsior has a long-standing history of educating and supporting nursing students. Today, the Associate Degree in Nursing program is the College’s largest degree program and Excelsior’s commitment to those in the nursing profession remains steadfast.

“At Empire, we are on a mission to materially and measurably improve the lives of all New Yorkers,” said Karen Generali, director, sales at Empire BlueCross. “To bring our mission to life, we rely on the work of nurses who are on the front lines with people during the most personal and vulnerable moments in their lives. Given this, it is our privilege to support Excelsior College with scholarships for aspiring nurses.”

In honor of Nurse’s Week 2022, which runs May 6–12, Excelsior is dedicating its fundraising efforts to honor nurses. As a tribute to nurses, this initiative will raise important funds for the Excelsior College Nursing Scholarship Fund. Empire BlueCross’ donation is key to kick-starting this initiative.

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Media Contact Excelsior College:
Erin Coufal, ecoufal@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8498

ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE
Excelsior College is an accredited, not-for-profit online college focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. The college 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 Empire BlueCross
Serving the 11 northeastern counties of New York State, Empire BlueCross (Empire) is on a mission to materially and measurably improve the health of New Yorkers. Empire is the trade name of Empire HealthChoice Assurance, Inc., and Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO is the trade name of Empire HealthChoice HMO, Inc., independent licensees of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Empire is committed to improving lives and communities, and in 2020 and 2021, Empire BlueCross was named one of Albany Business Review’s Best Places to Work. Additional information about Empire is available at www.empireblue.com.

Excelsior’s Nursing & Health Sciences Educational Institute

Posted on by Erin Coufal

Albany, New York—Excelsior College’s annual Nursing and Health Sciences Educational Institute highlights the importance of undoing societal barriers, so all individuals are treated fairly, equitably, can have a sense of belonging, and can live full and dignified lives.

With nearly 750 attendees registered, this event offers riveting speakers, learning activities, and continuing nursing education contact hours awarded by Albany Medical Center.

“The COVID-19 pandemic clearly demonstrated the inequities in access and treatment within our healthcare system,” said Mary Lee Pollard, dean of Excelsior College’s School of Nursing. “As an institution preparing the next generation of nurses, nursing faculty, and health professionals, we feel it is our responsibility to provide education as a basis for change.”

To embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), this event will explore the social determinants of health and how educators can promote inclusivity through empathetic instructional design, the integration of DEI into a variety of learning environments, the importance of student mental health, and the importance of self-care, which promotes resiliency and conveys to others the value of oneself. Speakers include a DEI keynote by Daniel Pascoe Aguilar, Excelsior’s chief diversity officer; Larry Purnell, emeritus professor at Excelsior College; and several faculty from Excelsior College’s School of Nursing.

The Institute is hosted this year by Excelsior College and Albany Medical Center. The free, online event takes place on Friday, April 29, 2022 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. ET.

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Media Contact Excelsior College:

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

 ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE

Excelsior College is an accredited, not-for-profit online college focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. The college 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, the Lifelong Learning Home for Students, to Become a University

Posted on by Erin Coufal

Albany, New York — Excelsior College is beginning the countdown to when it will become Excelsior University, a milestone in its more than 50-year history. The transition highlights Excelsior’s unique contribution 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.

The not-for-profit online institution will officially make the name change on August 1, 2022. The change is a result of Excelsior meeting the newly revised New York State Education Department definition of a university.

“This latest stage in Excelsior’s evolution marks a new milestone in the institution’s continued efforts to meet the needs of adult and underrepresented students. Becoming a university symbolizes the comprehensive array of programs we offer, and it reinforces our value as the best institution for adult and nontraditional students,” said David Schejbal, PhD, president of Excelsior. “We shared this news with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and employers, and they embrace this change in name and stature as validation of Excelsior’s approach to learning. Our history and community have prepared us to become a university, and we embrace the designation as a symbol of our bold future.”

As Excelsior takes on the word university in its name, its commitment to student success remains solid. Advisors are a support, coach, and ally for students, ensuring that the journey is as rewarding as the outcome. They will continue to work with students to create customized plans to maximize existing credits and experience, while making sure students always understand what’s next—from enrollment through earning their degree. Excelsior believes it is a level of personal commitment no other online institution, and few bricks-and-mortar universities, can match.

 Excelsior’s Advisors Help Online Students Succeed

Excelsior College advisors specialize in specific areas of study at both the undergraduate and graduate level: business, health sciences, liberal arts, nursing, public service, and technology. Advisors are subject matter experts in the requirements for each program and the primary resource for ensuring students select sources of credit toward a degree plan and academic and career goals. Advisors are the first contact for enrolled students and provide them with support throughout the academic journey.

Alana was relying on her master’s degree for career growth. After starting the MBA program, she faced unthinkable health and family challenges. Through hospital stays, becoming a living organ donor to her husband, and working as the breadwinner of her family, Alana persevered in her degree program with the help of her advisor, Susan, and Excelsior’s ombuds team. Everyone wanted to see her finish and succeed.

“When my family was finally through the battle…, we could have a bright future to look forward to,” shared Alana when she received her diploma. “Thank you, Excelsior, for your compassion and for your commitment to excellence in all that you do to care for and empower success in your students!”

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Media Contact Excelsior College:

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

 ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE

Excelsior College is an accredited, not-for-profit online college focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior is the largest, fully online higher education institution in New York state. The college 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.

 

 

 

Grabbing Focus: How Continuing Education Can Take Center Stage

Posted on by David Schejbal

Schejbal, D (Guest) with Amrit Ahluwalia (Host).

https://moderncampus.com/blog/continuing-ed-takes-center-stage.html

Colleges and universities that have adopted continuing education as a tool for reskilling learners have a choice to make. They can either embrace the new model of education and do what is best for students and the community, or they can stick with the old and try to boost their rankings by getting as many applications as possible.

On this episode of Illumination, recorded live at UPCEA’s 2022 conference in Orlando, host Amrit Ahluwalia chats with David Schejbal, President of Excelsior College, about the choices institutions have around continuing education and how global issues are impacting curriculum development.

The Seven Dimensions of Wellness

Posted on by Anna Zendell

Are you on a quest for wellness? Are you just looking at your physical or emotional well-being? While physical and emotional wellness are vital, you may be missing several important components of living your best life possible! The seven dimensions of wellness were developed in 1976 by Dr. William Hettler, co-founder of the National Wellness Institute as a holistic approach to wellness. He began with six domains, and over time, the model has been clarified and expanded. The seven dimensions are widely used by health practitioners as a way for people to attain a balanced life. Let’s explore each one and talk about how to make the dimensions of wellness a part of our busy lives.

The Dimensions of Wellness

 

  • Physical: The physical dimension consists of everything that helps support keeping our physical bodies whole and functioning well. Caring for our physical dimension means moving our bodies regularly, including, but not limited to, an exercise routine that meets people wherever they are at physically and/or mobility-wise, along with staying hydrated, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep. The physical dimension, as with all of the dimensions of wellness, is meant to be adapted to each person, including those with chronic illnesses, mobility issues, and environmental barriers.
  • Emotional: The emotional dimension is about our emotional health. Maintaining a positive attitude as much as possible and managing stress, especially during these challenging times, is at the top of the emotional self-care list. Maintaining emotional health involves acknowledging our emotions as they arise, honoring them as a part of us, and then managing them. Talking about our emotions, rather than bottling them up, is important in developing emotional health. For someone struggling with emotional issues or mental health disorders, this dimension may be a focus and can be adapted to create unique goals that help to restore emotional well-being.
  • Intellectual: If I could rename this dimension, I would call it the lifelong learning domain. As humans, we thrive on growing and learning. In this dimension, we want to keep learning and thinking of things from new perspectives. Professional development, learning or advancing in a new skill, or taking up a new hobby all nurture the intellectual part of ourselves. So many of my students who embrace lifelong learning are especially drawn to this dimension.
  • Spiritual: The spiritual dimension is about our inner purpose and what gives us meaning in life: a sense of wonder and awe. We can nurture this dimension through meditation, walking in nature, mindfulness, breathing techniques, our faith, and more.
  • Environmental: The environmental dimension involves being mindful of our goods consumption and how we treat the environment around us. While recycling is certainly a major —and well-known —aspect of this dimension, it’s really a way of life that places value on the environment we live, work, and play in, and seeks to shape our environment to be more nurturing.
  • Social: The social dimension is about connecting with others in a healthy and balanced way. It may involve picking up the phone or texting a friend or family member, joining coworkers for a lunchtime walk, or joining a community group. It could also entail placing some distance between yourself and those with whom you have unhealthy or hurtful relationships.
  • Occupational: The occupational or professional dimension does not get nearly enough attention! We spend much of our lives at work. This dimension places value on our workplace contributions and encourages us to seek fulfillment in our jobs, and strive for a healthy work-life balance.

Recently an eighth dimension has been added, although it is not widely used. That is the financial dimension. The addition of this dimension is important for 21st-century health. The focus here is on smart budgeting and effectively managing our finances. It includes having both knowledge and access to being financially secure. Perhaps most importantly, nurturing this dimension involves developing a healthy relationship with money.

Want more information? Check out this infographic by Mindbody Inc., or this excellent free and open article on the dimensions of wellness. And stay tuned for practical lifestyle tips for each dimension in our upcoming Wednesday Wellness posts on our social media pages!

 

Career Spotlight: Clinical Nutritionist

Posted on by Mary Kate Weaver

Have you ever tried searching the internet for healthy ideas and a myriad of different answers pop up? Carbs are bad for you. Red meat will make you sick. Sweets will make you gain weight. A vegetarian diet is healthy for everyone. Eat the egg, don’t eat the egg. The list goes on, and it is very easy to get lost in the information. At the end of the day, people find themselves wondering what to believe and what truly works.

A clinical nutritionist works with people to determine the best nutritional route specific to each individual. They can help figure out if eating the egg is right for you, or if an all-vegetarian diet will get you to meet your nutritional goals. If you are looking for a rewarding career and nutrition is your passion, a job as a clinical nutritionist is right for you!

What Is Clinical Nutrition?

Clinical nutritionists analyze whether a person is consuming the right amount of nutrients for their health. Clinical nutrition is the study of how nutrients in food are processed, and what nutrients are right for the body. Clinical nutritionists use research and medical tests to determine the best course of action for each individual to obtain optimal health and prevent disease.

What Does a Clinical Nutritionist Do?

Clinical nutritionists use their knowledge of food and nutrition to promote health and prevent disease by putting specific programs together to help people lead healthy lives.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for clinical nutritionists is $63,100 per year.

Clinical nutritionists are responsible for the following:

● Counseling clients on nutrition and healthy eating habits
● Evaluating and monitoring the effects of nutrition plans and practices and making changes as needed
● Promoting healthy lifestyles by holding group sessions and public speaking events
● Determining a plan for individual clients to encourage healthy eating habits and help them reach their nutrition goals

How to Become a Clinical Nutritionist

A clinical nutritionist typically needs a bachelor’s degree in a health sciences-related field. In some cases, significant work experience in the field can work if you do not hold a bachelor’s degree. A certification is necessary for clinical nutritionists, and on-the-job training is also key for success. No one nutritional plan is the same as another, and the ability to be flexible, analyze, research, and show compassion to every client is necessary. The Graduate Certificate in Nutrition at Excelsior College will prepare you for a successful and rewarding career as a clinical nutritionist.

Job Outlook: Is a Social Sciences Degree Worth It?

Posted on by Mary Kate Weaver

A degree in social sciences can prepare you for a career in any field. Social sciences play an integral role in today’s world, both personally and professionally. Social science graduates are innovative thinkers, have a holistic mentality, and understand what makes people and society act the way they do. If you are looking for something that will increase your chances of job flexibility and creativity, your ability to climb the ladder at your current job, or you are a career changer, a degree in social sciences may be for you.

Benefits of a Social Sciences Degree

There are many benefits to a social sciences degree. Check out a few below:

Specialize in a subject, or two.

Social sciences include many subjects ranging from humanities, politics and international relations, human connections, and more. This degree allows you to focus on areas that interest you and customize your learning experience.

Gain a highly valuable and transferable skillset.

The skills you learn while studying social sciences will help you to function and excel in any workplace. A main part of social sciences is understanding human behavior with organizations and how people form their identities and create entities to relate to one another. This is invaluable in any career path.

Obtain knowledge that will influence society.

A degree in social sciences can prepare you for challenges and problems in the future, as well as give you the confidence and knowledge to solve real-world problems.

Learning Outcomes of a Social Sciences Degree

Depending on what you focus on within the social sciences program, there are many different topics and skills you will learn; however, any degree in social sciences will prepare you for the following learning outcomes:

– You will become an expert critical thinker.
– You will gain an appreciation for cultural differences.
– You will obtain a real-world understanding of issues.
– You will value economic and political education, as well as respect history and the decisions made in various situations.

While these learning outcomes may be generalized, they can help you succeed in any job. The main benefit is understanding why people act the way they do, and how they interact with others. These skills are necessary for jobs in many career fields, such as human services, criminal justice, social services, and more.

Social Science Job Opportunities

According to the American Community Survey, these are the most-often reported jobs for people who majored in social sciences:

– Counselors and social workers
– Elementary and secondary level schoolteachers
– Human resources workers
– Operations, marketing, and sales managers

While these are just a few career paths you can take with a degree in social sciences, you can see they vary across many different industries. So, if you are asking yourself, “Is a degree in social sciences worth it?” the short answer is, yes. Chat with an admissions counselor today to learn more about earning your degree.

Career Spotlight: Registered Dietician

Posted on by Mary Kate Weaver

Are you passionate about food, nutrition, health, and helping people? Do you want a career that can combine your hobbies and passions, and allow you to help people live a better life? A career as a registered dietician could be the right option for you. Becoming a registered dietician requires a heavy course load and long hours of patient care, but the rewards and benefits are worth it.

What Is a Registered Dietician?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a registered dietician is a certified health care professional who is an expert in nutrition and dietetics. They provide advice and guidance to clients on what they should eat to live a healthier life. The average salary for registered dieticians is $65,400 a year.

What Does a Registered Dietician Do?

The job duties of a registered dietician can vary depending on the type of industry or workplace. Registered dieticians can work for private practices, fitness facilities, schools, hospitals, nursing home facilities, and many other places. The main goal of a registered dietician is to help clients live a healthy lifestyle and reach their nutritional goals at any stage of their life. Check out a few standard job duties that cross all industries:

● Develop dietetic and nutritional plans
● Access patient needs and research nutritional trends
● Educate others on diet and nutrition
● Counsel patients and facilitate group sessions

What Skills Does a Registered Dietician Need?

A registered dietician must be a compassionate, caring, and thoughtful person. While science-based course work must be completed to enter this career, being proficient in science is not the only skill that will help you to succeed. Here are some of the top skills needed to be a great registered dietician:

● Active listening skills and strong communication skills
Because of the amount of client care and interaction in this role, you must be able to listen and care for your clients, while communicating with them in a way they understand.
● Effective organizational and time management skills
As a registered dietician, you will have multiple clients at a time, all with different needs. It is important to be organized to be effective and be your best for each client.
● Strong problem-solving skills

Creating a nutritional and dietetic plan for each patient will require research and a bit of trial and error. As everyone’s health is different, it is important to be flexible if a program isn’t going as planned. Being a problem solver can help you provide patients with the right plan from the start or pivot quickly to revise a plan.

How to Become a Registered Dietician

There are many paths to becoming a registered dietician and, depending on where you are in your educational journey, it may be different. A registered dietician needs at least a bachelor’s degree in a health sciences-related field as well as many hours of on-the-job training. Some states even require a master’s degree to complete the registered dieticians certification exam. At Excelsior College, the Graduate Certificate in Nutrition will get you one step closer to becoming a registered dietician!

Why a Nuclear Engineering Degree is Perfect for Navy Veterans

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

When Jeffery Hoffman retired after 26 years in the U.S. Navy, he wanted to stay in the same job he had at the Naval Nuclear Laboratory in New York and earn a college degree.

Hoffman cleared the first hurdle by keeping his engineering technologist job at the lab in a civilian role. He cleared the second by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology online from Excelsior College.

Hoffman found the skills he learned in the Navy served him well when he made the leap from military service to the private sector. His story is an example of why a nuclear engineering technology degree is a perfect fit for Navy veterans.

Why Earn a Nuclear Engineering Technology Degree?

The U.S. Navy is a world leader in the use of nuclear power, and nuclear power is entwined with jobs throughout the service. Like Hoffman, some people work at testing and training labs. Others work with weapon systems, power plants, aircraft carriers, and nuclear-powered submarines.

The skills learned in those jobs make Navy veterans perfect candidates for a nuclear engineering technology degree program. Many find their service experience helps them earn their degree much faster.

Yet another reason to earn a degree is the high salary potential for people skilled in nuclear energy. Nuclear engineers made $125,130 in May 2020, federal data shows.

Excelsior’s BS in Nuclear Engineering Technology helps you make the most of your military training and earn your degree faster.

Advantages for Veterans at Excelsior College

The skills Navy veterans have learned can translate into college credit. At Excelsior College, many veterans transfer more than half the credits they need toward earning a degree. For the BS in Nuclear Engineering Technology, they can transfer 81 of the 124 required credits.

The college offers credit for both educational and military experience. Some sources of credit include:

  • Navy enlisted certifications
  • Navy enlisted classifications
  • Navy enlisted rating
  • Navy limited duty officer rating
  • Navy warrant officer rating
  • Military Service School courses
  • Defense Language Institute courses
  • DLPT exams

Excelsior College’s Veterans Center also supports former servicemembers with information on making the transition to the workforce, health and wellness, funding for school, and more. In addition, Excelsior College offers scholarships for veterans. For example, Hoffman received funds from a scholarship program designed for veterans living in New York.

What You Learn in a BS Program

The BS in Nuclear Engineering Technology prepares students for technical careers in nuclear power. The program maps to those who have worked in the field, including those who served in the Navy.

Topics covered in the 100-percent online degree program include health physics, chemistry, quality assurance, reactor operations, instrumentation, and control. Students can choose between two concentrations: nuclear cybersecurity or nuclear leadership. A third option lets students design their studies to match their career goals.

The program includes courses in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and math. Courses that apply to the major include:

  • Introduction to Computers
  • Health Physics and Radiation Protection
  • Radiation Measurement Lab
  • Atomic and Nuclear Physics
  • Thermodynamics
  • Heat Transfer and Fluid Mechanics
  • Electrical Theory
  • Power Plant Components
  • Project Management
  • Fundamentals of Reactor Safety
  • Material Science
  • Reactor Core Fundamentals
  • Plant Systems Overview
  • Integrated Technology Assessment (capstone course)

Those who choose the nuclear cybersecurity path study topics that include computer security, cybersecurity defense in the nuclear industry, business continuity, and information literacy. They also study cybersecurity investigations involving the nuclear industry.

Those who choose the nuclear leadership path study organizational behavior, business leadership, leading change, leadership communications, and risk management.

Students leave the program ready to work in jobs where they apply their skills and knowledge to identify and solve nuclear engineering technology problems. For Navy veterans with experience in the field, the BS in Nuclear Engineering Technology is a degree that will help them easily make the shift from military service to the civilian workforce.