Excelsior College Announces New President

Posted on by Erin Coufal

Albany, NY — After an extensive search, Excelsior College is pleased to announce David Schejbal, PhD, as the next president of Excelsior College.

Schejbal will be the fourth president of Excelsior in the College’s nearly 50-year history as a distance learning institution for adult learners. He brings extensive experience in leading online education and supplying higher education opportunities for working adult learners. His deep involvement and significant accomplishments make him the perfect fit for Excelsior during these rapidly changing times in higher education.

David Schejbal, PhD

“I am delighted to join Excelsior College. I have been an advocate for increasing access to higher education to students of all ages and from all backgrounds throughout my career, and Excelsior College is a national model in helping students achieve their academic dreams,” said Schejbal. “The work of Excelsior College is good and important work, and I very much look forward to partnering with the talented staff and faculty of Excelsior to continue to build the College and increase access to diverse audiences.”

Schejbal currently serves as vice president and chief of digital learning at Marquette University. Prior to joining Marquette, he was dean of continuing education, outreach, and e-learning at the University of Wisconsin-Extension, working across all 26 campuses of the system to extend the resources of the University to communities throughout the nation.

Throughout his career, Schejbal’s primary focus has been on making education accessible, affordable, and flexible for all students. His vision for inventing ways to reach beyond the traditional higher education model to meet the needs of an increasingly changing student spectrum has made him a leading voice in adult and non-traditional higher education and will help propel Excelsior College forward to reach and best serve students.

Schejbal earned a PhD and MA in philosophy from University of Connecticut and a BA from Iowa State University. The recipient of many recognitions and awards, he has also served in leadership roles in higher education professional organizations and associations. A frequent keynote speaker and author, Schejbal’s articles about reinventing higher education have appeared in Innovative Higher Education, Journal of General Education, and Inside Higher Ed. Currently, he has several forthcoming publications, including a chapter about the general education core and the adult student which will appear in “The Future of Work: Optimizing the Talent Pipeline.”

Schejbal succeeds James N. Baldwin, JD, EdD, as president of Excelsior College. “As we welcome Dr. Schejbal on August 1, 2020, we extend our deep appreciation to Dr. Baldwin for his transformational leadership as president of the College since 2016,” said Helen Benjamin, PhD, chair of the Excelsior College Board of Trustees.

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About Excelsior College

Excelsior College (excelsior.edu) is a regionally 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. Learn more at excelsior.edu.

Media Contact: Alicia Jacobs

Email: ajacobs@excelsior.edu

Phone: (518) 410-4624

Climbing the Ranks

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Guillermo Rincon takes advantage of Excelsior’s credit acceptance policy to advance in the New York Police Department

To move up in rank in the New York Police Department, you need to not only pass a rigorous test, but also hold a certain level of degree. Guillermo Rincon, of Farmingville, New York, held two jobs—a sales associate at Staples and an asset protection manager at BJ’s Wholesale Club—before deciding to join the Department and attended Baruch College for a short time. With Excelsior’s generous credit acceptance policy, Rincon was able to transfer credit from his previous college experience to earn the degree he needed to become a sergeant. Excelsior’s acceptance of prior learning and police training have also allowed him to apply for the next rank and now he’s on a list to become a lieutenant.

Rincon began attending Baruch College in New York City just after graduating high school, but unfortunately his class schedule did not line up with his work schedule at Staples. He decided to leave that job and started working at BJ’s Wholesale Club while still attending school but soon found the work to be more rewarding than school. After two years of attending Baruch, Rincon became a full-time asset protection manager for BJ’s, which he says was similar to a security position.

While in that position, Rincon made several friends in law enforcement who convinced him to take the entrance exam into the New York Police Department. He was hired in January 2007 and Rincon’s father was behind his decision to take the job. Rincon’s father was ill at the time Rincon was going through the entrance process, but his support encouraged Rincon. “One of the last conversations that I had with him before he passed away was that I was going to be a police officer. He only said he was happy, he was proud, you know, and it was something that kind of motivated me,” Rincon says.

Rincon was an officer for five years before he took a promotional exam to become a sergeant. Part of the requirements was at least 64 college-level credits. Rincon had 67 credits from his time at Baruch College and was able to transfer those credits over to Excelsior. In doing so, he was able to make the rank of sergeant with the NYPD.

When he sought to become a lieutenant, Rincon needed 38 more credits for the 96 required for that position. He turned to Excelsior and its OneTranscript service, for non-degree-seeking students who want to consolidate college-level credits onto a single master transcript. This was a perfect choice for Rincon and is often a popular choice for other police officers desiring advancement. Passing the promotional exam and obtaining his OneTranscript allowed Rincon to become a lieutenant in 2017. He is now on the wait list to be hired. Excelsior accepted his college experience and his experience from the police academy which made earning credit easy, he says.

In his current role as a sergeant, Rincon’s main job is to keep the chief of patrol apprised of what is happening in the 77 precincts around New York City. Rincon has access to various department databases and supervises several officers. Oftentimes, he reports not only the criminal activities, but also the accomplishments of the officers, like taking a gun off the street or rescuing someone with CPR. “It could be anything. My job is to try to get first-hand information and make sure that he’s [chief of patrol] aware of it to the best of my ability,” Rincon says.

Rincon has his career plan mapped out and continues to make steps toward his goals. He is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts with Excelsior so that he has the educational requirements to make the rank of captain. Taking online courses has worked out well for him because it fits right in with his schedule. “The two biggest things for me was the ability to do it at my own pace and that the courses were eight weeks long,” he says. It is an added benefit to be able to access courses on his mobile phone.

He is looking forward to promotion to lieutenant, as it is a good position that affords a lot of flexibility and variety. He just added a seven-month-old to his large family of four kids, ages 15, 13, 10, and 8, and he is thankful he’s been able to move up in ranks and provide for his family. “Excelsior has granted me the opportunity to finish something that I thought I wasn’t going to be able to…And I’m setting a good example for my kids,” he says. “That’s really what it boils down to.” View Excelsior’s Liberal Arts degree options.

 

Excelsior College Thanks Police Officers

Posted on by Alicia Jacobs

Excelsior College Thanks Police Officers

Albany, NY — In honor of National Police Week in May celebrated in 2020 from May 10–16, Excelsior College and Pizza Hut are teaming up to deliver pizza to seven New York Police Department precincts on Thursday, May 14, as a token of appreciation for law enforcement officers.

The Excelsior College community is tremendously grateful to all law enforcement officers during these unprecedented times and thanks every police officer every day, in every way, for their important work.

pizza hut delivery to law enforcement

“It is an honor to provide meals to the heroes serving day in and day out on the front lines, and we are proud to be partnering with Excelsior College to serve the NYPD,” said Cristi Lockett, chief people officer, Pizza Hut US. “We want to thank the police officers who repeatedly make sacrifices for the greater good, and this is just one way we can show our appreciation during these challenging times.” Pizza Hut has had an exclusive educational partnership with Excelsior College since 2016 when Life Unboxed was launched.

This partnership offers Pizza Hut team members and their families the opportunity to continue their education at a discounted rate and to receive up to 60 college credits for Learning Zone training completed at Pizza Hut.

Excelsior College takes pride in helping to educate the workforce to meet today’s societal needs, including in the field of law enforcement.

“Excelsior College has been educating adult learners for nearly 50 years. Among our 40 online degree programs are criminal justice programs designed for working adults at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s levels,” says James N. Baldwin, president of Excelsior College. “Thank you to NYPD on the front lines as first responders during COVID-19 and thank you to police officers across the country.”

The Excelsior College partnership with NYPD has been in place since March 2016, and there has been a total of 42 graduates since that time.

“One positive element of the COVID crisis is how it can bring people and organizations together.  A great example of this is Excelsior College, who along with their partner Pizza Hut, is supporting our members of the service, by donating pizza to commands throughout the city, says Fred Tanner, executive director of NYPD Office of Professional Development. “On behalf of the NYPD, the Office of Professional Development wants to thank Excelsior College for their continued partnership and support.”

While an in-person thank you was not possible at this time, Excelsior College and Pizza Hut hope officers can take time to rest, refuel, and know the community is thinking of them.

 

Thursday, May 14 at 3:00 p.m. The locations of deliveries are listed below*

  • Precinct 6: 233 West 10th NY, NY
  • Precinct 45: 2877 Barkley Ave. Bronx, NY
  • Precinct 46: 2120 Ryer Ave. Bronx, NY
  • Precinct 47: 4111 Laconia Ave. Bronx, NY
  • Precinct 76: 191 Union St. Brooklyn, NY
  • Precinct 114: 34-16 Astoria Blvd. Queens, NY
  • Precinct 121: 970 Richmond Terrace Staten Island, NY

*Members of the media who are looking to gain photos or videos for this story can reach out Alicia Jacobs for coordination of deliveries and opportunities outside of the precinct.

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About Excelsior College

Excelsior College (excelsior.edu) is a regionally 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. Learn more at excelsior.edu.

Media Contact: Alicia Jacobs

Email: ajacobs@excelsior.edu

Phone: (518) 410-4624

Patricia Hill, BS in Nursing, 1990

Posted on by Caitlin Abram

Patricia “Patti” Hill, of Macon, GA, completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice at Georgia State University in May of 2019. Since earning her BS in Nursing at Excelsior College in 1990, Hill has gone one to earn an MS in Nursing Administration in 1996, a post-master certificate in nursing education in 2006, and a post-master family nurse practitioner certificate in 2008, all from Georgia College and Georgia State University.

She has been working for the past 10 years as a family nurse practitioner at North Macon Family Healthcare Associates in Macon, GA.

Excelsior College Changes to Virtual Commencement Event on July 10

Posted on by Erin Coufal

Albany, NY — This week, Excelsior College announced its annual Commencement will be held virtually this year. The July 10 Commencement will take place online with speakers, alumni tributes, and social media shares of photos and stories of graduates from around the country.

As a distance learning college, Excelsior delivers instruction and testing online, but this will be the first Commencement ceremony to be 100 percent remote. In anticipation of this year’s July 10 event, the College has been monitoring COVID-19 closely and assessing news from public health officials in New York. Unfortunately, the events surrounding COVID-19 have raised insurmountable concerns with protecting the health and safety of graduates and their families, faculty, and staff for a traditional Commencement celebration.

“Commencement is our favorite day of the year. It is our chance to appreciate the resilience and persistence of our students. We are disappointed to not celebrate in person this year, but we envision a far-reaching celebration to recognize the entire Class of 2020. Our hearts are with our graduates and still full of pride for their accomplishments,” said James N. Baldwin, president of Excelsior College.

Approximately 6,000 graduates make up Excelsior’s class of 2020. Students from across the country and the world are enrolled at Excelsior, which is based in Albany. Each year, the traditional Commencement ceremony brings graduates together and is broadcast live online for all to enjoy. The fully remote event will be even more inclusive. With a virtual event, all graduates will have the opportunity to participate without travel concerns. Full details will be announced in the coming weeks. As always, graduates will also have the option to walk in a future Commencement ceremony.

 

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About Excelsior College

Excelsior College (excelsior.edu) is a regionally 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. Learn more at excelsior.edu.

Media Contact: Alicia Jacobs Email: ajacobs@excelsior.edu Phone: (518) 410-4624

Sasha Frate, MA in Liberal Arts, 2015

Posted on by Caitlin Abram


Air Force veteran Sasha Frate, of Portland, OR, is the owner and editor in chief of “Face the Current Magazine,” a multi award-winning aspirational lifestyle publication covering international content in travel, culture and arts, music, sports and fitness, and health. Read in more than 56 countries and with 750,000 monthly reach, the magazine is available online via the website and on ISSUU, as well as on Amazon’s U.S. and U.K. newsstands. Frate’s purpose-driven company aims to create a ripple effect of positive change in the world by illuminating stories of extraordinary examples of people, brands, and experiences to provide fuel to inspire people to live with purpose.

Frate’s company was recently honored with several industry awards including: #1 Best Print Magazine in a 7-state region of the Western US, #1 in Magazine Inserts, , the National Premier Print Award of Recognition by Printing Industries of America, and October’s Publisher of the Month on ISSUU.

Dr. Jeffrey Stephen Grote, BS, 1997

Posted on by Caitlin Abram

Dr. Jeffrey Stephen Grote, of Mechanicsville, MD, was recently selected as one of October 2019’s “Braves of the Month” at Chopticon High School in Morganza, MD. A 1997 graduate of Excelsior College, Grote has been working as a long-term substitute teacher at Chopticon where he has also served as a tennis coach. Grote holds a PhD in Education from Walden University in Minneapolis, MN and is currently working towards a Doctor of Ministry at the University of the South, Sewanee, TN.

Hooked on Volunteering

Posted on by Zach Patterson

My parents instilled in me the importance of volunteering and giving back to those less fortunate as a sign of love, compassion, and support. When I was growing up, every Christmas morning, my family would help at the Schenectady City Mission soup kitchen before opening presents. In doing this, my parents showed me from an early age the value and importance of volunteering.

I cannot say I had done a lot of volunteering as I grew older until my dad passed away from brain cancer in 2013. To honor him I started to participate in a local walk to raise money for the National Brain Tumor Society. This was a way to honor my father, keep his legacy alive, and help those families that will encounter this hardship in the future. Doing this sparked a renewed desire and passion to branch out and help others.

I reached out to Alicia Jacobs, who leads Excelsior’s community engagement efforts, back in 2016 to tell my story of why I volunteer and to spread the word about the annual brain tumor walk. Little did I know that would open a whole new world for me and volunteering. After that conversation, Alicia asked me to join the Community Engagement Group and as they say, the rest is history. Since then, I went from an active member of the group to now serving for two years as co-chair of the committee. I have volunteered for many organizations in this time and helped with the planning and implementation for others in the Excelsior College community to do so as well.

Over the years, I have volunteered with such places as the Special Olympics, Habitat for Humanity, Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, Ronald McDonald House, and 518 S.N.U.G. The reason I am a part of the Community Engagement Group and volunteer as much as I can is because of the feeling I get when I do so. There is no better feeling than knowing you are making a difference in someone else’s life. Every act of volunteering makes a huge difference to the people you are helping, regardless of the scale in which you are helping.

Another amazing benefit of volunteering is the relationships you build with your fellow colleagues. I have had the opportunity to build many great relationships with amazing people here at Excelsior that I may have never known if I hadn’t chosen to volunteer with them as a group representing the College. Volunteering as a group builds a strong sense of community and togetherness that makes the College stronger in our day-to-day activities in helping our students achieve their educational goals.

I am so thankful for Excelsior College and the work Alicia Jacobs, the Community Engagement Group, and all the many volunteers within the Excelsior College community do every day to help those in need both locally and nationally. Having this opportunity to be a part of the Community Engagement Group has truly enriched my life in a way words could never describe, and the joy I get from helping others is priceless.

Manuel Lombardero, BS in Technology, 2006

Posted on by Caitlin Abram

Manuel Lombardero, of Hawthorne, FL was presented with a “Game Changer Award” for his work digitalizing the lubrication maintenance program at his company, AES Costa Norte. Lombardero’s work made information including safety data sheets, technical specifications, procedures, and analytical data   readily accessible through the use of QR codes to mobile devices. He also created training videos to help digitalize and retain knowledge in the plant.

This award, issued by Chemical Engineering and Power magazine, recognizes people who are in the front lines of implementing digital technologies in the chemical process and power industries and was presented during the Connected Plant Conference in Atlanta, GA on February 26, 2020.

Richard Varner, BS in Liberal Arts, 2016

Posted on by Caitlin Abram

Richard Varner, of Humble, TX began his doctoral studies at Drexel University this year. Since graduating from Excelsior College in 2016, Varner has gone on to earn master’s degrees in instructional design and technology from Full Sail University and in human resources from Webster University. He also earned an Associate of Applied Science in Technology from Excelsior in 2003.

After changing careers two years ago, Varner now works in higher education as an instructional designer at San Jacinto College in Houston, TX. As he prepares to take the next step towards his doctorate, Varner credits Excelsior with his success saying, “I could not have achieved what I have without Excelsior. Not only did I get a quality education, I was prepared for graduate school (even though it was very tough). I am so grateful to Excelsior College.”