Excelsior University President David Schejbal was interviewed for an article titled “Online Education Booms in an Era of Lifelong Learning” by journalist Michael James for the publication WorkingNation. The piece also includes interviews with alumni Sena Amegbletor and Jason Delonais. The article details the state of online higher education and Excelsior’s place in the national conversation.
The Evolution of Excelsior University
In a bold step forward for our institution, Excelsior College officially became Excelsior University on August 1, 2022. The university designation symbolized the start of a new chapter in a storied history. Like the chapters before—the creation of the Regents External Degree Program, the transition to Regents College, and the new charter and transition to Excelsior College—our current iteration further highlights the evolutionary transformation of the institution.
Our work as a comprehensive university is just beginning. In 2024, Excelsior launched two new Bachelor of Science programs in the critical fields of computer science and public health, meeting societal and workforce needs with in-demand, market-responsive opportunities. In 2025, Excelsior submitted the request to become a doctoral degree-granting institution. The first doctorate to be offered will be the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), scheduled to launch after New York State Education Department approval. Additional applied doctoral programs will follow.
Along with new degrees, Excelsior University is enhancing the ways in which students learn. In fall 2025, Excelsior will launch a new Executive MBA program, combining the flexibility of online education with immersive, on-the-ground residencies for an intensive learning experience that connects students with industry leaders.
This year, Excelsior will celebrate the graduation of its 200,000th student. We will commemorate this milestone at the 2025 Commencement ceremony in July, welcoming and celebrating all Excelsior graduates and their families.
As Excelsior University prepares for its 200,000th graduate to earn their degree, we reflect on the decades of innovation that created the Excelsior University of today. Much has changed since the institution issued its first diploma as the Regents External Degree Program in 1972, but its mission remains the same: to make the transformative power of education accessible to all.
I invite you to learn more about Excelsior University. If you are a graduate, become an active member of the Alumni Association. If you are considering finishing a degree or starting a new degree, there is no better place than Excelsior University to realize your lifetime goals.
Ever upward!
David Schejbal, PhD
President
Excelsior University President David Schejbal is a leading voice in adult and nontraditional higher education. His insights have been featured in such publications as Forbes, The EvoLLLution, and Inside Higher Ed. Stay up to date with some of President Schejbal’s recent interviews and articles.
Let’s Talk About Feelings. What Are You Doing with Yours?
So … how are you feeling?
Hold on! Before you answer that, I am talking about, you know, emotions.
Glad, sad, mad, scared, ashamed … ?
These are some of the words therapists use to help get their clients started on identifying their feelings. You might be using these words, among many others, to identify your own feelings. If so, good for you! However, you might also find you’re not so comfortable in talking about your emotions. In fact, you might not always even be sure of what emotions you are experiencing.
If being aware of your own emotions doesn’t come easily, and if talking about emotions is also hard for you, you are not alone. But having said that, emotions are part of being human. And being aware of our emotions, and being able to express feelings, enhances our overall wellness, as well as improves communication.
What Are You Doing with Your Feelings?
Pretending that you don’t have feelings, also referred to as swallowing your feelings, doesn’t make them go away. Doing this only causes pain to yourself and the people who care about you. As an instructor at Excelsior University, I often interact with my students about emotional issues.
We live in challenging times. We are experiencing a lot of unrest in the world, while we are also trying to emerge from a global pandemic. There are also the many challenges we are facing in our own communities, in our workplaces, and in our home life. My Excelsior students are trying to obtain an education in the midst of all of this. They are my heroes!
Here a few composite examples:
A single parent of three children is trying to balance work, child care, and education, including caring for a child with a learning disability, while also tending to the needs of an aging parent. And completing a college degree that will mean more economic security for the family.
A member of the Armed Forces is leaving for what may be a lengthy deployment and is concerned about completing their education so they can move to the next level in their military career. The student has fallen behind in two courses.
After losing family members to cancer as well as to COVID-19, a student finds themselves overwhelmed by the need to provide various kinds of assistance as well as emotional support to family members, so much so that they have not had time to do their own grieving. They are falling behind in their schoolwork.
These are just a few examples of the challenges our students face. Others I have encountered have included loss of a home due to a natural disaster, domestic violence, and medical diagnoses, among other challenges.
As you read these examples, you may have thought about challenges you have encountered in your own life. Life’s challenges lead to stress and the emotions that I identified at the beginning of this article. Stress that is not addressed can, over time, lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. What are you doing about your stress?
Have a heart. You can’t control how you feel, but you don’t have to let your feelings control you. Accept your own feelings—all of them—and let yourself be human.
Now, on any given day, you may find yourself experiencing emotions that are all over the place, especially during times when life seems to throw one curveball after another in your direction, or in the direction of someone for whom you are attempting to provide emotional support. Having emotions is just part of being human. So why do so many of us tend to hold our emotions in, or deny their existence, or refuse to talk about emotions with the people in our lives?
Well, I think we are all too often afraid of emotions, afraid they will overcome us, that we won’t be able to function if we give into them. But I am here to tell you, as a therapist, that acknowledging emotions, allowing ourselves to feel our feelings, is an important step toward emotional wellness.
Just how do you do that, you might be asking? Well, I just happen to have a few ideas.
In the moment, engage your rational mind. Clients often say to me, “Sometimes I am just overwhelmed by feelings. They just run away with me. How can I keep that from happening?” Here’s how: Start by accepting that feelings are part of being human and own your feelings!
Many of us were brought up in families where emotions were not okay. As a result, we learned to swallow our own feelings. If this was your experience, you may also have learned, perhaps the hard way, that unacknowledged feelings build up and find their way out, often at the wrong place and time, and with a much greater intensity than the situation warrants, like blowing up all over the place over something pretty insignificant. So feel how you feel. And give yourself permission to tell other people how you are feeling, as feelings arise, not after you have been holding them back for a few days. This may take some practice. But if you make a habit of expressing your feelings on a regular basis, you will feel less at risk for having your feelings fly out of control. In other words, let go of the assumption to automatically assume you don’t have a right to your feelings.
Letting those feelings out doesn’t mean you will lose control. Actually, it’s the opposite. Feelings kept inside will build up over time. They must go somewhere. They may cause internal stress, which can have a negative effect on your well-being, and even affect your health. Built-up emotions can lead to tension that never seems to go away, which can result in high blood pressure, heart problems, stomach issues, or mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
Take a step back when you need to. When you’re caught up in a situation, it’s really hard to not get overwhelmed emotionally to the point where you become alarmed by the intensity of your feelings and possibly concerned over the impact of your feelings on other people. Often, your reactions have done damage to yourself and others. You may also be likely to feel overwhelmed and out of control if you feel your emotions are being ignored or disrespected by others. This is a good time to take a step back from the situation. It might mean holding up your hand and stating that you need a couple of minutes. It might also mean leaving the room for a brief period. The point here is to do what you need to do to take care of yourself and your emotions—in the moment.
Breathe. You can use your breath to keep from becoming overwhelmed by your emotions. The technique is called diaphragmatic breathing: a slow deep breath in through your nose, all the way in until your belly sticks out, and then a slow release of breath out through your mouth. Do this a few times and you will be amazed at the results. Diaphragmatic breathing helps to give you a sense of peace and calm. It also helps you to engage your rational mind so your emotions don’t run away with you.
A Few Additional Thoughts About Anger
I think it is safe to say that, for better or worse, we live in a culture of anger. It seems to me that it has become okay to blow up, to express angry thoughts, angry words, to take angry actions against other people. So I think that a discussion about mental health needs to include words about anger.
Sure, getting angry is part of being human. Keep in mind that anger is a primary emotion. When someone treats you or someone you care about in a disrespectful or aggressive manner, it’s only human to get mad. Nature has wired us to get angry. Where the complications arise is as a result of what we choose to do with all that anger. Emphasis on “choose”!
Anger is what therapists call a covering emotion. In other words, we may have an underlying emotion, like fear, or disappointment, or sadness, going on. If we are avoiding acknowledging or experiencing that emotion, we may find ourselves veering into anger instead. And keep in mind that anger may feel more comfortable at the moment and more acceptable than the feelings the anger may be covering. For example, have you ever felt deeply sad or disappointed, and found yourself on the edge of blowing up at someone? If so, you were using your anger to cover another feeling.
And let’s face it, anger can sure feel better than whatever emotions it’s covering up. Sadness can feel like one long heartache that seems to hang over you like a dark cloud. Fear conjures up lots of “what ifs,” and reminds us that not only are we not in control of whatever situation that is causing the fear, we might also be helpless to stop it from happening. Disappointment is just plain old crushing. And so it’s human nature to latch on to anger to cover it all up and, at least temporarily, make it go away.
Anger can feel energizing, purposeful. Blowing up can make us feel like, at least temporarily, we are doing something and not just sitting with sadness, fear, or disappointment. The problem is that our anger is generally not aimed toward constructive action. Anger is all too often a destructive force, doing great damage to our wellness and our relationships. Wouldn’t it be a better idea to acknowledge the emotions we are trying to cover up with all that anger and learn some creative ways to cope?
In the moment of anger, take a step back. Do whatever it takes to engage your rational mind, whether it’s taking a few deep, calming breaths, or leaving the room for a moment to regroup, or whatever else you can do to help you think before you react. Get back in touch with what’s pushing that anger button. This will help you to get a handle on that urge to go from zero to 60.
Don’t let yourself hide behind blowing up. Sometimes you’re mad because you’re mad. But other times, anger is not anger at all. Instead, it’s sadness or fear that you don’t want to admit to, and so you cover up those feelings by getting angry. And if you’re feeling helpless in some way, anger is often the go-to response. What do you do about that? Ask yourself: “Am I really mad about something? Or is it too hard for me to admit how I really feel?” It might help to sit down and sort your feelings out with someone who can listen. And remember, anger puts a wedge between you and the people around you, at a time when you could use some support.
And be ready to apologize. You’re dealing with a lot, and you’re doing the best you can. As are your loved ones. If your anger got the best of you, admit it. Resolve to do better next time. Ask for help.
Start the Day Being Aware of Your Emotions
Here are some ways to get on top of your emotions proactively.
Each morning, do an inventory of your emotions. Ask yourself: “How am I feeling today? Glad? Great! Or sad? Scared? Frustrated? Just plain old mad?” Ask yourself what’s causing you to feel that way. Most likely you can identify thoughts or recent events that are bringing up those feelings. If you’re angry, ask yourself why. And if you can’t come up with an answer, cast a wider net for other feelings that may be behind all that anger.
Take a look at what you can and can’t control. Taking a moment to acknowledge your level of control, or lack thereof, can help you to maintain your perspective. Is it time to recite the serenity prayer and accept what you can’t control? Or is it time to take some action to address an issue you have been pushing aside?
Know what you need to do to stay in a mentally healthy place. Again, be proactive. If you start the day with feelings that are hard to sit with, like sadness, frustration, or fear, then consider what you can do help yourself cope. Is there someone you can call for a pep talk? Do you need to take time for a walk? Maybe some meditation? A break with some calming music? Or a maybe a religious or spiritual practice? I always recommend to clients that they have a toolbox of coping skills they can pull from as needed.
Maintain self-awareness. It’s only human to feel overwhelmed when something happens that presses a button. So how do you stop that from happening? The key is to be aware of yourself, every moment of the day. That means knowing when you might be feeling especially vulnerable. Being your authentic self can enhance your wellness. Doing your morning emotional inventory will kick-start your self-awareness for the rest of the day.
Make Your Home a Safe Space for Emotions
Help your family members to feel comfortable talking about feelings. This will have an incredibly positive impact on the emotional wellness of everyone in your household.
Practice using feeling words. My clients have said to me that they’re afraid that if they talked about how they’re feeling, the roof might come crashing down on them. I can pretty much guarantee that won’t happen. So, give it a try. Start with something about how your day went: “I felt frustrated at work today when…” Or, “When I saw that traffic was backed up, I was worried that…” Wow, you just expressed a feeling. That wasn’t so bad, was it?
And don’t assume your loved ones can’t listen to how you feel. One of the biggest excuses I hear for holding in emotions is protecting other people. In the first place, they can see your feelings all over your face so, chances are, you’re not fooling anybody. And in the second place, your loved ones may not be as fragile as you think they are. Not sure if they can talk about feelings with you? How about asking? And while you’re at it, volunteer to listen to how they feel, too.
Encourage your children to express emotions! Remember, kids know how their parents are feeling, and they may as a result hold back on saying something they fear may upset their parents. So, they may be holding back on talking about their feelings and not get the support from their parents they need.
While We’re at It, Let’s Encourage People Around Us to Talk About Feelings
One more time: Humans have emotions. So here’s a challenge for you: What if you took a few more risks to talk about your own feelings—with your family members, with your neighbors, at work, with any of the people you come into contact in life—and encourage them to do the same?
Have a heart. You can’t control how you feel, but you don’t have to let your feelings control you. Accept your own feelings—all of them—and let yourself be human. Be aware of the range of your emotions. Sure, feelings can be scary, but allow your feelings to see the light of day.
Compassion. Give yourself a break, and you’ll be that much more able to give others a break, too. We’re all in this together!
Gary McClain, PhD, has taught at Excelsior University since 2008. He is a therapist, patient advocate, and educator specializing in helping clients deal with the emotional impact of chronic and life-threatening health conditions, as well as their families and professional caregivers. His website is JustGotDiagnosed.com. He is the author of “The Power of Closure: Why We Want It, How to Get It, and When to Walk Away,” published by TarcherPerigee in July 2024. He received the Faculty Scholarship Award from the College of Health Sciences in 2023 and was named Distinguished Faculty Member of the School of Health Sciences in 2013.
Treat Your Shelf
No one reads anymore!
While a common grievance—best delivered with a world-weary shake of the head—it’s not an entirely true one. Even though our current digital age is often heralded as the death of the written word, we’ve spent the past 30 years reading more than ever, even if what we’re reading looks different. Every day, we absorb countless texts and emails. We scan social media, the news, and online articles. Billions of words are finding their way into our eyeballs whether we realize how much we’re reading or not.
But what about curling up with a good book?
Nearly 1 million books were published in 2020. Did you read any of them? Did you read any books at all? If the answer was no, you’re not alone. Nearly a quarter of American adults (23%) say they haven’t read a book in the past year, whether in print, electronic, or audio form, according to the most recent Pew Research Center survey of U.S. adults about their reading habits published in January 2022.
Why? Many adults report that they either don’t have enough time or simply “don’t like reading.” Reading is often associated with a tedious chore, something that you were forced to do in school. If you’ve recently finished your degree, picking up a long book is probably the last thing you want to do! Reading a book also takes the privileged commodities of education and leisure. If you grew up with books in the house and saw your parents reading, chances are you’ll stay a reader into adulthood. A deeper look at the Pew study shows that household income and a lower level of educational attainment correlate to fewer books read, meaning that if all your time is spent keeping your family afloat, reading the latest issue of The Paris Review is probably not on your priority list. Even so, the number of adults who report reading for personal interest has dropped across the entire economic spectrum over the years.
Reading is self-care. It’s dedicating a time and place for yourself that’s quiet and without distractions.
Experts posit this points to an overall lack of free time and increase in screen time, a theory borne out by data from Publishers Weekly that reports book sales rose by 9% in 2020, a year when the pandemic was at its height, resulting in a lot more unscheduled time for many Americans.
Quarantine-related “vacation” notwithstanding, if we’re all chronically busy and bleary-eyed, why spend our precious time reading books at all?
One of the main benefits of reading for your own enjoyment is inherent in the time itself. Reading is self-care. It’s dedicating a time and place for yourself that’s quiet and without distractions. There’s a reason why people talk about getting lost in a good book. As you engross yourself in a story, the edges of daily life start to blur, and so do your feelings of stress. As your body relaxes, your brain is lighting up with activity, stimulating an increase in empathy, creativity, and imagination. Next time you feel the urge to zone out by scrolling through your feed, try to make the decision to read intentionally instead.
Books not only expand your mind but could also expand your career, as reading trains you to synthesize information and process complex concepts. Chances are that the more you read, the better you’ll write by benefit of your expanded vocabulary and boosted ability to focus. Joining a reading group or book club is a great way to combine networking with reading while having the added bonus of taking reading from a solitary activity to one that you can experience with others. Another way to share reading with your community is volunteering to read to older adults or people with low vision. If you enjoy reading to your own children, consider signing up to read aloud at a library or community center after-school program near you.
Still think you don’t like reading? You do, we promise. You just haven’t found the right book yet. Start with what interests you, whether it’s history or self-improvement or science fiction. There’s truly something for everyone. Need ideas? Ask a bookworm friend for a recommendation, search online, or better yet, take a stroll through your neighborhood bookstore or library.
Started reading a book you’re just not into? Don’t feel bad about putting it down and finding something new. And free yourself from any shame about what pages you like to turn. If choosing to dive into some YA fiction or a romance paperback over Thomas Pynchon gets you reading, that’s good enough.
Of course, if you’re reading this article, you may already lean toward all things literate. You’re probably smart, too! You did go to Excelsior University after all, so pick up or download a book today and start reading.
A Friendship Leads to a Memorable Commencement Speech
In 2007, Commencement speakers Ana Maria Tapia de Mitchell and Kate Butler showed how Excelsior University brings people together.
The two graduates had met during their studies through Excelsior’s Electronic Peer Network, where students bought and sold used books. Tapia de Mitchell had just completed a course and was selling her textbooks, and Butler bought them. They soon discovered they both were in their 50s and had four children, and over the course of their time with Excelsior, they often encouraged and commiserated with each other.
At Commencement, the two spoke together to deliver a graduation speech marking the first and so far only time two people teamed up to deliver graduate remarks. They talked about how one lived in Albany, New York, and one lived in Houston, Texas, and that they had just met in person for the first time, and how they both shared the dream of earning their degree.
“In our lives, we have all undoubtedly fallen down many times. But the fact that we are all here today means that, each and every time, we stood back up.”
Toward the end of their speech, Butler said, “Shortly after I began working on my degree at Excelsior, I went out to dinner with friends at a Chinese restaurant. Inside my fortune cookie was an old Chinese proverb that I still carry in my wallet today. It said, ‘Fall down seven times; stand up eight.’ We are not a graduating class of young college students, poised on the brink of adulthood. We are adults who have lived diverse lives, who have accomplished much, and will accomplish more. In our lives, we have all undoubtedly fallen down many times. But the fact that we are all here today means that, each and every time, we stood back up. And so, to the Class of 2007, wherever you are, here in this room or halfway across the world, please join us in standing up together—as the Excelsior College Class of 2007.”
Tapia de Mitchell and Butler concluded their remarks by stating in unison: “Congratulations!”
Marisol Nava Begins Her Next Journey
What she does for fun: Reading books by James Patterson, listening to music, dancing, and spending time with her family
Ideal superpowers: Eliminating language barriers and eradicating fear of big decisions
Childhood dream job: Special education teacher
It was an ordinary morning for Marisol Nava, of Mount Arlington, New Jersey. She was working as a lead preschool teacher the day a behavioral specialist paid a visit to her classroom to observe a student and in the process saw the special connection that Nava had with the children in her care. The specialist immediately recognized Nava’s talent and encouraged her to continue her education and reach her full professional potential. She recommended Excelsior University (then College), and that is when, Nava says, her journey started.
Nava enrolled in Excelsior in 2020 knowing that a degree could be her “cornerstone to succeed” and that without one, she would have a challenging time advancing her career in child development. She had been searching for the right path to a degree since immigrating from Peru in 2012 but found that other colleges wouldn’t accept all the credits she had earned in her home country. Not having her credits accepted was frustrating, as was the requirement to pass an English as a second language (ESL) program despite having studied and spoken English for years.
“It’s important to set a good example for our children and to build a better path for future generations. Continuing to learn is not a choice; it’s something that you have to do in order to have success.”
Excelsior was not her only college experience, but after her first supportive conversation with an admissions counselor, she knew it would be her best and was excited to be able to start courses right away. Resources such as the online writing lab, tutoring service, the library, and the helpfulness of Excelsior instructors and staff removed many of the challenges of going back to school as an adult student. And Excelsior accepted and applied the 94 credits she had earned from other sources, including Universidad Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, Passaic County Community College, and Sophia Learning, to the bachelor’s degree program she selected.
In her community, Nava says, it is expected that the second or third generation will be the ones to succeed. But first-generation Americans like herself have dreams of their own, and Nava believes it’s just as important for them—and beneficial for the generations that come after—to pursue their goals with equal expectation for success.
Nava graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in July 2022 and is glad that she made the decision to jump right into her education without overthinking it. She’d give similar advice to other students like her. “When we are adults, we don’t have the right time for starting new things. … The right moment doesn’t exist because we have a lot on our shoulders, but we have to believe that it’s never too late. It’s important to set a good example for our children and to build a better path for future generations,” Nava says. “Continuing to learn is not a choice; it’s something that you have to do in order to have success.”
Nava has gone on to earn a master’s degree in child development and early intervention, a goal she says would not have been possible without her bachelor’s degree from Excelsior. Her achievements have inspired her oldest daughter to apply to Excelsior for a second career in psychology. “We are confident that Excelsior will open new paths for her and help her achieve her goal of becoming a mental health counselor,” says Nava. “We will always be Excelsior proud.”
Tony Spearman-Leach Carries On a Legacy of Service to Others
Secret to success:Commitment to trying and willingness to “fail forward”
What drives him: Persistence, determination, giving back to others
Source of pride: Building positive change as a board member of nonprofit organizations
Tony Spearman-Leach, the president of the Excelsior University Alumni Association and chair of the Alumni Leadership Council, has spent much of his life in service to others. His commitment to service has woven in and out of his professional journey to his current position as the director of business development and philanthropy at the National Academy of Public Administration, in Washington, D.C.
“Living in service to others was a philosophy that has run throughout the history of my family,” says Spearman-Leach, now in his second year as president of the Alumni Association and chair of the Alumni Leadership Council. Uplifting communities and instilling hope in others runs in Spearman-Leach’s family. He shares that his great-grandfather, Wade H. Spearman, was the first African American elected after Reconstruction to a North Carolina city council. His grandfather, Robert L. Hardin, was a pioneering African American epidemiologist, and his mother, Gayle S. Leach, is a retired librarian, former trustee of the Library of Michigan, and recently retired assistant deputy warden for the Michigan Department of Corrections.
Beginning from when Spearman-Leach was young, his family instilled in him the importance of education, business, and philanthropy. He reflects that we are the sum of what has been passed on through our families. “I’m very humbled because one of the churches that I went to as a little kid, Sandy Grove Baptist Church in Lumberton, North Carolina—its bricks were laid by my great- grandfather,” says Spearman-Leach.
Spearman-Leach watched his mother move from being a librarian to an assistant deputy warden in prisons, teaching incarcerated individuals to read. The joy she brought to men who were illiterate has had a profound impact in Spearman-Leach’s life, he says. In fact, he named an Excelsior Ever Upward Scholarship in honor of his mother because he was so moved by her dedication to teaching others.
Spearman-Leach has enjoyed a varied professional life that has included careers in business, science, technology, and the arts. In his current role, he works to secure contracts and philanthropic engagement. He has also conducted workshops for the U.S. State Department and its programs at the Meridian International Center for international nonprofit and NGO leaders.
In addition to his full-time work, Spearman-Leach enjoys giving his time to community organizations. He chairs the advisory board of the Josiah Henson Museum and Park, in North Bethesda, Maryland, and in fall 2022 connected Excelsior to the museum and participated in an alumni event held there. He is also involved with several other organizations. He is the treasurer of Montgomery College’s Pinkney Innovation Complex for Science and Technology Foundation, which provides a continuum of life sciences and cybersecurity education and training, fostering economic development through a skilled workforce. Spearman-Leach also serves on the board of the Mid-Atlantic Federal Credit Union and is both a board member and governance committee chair for Leadership Montgomery.
As evidenced by his life of service, Spearman-Leach is firmly committed to paying it forward. Just as he learned this from his family and others who have helped him, he feels a responsibility to pay it forward to others. “I think the best thing to do is to follow in the footsteps of your family members and role models and mentors,” he says. “I think that fellow Excelsior alumni and current students should do the same and should ask themselves, ‘If not now, when?’ and ‘If not me, who?’… ‘If I don’t step up, who will?’”
When in Rome
Ciao, Belle
Finding the words to describe my experience is akin to finding the right sentiment to a life-altering experience. Even now, as I sit here writing and searching for the ways to compartmentalize my thoughts, I am at a loss. I can begin to describe what my study abroad experience wasn’t.
Traveling thousands of miles alone, for the very first time, wasn’t without fear. In fact, I was terrified. Going to a new country with a different culture and dynamic wasn’t easy. If anything, it was eye-opening. Finding this life experience amid all the chaos in our world wasn’t simple—it was one of the biggest steps I’ve taken in my life.
My name is Rosabella, but I usually go by Belle. I was born with a visual disability I’ve struggled with all my life. I am currently 22 years old and working to finish a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts with Excelsior. Because of my condition, among many other ones, I struggle to get out. I cannot drive, and many social activities always have fallen short of my capabilities. About 18 months ago, I was also in a car accident, leaving me unable to walk for about three months.
“But despite everything I was told I couldn’t do, I did.
– Rosabella Galarza
Photos courtesy of Rosabella Galarza
Excelsior was the best option, as the flexibility without needing to travel somewhere on my own or be around others made it ideal. Being isolated, though, confined to my space, I don’t find the life experiences many do. You could say I dreamed of being independent, to go on an adventure and explore outside my Rapunzel tower. I just didn’t. I couldn’t. I was told I couldn’t, and it was evident by my past experiences that I wouldn’t.
Fast-forward to the email I received from Excelsior in March 2024 highlighting the chance to study abroad in an amazing country I’ve always dreamed of seeing. As I sat there, moments after crying that I’d never see anything outside my bedroom windows, it felt almost like a sign. All the fears lingered, and I realized I might have been foolish for thinking about being in a new country, getting on a plane, and separating from my family for that long, given the conditions I have.
But had that thinking ever stopped me before? No. And I wouldn’t let it this time either.
I got on that plane, eight hours on my own with my extreme fear of airplanes and a brace around my foot, trying to navigate the tiny print I could barely read. I did that. I settled into the dorms, finding my way to live for a month with brand-new people and routines that couldn’t be further from what I had known. I did that. I learned more about my painting trade through the class I took, despite being told most of my life that art like that would be impossible for me. I did that.
I walked the streets of Rome, surrounded by new potential danger and incredible churches and landmarks I couldn’t have ever dreamed of seeing. I did that. I took the train up to Florence, witnessing the deep passion of my favorite works of art I had only seen through school projects on my screen. I did that. I trekked the ruins of Pompeii, my foot aching and my strength dwindling throughout the entire excursion while seeing the breathtaking historic monuments. I did that.
I did that.
I mean to say this, repetitive as it is. I did that, and I did that on my own. Sure, I had some support, and I had people around me. But despite everything I was told I couldn’t do, I did.
While studying abroad, Rosabella Galarza celebrated her 22nd birthday with a day trip to Florence. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts.
Lessons of the Eternal City
I am grateful for and enlightened by my period of studying in Rome as an Excelsior student. Much more than an academic pursuit, it has been a journey that has absolutely changed my view of many things by growing my knowledge of history and culture and, finally, changing my view of the world.
Upon arrival in Rome, I found myself instantly connected with the energetic combination of ancient history and modern lifestyle. The Roman Forum ruins, the grandeur of the Colosseum, and the splendor of the Vatican—these were not ordinary tourist spots; rather, they were living, breathing classrooms. Each historic site had a story to be discovered, and as I learned about the details of life in ancient Rome, I started to grasp the depth of accomplishment, the lessons learned from history.
“Being among people of different backgrounds and points of view helped me learn the importance of putting oneself in other people’s shoes … .”
– Briana Benefield (left)
Photo courtesy of Briana Benefield
Academically, the study in Rome broadened my learning in unexpected ways. Course offerings included experiential learning whereby lectures might be conducted in museums or historic sites. This interactive type of learning reinforced the mastery of the subject, making abstract notions more concrete and familiar. For instance, Renaissance art could be explored while examining the masterpieces of Michelangelo so one could learn about the cultural and philosophical influences on the art of that time. This experiential learning set off a new spark in my life for history and the arts, an interest I still carry today.
My experience in Rome greatly influenced my outlook outside the classroom. Being among people of different backgrounds and points of view helped me learn the importance of putting oneself in other people’s shoes and being more tolerant of others. I came home a little wiser, determined to foster depth in my own community, with a deeper respect for diversity. Life in Rome taught me something more valuable about life than anything I would have learned in school: People learned to get over the obstacles of living in a place, persist through the barriers of language, and fit in with new social behaviors. And they were more robust and independent for it.
I learned to welcome uncertainty and approach problems with an eye toward finding solutions. As is often said, every obstacle conquered—from riding the public transportation system to ordering a meal in Italian—is an opportunity for growth.
Briana Benefield, a U.S. Army veteran, is enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology program. She described her time in Rome as “a transformative experience.”
All Roads Lead to …
My study abroad experience at John Cabot University, in Rome, was a highlight of my liberal arts academic journey. This experience was made possible by the exquisite help I received from Excelsior University, which made the entire process run smoothly. As a Six Sigma practitioner, that is high praise! Excelsior used various communication methods to keep students well informed, including email, their website, and a chatbot. The staff was extremely knowledgeable about all requirements, including registration, travel, housing, and, most importantly to me, VA funding.
Upon arriving in Rome, I felt a bit grumpy, hungry, and exhausted after traveling from Utah. All I wanted was to get to my lodging without any problems. Given my 27-year background in logistics management in the Air Force, I am well aware of the difficulties associated with coordinating a large team bed-down. There are numerous moving parts, including personnel, luggage, and other logistics concerns. Excelsior and John Cabot executed the entire procedure flawlessly.
I enrolled in Street Photography, which I initially thought would be a breeze. However, it turned out to be much more challenging than I anticipated, with a significant emphasis on classroom work, theory, and composition. The professor, who was incredibly talented, led us through historic sites and town squares, giving us assignments that pushed us to apply what we learned in real time. We were required to bring our photos to class each day, and to my amazement, the professor remembered every student’s photos—their composition, use of color or black and white, leading lines, rule of thirds, etc. Her attention to detail and ability to recall each student’s work was remarkable. I found myself wanting to incorporate her classroom management techniques when I returned home and resumed teaching.
“My work was a culmination of the countless miles I walked and the deep connection I formed with the Eternal City through my camera lens.”
–Tamara Wass
Photos courtesy of Tamara Wass
As the name of the course implies, the homework involved traipsing through Rome, and each day I found myself covering 6–8 miles, applying the day’s classroom theory. The final project was a five-minute video or PowerPoint presentation showcasing our work, and I titled my compilation “All Roads Lead to Rome.” My work was a culmination of the countless miles I walked and the deep connection I formed with the Eternal City through my camera lens. I delved into the “all roads lead to Rome” theme, researching the history and myths surrounding some of Rome’s most famous streets, such as the ancient Via Appia, the beloved Via Piccolomini with its stunning view of Vatican City, and the cherished Via dei Coronari and Via Panisperna. Additionally, I explored the legend of Castel Sant’Angelo, where the Archangel Michael is said to have appeared during a devastating plague, a miraculous event that led Pope Gregory I to rename the castle after the sighting. These historic events enriched my project, adding a deeper historical and cultural context to my work.
My study abroad experience was a pivotal moment in my education journey. The street photography course connected my liberal arts degree and my growing passion for teaching. The opportunity to assist a fellow student, who faced a medical challenge and missed several days of instruction, was a profound experience that combined my enthusiasm for education with the compassion and empathy essential for effective teaching. This experience, guided by a remarkable professor, highlighted the importance of adaptability and support in education. It also underscored the value of my unique educational background, which spans human resource management, logistics management, and liberal arts, and how these diverse fields enrich my approach as a 10th-grade teacher today.
Tamara Wass, a U.S. Air Force veteran, earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in July 2024. One of her photos received an honorable mention at the Utah State Fair in 2024.
Carl Eyler Knows Change Is Good, but Basics Are Better
Hidden talent: Former avid marathoner
Upcoming adventures: Training to hike the Grand Canyon rim to rim in fall 2025
Loves to read: David Eddings and Jim Butcher
In the field of cybersecurity, Carl Eyler has seen it all and done most of it, too. Now, he’s giving back to the industry and his alma mater as a faculty member and the director of the National Cybersecurity Institute (NCI) at Excelsior University.
Eyler earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from Excelsior University (then Regents College) in 1996 and went on to earn a Master of Science in Cybersecurity from the University of Maryland, University College. He joined Excelsior as a full-time faculty member in 2022 and teaches in both the Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Cybersecurity programs. He assumed directorship of NCI in February 2024.
“There is an overwhelming need for cybersecurity professionals in today’s world,” says Eyler, in a news release announcing his role as NCI director. “The National Cybersecurity Institute moves Excelsior University to the forefront of this important field by training the experts of the future, building on the University’s innovative degree programs with state-of-the-art resources and providing experiential learning opportunities.”
“AI is a great thing, but it can be used maliciously so we need to put controls in place.”
During Eyler’s 13 years in the U.S. Army culminating with assignments in the Department of Defense Cyber Emergency Response Team and through his 25 years in cybersecurity and information security governance within the global finance industry, he’s witnessed the field evolve from programming with punch cards to cybersecurity issues shaping policy at the federal level. It’s that breadth of experience combined with a desire to help prepare the next generation of cybersecurity professionals that led him to become an educator.
Eyler knows that keeping pace with the rapidly shifting technological landscape is one of the biggest challenges facing the cybersecurity industry, and despite the constant evolution, he believes the basics are still the best weapon against cyberbreaches. “The technology is constantly changing, so we’ve got to be able to respond to those new challenges. But what I tell people is security hasn’t changed; the controls haven’t changed,” he says. “The basics are still the same. You need to make sure you have good controls, good governance, and education, keeping everybody aware of what the threats are.”
Now, as the dawning of the artificial intelligence (AI) era makes us all more conscious of potential security risks, Eyler is uniquely positioned to offer his insight.
“AI is a great thing, but it can be used maliciously so we need to put controls in place,” he says. You don’t put in PII (personal identifiable information) because the tool has literally no idea whether it’s good or bad, or private or not. It’s just a tool.”
Alongside the challenges each new advance brings, there is ample opportunity, too, and Eyler remains excited for those entering cybersecurity at this exciting time, impressing on his students how diverse the field truly is. “Everybody says ‘cybersecurity’ and thinks hackers sitting at a desk and penetrating and trying to break in. That’s not all cybersecurity, and not everybody is inclined to the technical aspect, but there’s a people aspect to it,” says Eyler. “There’s governance; there’s backup and recovery and testing and training. There’s a whole gamut of cybersecurity. All these jobs are out there, and there’s a field for everybody within cybersecurity. You just need to find your right niche.”
Inferno
In today’s digital era, information comes at us fast and furious, and we must learn to decipher the correct information. Whether we are looking for the day’s news headlines, researching data for a college paper, or reading about our favorite movie actor, where we get our information and what we trust as correct is crucial.
Just as imperative is the ability to recognize when more information is needed, find that data, and effectively use it.
“We live in a world where we’re constantly bombarded with information. And there’s so much of it that we need to be able to sift through and find what’s useful,” says Ben Pearson, department chair of general education and social sciences in Excelsior University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “But we also need to sift through it and understand what we can and can’t trust. … Information literacy is a multifaceted skill. And that’s part of what’s complicated about it. It’s not just one thing; it also involves the ability to evaluate that information and determine its quality.”
Information literacy is a powerful tool that enables individuals to obtain accurate information and make their own decisions on a variety of topics. What’s more, the ability to critically evaluate information is essential for effectively engaging in society, which fosters a sense of confidence and capability. Individuals with information literacy can critically evaluate information from leaders, media outlets, and interest groups. The result is the ability to make informed decisions, participate in meaningful public discussions, and hold leaders accountable.
In an October 2023 LinkedIn post, Wazi Nxumalo, founder and president of the University of Eswatini Information Science Society, wrote that one of the most significant benefits of information literacy is its effectiveness in combating fake news and misinformation. In an era where social media has made it increasingly challenging for people to distinguish fact from fiction, information literacy provides individuals with the necessary skills to evaluate sources, verify information, and make decisions based on reliable data. This focus on fighting misinformation can help people feel more secure and less vulnerable in the digital age.
But information literacy is not just important when reading the news. It’s also an important competency for students.
Building Firebreaks
In higher education, ideas are conceived, tested, and refined. Within this environment, information literacy is not only a skill but also a fundamental component of the educational process that many colleges and universities have consistently explored. Emphasizing the importance of information literacy in higher education can help students feel more prepared and competent in their academic endeavors.
The term “information literacy” was first included in the Middle States Commission on Higher Education’s standards for accreditation in 1989. (Excelsior University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. secretary of education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.) In 1998, the Association of College and Research Libraries established the Task Force on Information Literacy Competency Standards for higher education, which were revised in January 2000.
In an era where social media has made it increasingly challenging for people to distinguish fact from fiction, information literacy provides individuals with the necessary skills to evaluate sources, verify information, and make decisions based on reliable data.
With these standards as a foundation, Project Information Literacy (PIL), a nonprofit research institute, began a comprehensive study in 2008. The aim was to understand why students nationwide chose to use public search engines and internet sites like Google and Wikipedia, respectively, for academic research instead of resources offered by their local campus libraries.
Over the subsequent 14 years, PIL published reports and articles based on 12 studies involving nearly 21,000 students and graduates from 91 institutions across the United States. Their findings reveal the challenges students face when trying to locate and engage with information.
In PIL’s first report, titled “Finding Context: What Today’s College Students Say about Conducting Research in the Digital Age,” published in 2009, studies reveal that participants rely on various sources, including libraries, Google, and Wikipedia. However, they expressed frustration and confusion when trying to find relevant results for their college assignments or everyday questions. This indicates that even at the beginning of the century, students were overwhelmed by confusing, inaccurate, and irrelevant information, highlighting the need for a clearer understanding of information literacy.
Now, in 2025, students are still struggling with where they get their information. A recent study by the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies of the Universiti Teknologi MARA finds that students are increasingly using social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok to obtain their news, resulting in consistently receiving misinformation, since these platforms are only lightly moderated. After interviewing and studying 241 students, they find that students with more advanced literacy skills were better enabled to fact-check and analyze the content they consumed from a variety of sources.
The Pew Research Center, based in Washington, D.C., supports these findings. Pew has found that since 2020, a growing number of U.S. adults and young adults have been using TikTok as their information source.
Taming the Conflagration
At Excelsior University, staff and instructors are helping students ask the right questions and become masters of information literacy.
Excelsior has offered its Information Literacy course, INL 102, since around 2018. All students who attend Excelsior must complete this required information literacy component within the first 13 University credits they take. It’s important for students to learn how to research, read and process information, and cite sources while at Excelsior.
Recently the University introduced an updated version of the course that provides more faculty involvement and intriguing discussion topics. “We have a little more interaction and engagement with faculty in the class than we had before, … [and] the students appreciate it a lot more. … We can have conversations. We can have questions about things, and it’s not just, you know, ‘Read this chapter and take this test,’” Pearson says. As one example of a discussion topic, students talk about how even academic scholars and journalists sometimes get things wrong and how they have processes designed to minimize those problems and help them stay accurate.
Research shows that higher education students significantly improve their overall engagement and study habits when they learn to make information- literate decisions.
Nicole Childrose, an INL 102 instructor, outlines the course: “From the outset, students engage in collaborative discussions to master critical concepts, such as identifying misinformation, navigating library and online databases, detecting cybersecurity threats like phishing, and understanding the nuances of citing sources and paraphrasing. This foundation ensures they grasp the principles of academic honesty and integrity, critical thinking, research skills, and communication.”
INL 102 provides students with foundational skills to use throughout college and life to make sound judgments about credible information. Students learn how to evaluate the quality and credibility of information presented in textual and nontextual sources, which ensures that their research is grounded in factual, well-supported evidence. This skill is necessary for writing research papers, preparing presentations, and participating in academic discussions.
“Students are guided through important discussions about scholarly resources and how to move through the world of information gathering, which is foundational to creating research reports and college success in general,” says Adam Rafalovich, another INL 102 instructor.
For some students, the temptation to copy and paste when working on multiple papers can be challenging to ignore. However, understanding the ethical use of information and the importance of original thought is critical to information literacy. Students in INL 102 and courses like it learn that proper citation is an academic requirement and a way to respect intellectual property. Students learn about citing sources, respecting the intellectual contributions of others, and the importance of producing original work. This not only upholds academic integrity but also fosters a culture of respect and honesty.
Additionally, students in INL 102 learn how to identify common cybersecurity threats and strategies to avoid them. This helps students avoid dangerous online behavior and navigate the digital landscape.
Igniting Smarter Info Seekers
Research shows that higher education students significantly improve their overall engagement and study habits when they learn to make information-literate decisions.
At Excelsior, students benefit from learning about information literacy through INL 102. Course outcomes include assessing the quality of information in various sources and evaluating arguments for logical fallacies. Based on course reviews, students are gaining these important skills they can use in academic and nonacademic environments. “From course evaluations and talking to students, I would say the majority of them really find it interesting,” Pearson says. He adds that many students have changed their way of thinking about gathering and interpreting information and that “they dig a little deeper into where [information] comes from and then evaluate the quality based on that.”
Childrose notes that the human element is crucial to effectively understanding all forms of knowledge in a world with increasing use of artificial intelligence. “Leveraging information literacy equips us to question and interpret AI outputs and ensure technology’s ethical and practical use in academic, real-world, and professional settings,” she says. “Beyond AI, it encompasses the ability to navigate and manage digital tools, platforms, and new technologies—an essential baseline skill in the 21st century.”
Building on this idea, Childrose emphasizes that information literacy not only helps individuals engage with AI responsibly but also equips them with the critical skills needed to navigate the broader digital landscape effectively. “By understanding ethics, conducting research, and applying these [information literacy] skills across various situations,” she says, “students are well-prepared to handle the complexities of the digital age with confidence and competence.”
How to Find Safety Amid the Raging Inferno
In this high-paced digital age, it might seem daunting to learn how to sift through the deluge of opinions, half-truths, and outright lies. There are some steps you can take, however, to learn how to be more information literate with so much misinformation out there:
1. Always question the source of your information. Ask who created the information, what their credentials are, and what their potential biases might be.
2. Don’t rely on a single source of information. It’s important to cross-reference sources to confirm or deny information. Look for corroboration across multiple independent sources.
3. Know that you already have preconceived beliefs and opinions. Acknowledge how your own biases might affect how you interpret information. This can help you actively seek out perspectives you previously might not have noticed.
4. Although it might seem obvious, learning to use digital tools can be helpful in becoming information literate. Knowing which search engines, databases, and news outlets are most trustworthy can help you in your quest in finding reliable, correct information.
Legacy Gift Benefits Hundreds of Nursing Students
Mary Beth Hanner’s impact on Excelsior continues in perpetuity through a sizable bequest to the institution. Photo: Mike Hemberger The late Mary Beth Hanner, a longtime Excelsior employee, was dedicated to Excelsior students. And hundreds of students she never met are benefitting from her generous legacy.
Before passing away in July 2022, Hanner had a full-time career with Excelsior that spanned more than 25 years, including serving as dean of nursing programs, among other positions, and culminating in her role as provost and chief academic officer from July 2011 until her retirement in February 2017.
“The Mary Beth Hanner College of Nursing and Health Sciences Fund made a significant impact on nursing students, offering much-needed relief when it came to covering the cost of essential course materials like textbooks, clinical supplies, and technology.” – Lizz Petroski, director of financial aid
In her estate plans, she left a six-figure transformational gift to Excelsior that was earmarked to give financial support to students in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. This first gift to the then newly created college is the largest bequest Excelsior has received in its history.
With the bequest, Excelsior created the Mary Beth Hanner College of Nursing and Health Sciences Fund to support program faculty, curriculum innovation, technology, and the overall learning experience; the Mary Beth Hanner Ever Upward Scholarship to distribute immediate-use scholarship funds to offset tuition expenses for nursing students with financial need; and the Mary Beth Hanner Endowed Scholarship in Nursing and Health Sciences.
Hanner’s gift made an immediate impact on associate degree nursing students. In 2023, the Mary Beth Hanner College of Nursing and Health Sciences Fund provided scholarships to 392 students to offset expenses for purchasing required ATI nursing education resources. For the start of the fall trimester 2023, School of Nursing faculty enhanced all courses in the associate nursing program to academically prepare students to pass the new Next Generation National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) on the first attempt. They identified ATI nursing education resources to support students in mastering content, develop them into practice-ready nurses, and help them succeed on the NCLEX-RN.
“Mary Beth Hanner’s impact on the School of Nursing and nursing students continues. Her generous gift supports students in achieving their dreams of becoming a registered nurse. On behalf of the School of Nursing, we are grateful for this tremendous act of philanthropy.” – Robin Goodrich, executive dean, College of Nursing and Health Sciences
“The Mary Beth Hanner College of Nursing and Health Sciences Fund made a significant impact on nursing students, offering much-needed relief when it came to covering the cost of essential course materials like textbooks, clinical supplies, and technology,” says Lizz Petroski, director of financial aid. “Nursing students are driven by a genuine desire to care for others—often sacrificing time and energy to make a difference in people’s lives. Supporting them through scholarships is more than just financial assistance; it’s an affirmation that their hard work and dedication matter.”
Excelsior has provided 29 awards from $25,000 allocated for the Mary Beth Hanner Ever Upward Scholarship and invested $50,000 for the Mary Beth Hanner Endowed Scholarship in Nursing and Health Sciences to benefit future nursing students with financial need.
“Mary Beth Hanner’s impact on the School of Nursing and nursing students continues,” says Robin Goodrich, executive dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. “Her generous gift supports students in achieving their dreams of becoming a registered nurse. On behalf of the School of Nursing, we are grateful for this tremendous act of philanthropy.”
Following the course enhancements and inclusion of ATI resources, Excelsior’s first-time pass rate for the NCLEX-RN has improved from 67% in calendar year 2022 to 76% in 2023 and 83% in 2024, and each improved year’s rate is closer to the national first-time pass rate.
Hanner had a distinguished career as a nurse, nurse educator, and college administrator. She began her association with Excelsior as a part-time item writer for nursing exams in the 1980s. Hanner joined Excelsior full time when named dean of nursing programs in 1990 and later served as interim vice president of academic affairs, vice president of health sciences, and vice president of outcomes assessment and faculty development before serving as provost and chief academic officer.
School of Nursing Forms Honor Society for Associate Degree Students
In fall 2024, the School of Nursing was chartered as the Zeta Chi Chapter of Alpha Delta Nu, the sole honor society for associate degree nursing students.
At Excelsior, associate degree nursing students are invited to provisional membership after successful completion of NUR 109 Foundations in Nursing Practice. To be considered for provisional membership, a student must have earned a grade of B or better in each nursing course without a previous course failure and demonstrated conduct within the online classroom and in the clinical areas that reflects integrity and professionalism. As of March, the School of Nursing has invited more than 680 eligible students to join the chapter.
“Membership in Alpha Delta Nu opens doors for students, connecting them with resources that support their growth and future success in the profession.” – Kristy Rowley, department chair, School of Nursing
“Being recognized by the Alpha Delta Nu Nursing Honor Society is a tremendous achievement that highlights the dedication, academic excellence, and professionalism of our associate degree nursing students,” says Kristy Rowley, department chair in the School of Nursing. “This honor society not only celebrates their hard work but also provides valuable opportunities for continuing education, professional networking, and career advancement. The School of Nursing is excited about this partnership because it reinforces our commitment to fostering excellence and lifelong learning in nursing. Membership in Alpha Delta Nu opens doors for students, connecting them with resources that support their growth and future success in the profession.”
As part of the induction process to become a full member, students actively participate in a service-learning project. The chapter decided on an asynchronous mentorship program, and students use discussion boards to answer their peers’ questions about each course in the program. Students are assigned oversight of a few courses for a week, check the discussion board at least three times during the week they are assigned, and respond to any questions that have been posted.
“The great part is that these students are the ones who did really well in the course [assigned], which provides a great platform for them to begin mentoring and sharing their expertise,” says Kylie Ackerman, a full-time faculty member in the School of Nursing and the faculty advisor for the Zeta Chi Chapter.
The chapter grants a student full membership in the final semester of study, after completion of NUR 290 Nursing Capstone: Advanced Clinical Practicum, if the student earns a grade of B or better in all nursing courses without any previous nursing course failures, participates in the annual chapter project, and meets certain other requirements. An induction ceremony will take place near the end of this academic year.
