Excelsior University Welcomes Tony Spearman-Leach, GPC, CNE, to Board of Trustees

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

ALBANY, N.Y.  — The Excelsior University Board of Trustees has named Tony Spearman-Leach, GPC, CNE, senior director of institutional advancement at the National Academy of Public Administration and a resident of Montgomery County, Maryland, among its six new trustees. The University’s governing body, the Board of Trustees includes leaders from across the country in business, education, and government. An Excelsior alumnus, Spearman-Leach recently concluded his term as president of the Excelsior University Alumni Association and its Alumni Leadership Council.

In his role at the U.S. Congressionally chartered National Academy of Public Administration, Spearman-Leach is dedicated to advancing the mission of good government, excellence in governance, and public service. A transformational fundraising leader, Spearman-Leach transcends traditional development work by building enduring cultures of philanthropy, launching visionary campaigns, and aligning donor investment with long-term mission impact.

“Expanding educational access is my legacy and avocational purpose. As the great-grandson, grandson, and son of educators who empowered many marginalized citizens through the power of sharing knowledge, I personally continue this ongoing effort through Excelsior University. Wherever I have lived—Robeson County, North Carolina; Detroit, Michigan; Baltimore, Maryland; or metropolitan Washington, D.C.—I have witnessed and paid forward the truly transformative power of attaining higher education, engaging in mentorship, and lifelong learning. I am truly proud to serve the Excelsior University community, and serving as a member of Excelsior’s Board of Trustees is a humbling honor,” said Spearman-Leach. “I look forward to joining this remarkable group of leaders at an exciting time in the University’s growth, as we expand our reach and extend educational access and opportunity to learners around the world.”

At the National Academy of Public Administration, Spearman-Leach spearheaded multiyear philanthropic initiatives, including the Academy’s Center for Intergovernmental Partnerships and its Extreme Weather Resilience Hub, and launched the Academy’s Diamond Anniversary Endowment Comprehensive Campaign during a period of significant federal funding disruption. He has collaborated closely with the Academy’s CEO and board to develop an entrepreneurial business model that positions the organization for sustained success, and he leads the Academy’s Celebration of the American Public Servant, aligning donor investment with America’s 250th anniversary.

Spearman-Leach has raised and stewarded resources from leading philanthropists, corporations, and foundations, combining technical expertise in grant writing and donor relations with an authentic, visionary leadership style. His global impact includes training hundreds of nonprofit and NGO leaders from more than 100 countries through the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program at the Meridian International Center.

A passionate advocate for community leadership, Spearman-Leach serves as treasurer of the Mid-Atlantic Federal Credit Union, chair of the Montgomery College Pinkney Innovation Complex for Science and Technology (PIC MC) Foundation, governance chair of Leadership Montgomery, advisory board chair of the Josiah Henson Park & Museum, and a federally appointed board member of the U.S. Selective Service System. He served as president of the Excelsior University Alumni Association from 2023–2025.

An Emmy and Telly Award–winning communicator and a recognized leader in advancing inclusiveness in philanthropy, Spearman-Leach is widely regarded as a strategist, storyteller, mentor, and fundraiser whose work strengthens institutions and communities in the United States and around the world.

Kent A.D. Clark, president and chairman of the board for the Clark Advisory Group LLC and CAG Federal, was appointed chair of the Excelsior University Board of Trustees. Other trustees appointed to the board include Diane Adams, chief learning officer of Mount Sinai Health System; Todd Greene, vice president of Work, Education, and Labor Division and executive director of WorkRise Urban Institute; Jessica Hinkle, senior vice president of Strada; Ruth Lown Turman, senior sales operations manager at Optum Serve of UnitedHealth Group; and Jeff Metzler, partner at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP.

For more information on the Excelsior University Board of Trustees and full biographies of each member, visit excelsior.edu/about/leadership/trustees.

Media contact Excelsior University:
Jason Bonafide, jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446

About Excelsior University

Excelsior University is an accredited, not-for-profit higher education institution focused on helping learners complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971 in Albany, New York, 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 is a not-for-profit university with a main campus in Albany, New York, and an educational site in St. Petersburg, Florida. Excelsior University’s academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, with additional licensing for Florida-based programs.

Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928). Additional information regarding this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, toll-free number: (888)-224-6684.

Excelsior University Welcomes Jessica Hinkle to Board of Trustees  

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

ALBANY, N.Y. — The Excelsior University Board of Trustees has named Jessica Hinkle, senior vice president of strategic investments for Strada Education Foundation and a resident of Hermosa Beach, California, among its six new trustees. The University’s governing body, the board consists of individuals from across the country who are leaders in the fields of business, education, and government.   

As the senior vice president of strategic investments at Strada Education Foundation, Jessica evaluates potential mission-aligned investments and manages Strada’s portfolio of direct minority investments and early-stage fund investments. 

“I am thrilled to join the board of trustees for Excelsior University, an institution that provides crucial educational opportunities for learners around the globe,” she said. “As Excelsior continues to expand its programming and reach, it is truly an exciting time to join this remarkable group of trustees.”   

Previously, Jessica advised and supported Strada’s mission-aligned affiliates, leading product strategy and innovation for Strada’s commercial and products division. Jessica joined Strada in March 2018. 

Prior to joining Strada, Jessica was a principal with Silverstrand Strategy + Innovation, providing strategic advisory services. She also held a variety of roles with Laureate Education Inc., including as chief product officer for Walden University, for which she led the team of product managers at Laureate’s flagship online university. She also co-led an innovation team that incubated a new model for competency-based education. 

Jessica began at Laureate in 2002 as senior market analyst in the research and analysis department, and progressed to her other roles: vice president, product management; and co-head, emerging strategies and products group. She began her career in investment banking at Morgan Stanley and WR Hambrecht + Co. 

Kent A.D. Clark, president and chairman of the board for the Clark Advisory Group LLC and CAG Federal, was appointed chair of the Excelsior University Board of Trustees. Other trustees appointed to the board include Diane Adams, chief learning officer of Mount Sinai Health System; Todd Greene, vice president of Work, Education, and Labor Division and executive director of WorkRise Urban Institute; Ruth Lown Turman, senior sales operations manager at Optum Serve of UnitedHealth Group; Jeff Metzler, partner at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP; and Tony Spearman-Leach, director of development and philanthropy at the National Academy of Public Administration.  

For more information on the Excelsior University Board of Trustees and full biographies of each member, visit excelsior.edu/about/leadership/trustees.   

Media contact Excelsior University: 
Jason Bonafide, jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446  

About Excelsior University  

Excelsior University is an accredited, not-for-profit higher education institution focused on helping learners complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971 in Albany, New York, 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 is a not-for-profit university with a main campus in Albany, New York, and an educational site in St. Petersburg, Florida. Excelsior University’s academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, with additional licensing for Florida-based programs.    

Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928). Additional information regarding this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, toll-free number: (888)-224-6684.  

Excelsior University Welcomes Education Lawyer Jeffrey Metzler to Board of Trustees

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

ALBANY, N.Y. — The Excelsior University Board of Trustees has appointed Jeffrey Metzler, a partner at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP in New York City, as one of six new trustees. The University’s governing board includes leaders from across the country with deep experience in business, education, government, and public service.

Metzler is a litigation partner at Pillsbury and a co-leader of the firm’s Education practice. He is nationally ranked by Chambers for Higher Education law and has spent more than three decades working at the intersection of education, governance, and public policy. He currently serves as co-chair of the New York City Bar Association’s Education and the Law Committee and as a leader of the Association’s Task Force on Higher Education. He was recently nominated to serve on the Board of Directors of The Legal Aid Society of New York City.

“As someone who has spent much of my career supporting educational institutions and expanding access to opportunity, I am honored to join the Excelsior University Board of Trustees,” said Metzler. “Excelsior’s mission, its focus on adult learners, and its commitment to quality and integrity resonate deeply with me. I look forward to contributing to the Board’s strategic work as the University continues to grow its reach and impact.”

In his professional work, Metzler advises colleges, universities, and other institutional clients on governance, civil rights matters, investigations, and complex litigation. He regularly counsels boards and senior leadership on risk oversight, institutional policy, and navigating evolving legal and regulatory environments. He brings extensive experience in government investigations and appellate advocacy, having handled numerous federal and state matters.

Before joining Pillsbury, Metzler served in a variety of non-profit and government roles, including Associate General Counsel at New York University, Assistant Solicitor General for New York State, Acting General Counsel for the New York City Council, and Vice President for Economic Empowerment at Empire State Development.

Metzler has also served as an adjunct professor at NYU’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, taught in New York City public schools, and is a frequent speaker on higher education law and governance.

Kent A.D. Clark, president and chairman of the board of the Clark Advisory Group LLC and CAG Federal, was appointed chair of the Excelsior University Board of Trustees. Other newly appointed trustees include Diane Adams, chief learning officer of Mount Sinai Health System; Todd Greene, vice president of the Work, Education, and Labor Division and executive director of WorkRise at the Urban Institute; Jessica Hinkle, senior vice president of Strada; Ruth Lown Turman, senior sales operations manager at Optum Serve of UnitedHealth Group; and Tony Spearman-Leach, director of development and philanthropy at the National Academy of Public Administration.

For more information on the Excelsior University Board of Trustees and full biographies of each member, visit: excelsior.edu/about/leadership/trustees.

Media contact Excelsior University:
Jason Bonafide, jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446

About Excelsior University

Excelsior University is an accredited, not-for-profit higher education institution focused on helping learners complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971 in Albany, New York, 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 is a not-for-profit university with a main campus in Albany, New York, and an educational site in St. Petersburg, Florida. Excelsior University’s academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, with additional licensing for Florida-based programs.

Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928). Additional information regarding this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, toll-free number: (888)-224-6684.

Excelsior University Welcomes Todd Greene to Board of Trustees

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

ALBANY, N.Y. — The Excelsior University Board of Trustees has named Atlanta resident Todd Greene, vice president of the Work, Education, and Labor Division (WELD) at the Urban Institute and executive director of WorkRise, among its six new trustees. The University’s governing body, the board consists of individuals from across the country who are leaders in the fields of business, education, and government.

In his role as a vice president of WELD at the Urban Institute, Greene leads a team of K–12, higher education, workforce development, apprenticeship, and labor market experts who shape education and training. He helps support a labor market that delivers economic security, dignity, and voice. He also serves as the executive director of WorkRise, a research-to-action network focused on jobs, workers, and mobility hosted by the Urban Institute.

WorkRise funds research on promising practices, policies, and programs, and undertakes foundational research on labor market trends to strengthen employers, inform policymaking and practices, and provide genuine economic mobility and security for workers.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to Excelsior’s important mission and to support the life-changing work the University does for working adults and others,” said Greene. “Helping more learners earn meaningful credentials that open doors to opportunity is deeply aligned with my own professional values.”

Before joining the Urban Institute, Greene was executive director of the Atlanta University Center Consortium. Reporting directly to the four member presidents (Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Spelman College), Greene led a team focused on enhancing academic programs, forging interdisciplinary research, and catalyzing a broad economic development agenda.

For more than 10 years, Greene was a vice president in the research department of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta where he led research, policy, and outreach initiatives to promote inclusive economic growth. Greene founded and led the Federal Reserve System’s human capital/workforce development working group and launched the Federal Reserve Center for Workforce and Economic Opportunity.

He is past board chair of the International Economic Development Council, chairs the national advisory board for the Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University, serves on the boards of the Corporation for a Skilled Workforce and the National Fund for Workforce Solutions, and is a member of the Social Finance Institute Advisory Council.

A certified economic developer (CEcD), Greene has published many articles and coedited two books: “Transforming U.S. Workforce Development Policies for the 21st Century” and “Investing in America’s Workforce: Improving Outcomes for Workers and Employers.”

Kent A.D. Clark, president and chairman of the board for the Clark Advisory Group LLC and CAG Federal, was appointed chair of the Excelsior University Board of Trustees. Other trustees appointed to the board include Diane Adams, chief learning officer of Mount Sinai Health System; Jessica Hinkle, senior vice president of Strada; Ruth Lown Turman, senior sales operations manager at Optum Serve of UnitedHealth Group; Jeff Metzler, partner at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP; and Tony Spearman-Leach, director of development and philanthropy at the National Academy of Public Administration.

For more information on the Excelsior University Board of Trustees and full biographies of each member, visit excelsior.edu/about/leadership/trustees.

Media contact Excelsior University:
Jason Bonafide, jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446

About Excelsior University

Excelsior University is an accredited, not-for-profit higher education institution focused on helping learners complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971 in Albany, New York, 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 is a not-for-profit university with a main campus in Albany, New York, and an educational site in St. Petersburg, Florida. Excelsior University’s academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, with additional licensing for Florida-based programs.

Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928). Additional information regarding this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, toll-free number: (888)-224-6684.

Excelsior University Welcomes Diane Adams to Board of Trustees

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

ALBANY, N.Y. —The Excelsior University Board of Trustees has named Diane Adams, chief learning officer of the Mount Sinai Health System and a resident of Closter, New Jersey, among its six new members. The University’s governing body, the board consists of individuals from across the country who are leaders in the fields of health care, business, education, and government.

For the past ten years, Diane Adams has served a workforce of 50,000 people at the Mount Sinai Health System as chief learning officer. In this role, Adams creates and drives the organizational learning strategy, leading a team of talent development professionals implementing programs focused on areas such as leadership development, workforce capacity building, engagement, and patient experience.

“I am thrilled to join the board of trustees for Excelsior University, an institution that provides crucial educational opportunities to the next generation of health care leaders,” said Adams. “As Excelsior continues to expand its programming and reach, it is truly an exciting time to join this remarkable group of trustees.”

Adams began her career in health care as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing individual, couples, family, and group psychotherapy, creating programs for adolescents, and helping patients navigate complex health challenges. Leveraging these experiences to teach graduate and medical students in the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Diane discovered her passion for empowering others through learning and development, a field she has been dedicated to for the past twenty years.

Adams continues to maintain her Clinical License in Social Work; she is certified in numerous training modalities and holds certifications in both Organizational Coaching and Change Management. Although Diane has held a variety of roles throughout her career, the constant has been her commitment to serving others and creating meaningful impact.

Adams holds a BA from Clark University and an MS from Columbia University.

Kent A.D. Clark, president and chairman of the board for the Clark Advisory Group LLC and CAG Federal, was appointed chair of the Excelsior University Board of Trustees. Other trustees appointed to the board include Todd Greene, vice president of Work, Education, and Labor Division and executive director of WorkRise Urban Institute; Jessica Hinkle, senior vice president of Strada; Ruth Lown Turman, senior sales operations manager at Optum Serve of UnitedHealth Group; Jeff Metzler, partner at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP; and Tony Spearman-Leach, director of development and philanthropy at the National Academy of Public Administration.

For more information on the Excelsior University Board of Trustees and full biographies of each member, visit excelsior.edu/about/leadership/trustees.

Media contact Excelsior University:
Jason Bonafide, jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446

About Excelsior University

Excelsior University is an accredited, not-for-profit higher education institution focused on helping learners complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971 in Albany, New York, 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 is a not-for-profit university with a main campus in Albany, New York, and an educational site in St. Petersburg, Florida. Excelsior University’s academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, with additional licensing for Florida-based programs.

Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928). Additional information regarding this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, toll-free number: (888)-224-6684.

Ahron Goldberg Finds His Path in Public Accounting

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Ahron Goldberg’s journey to a public accounting job was shaped by years of education, a love of numbers, and a timely connection made through a career webinar hosted by Excelsior University’s Career Readiness team.

Goldberg earned his Bachelor of Science in Business in December 2024, and after graduating, he stayed engaged with Excelsior and paid close attention to the career resources available to alumni. When he started actively thinking about pursuing an accounting career, he found himself unsure where to start. With so many possible paths to follow, the process felt overwhelming—until an email from Excelsior in August 2025 about an upcoming Career Café caught his attention.

Career Cafés are live, interactive webinars that connect students and alumni to employers and career experts while showcasing the resources available through the Career Readiness team. This particular Career Café featured a recruiter from Pease Bell CPAs. Goldberg decided to attend. “It felt like a great opportunity to learn more and connect with potential employers,” he says. That decision set everything in motion.

During the webinar, Goldberg connected with the recruiter, which quickly led to an interview the following week. Then came a second interview. Not long after, he was offered a full-time position, and he started his new job in November 2025. “It just all clicked,” he says.

Building a Foundation

Before pursuing accounting, Goldberg, of Lakewood, New Jersey, spent his early 20s immersed in education. He attended a Jewish school for much of his adult academic life and continued working at the school even after leaving, tutoring students who needed extra support. Helping others gave him a strong foundation in communication and organization—skills that would later prove important in a math-based field.

As Goldberg began thinking more seriously about his career goals, accounting stood out. “I always liked numbers,” he says. “When numbers make sense and they connect, everything else just makes sense. It’s very logical.” With accounting, he explains, the rules make sense and “everything fits in.” Strong math skills had been one of his strengths since childhood, and the structure and problem-solving nature of accounting felt like a natural fit.

Finding the right university was Goldberg’s next step. He was referred to Excelsior University through Testing and Training International, an organization that partners with the University to help Orthodox Jewish students transfer credits and complete their degrees. Excelsior stood out for its willingness to evaluate prior learning and help him apply a significant number of credits toward his degree.

“[Excelsior] kind of walked me through the steps and showed me what would be accepted, what wouldn’t be accepted,” Goldberg recalls. “And every specific degree has a different number of credits that you could transfer in. … So, [Excelsior] kind of helped me through that, but I was able to get a nice chunk of credits transferred in.”

At Excelsior, Goldberg completed courses that brought together both technical accounting knowledge and a broader understanding of how businesses operate. His capstone project—running a simulated bicycle shop—required collaboration with fellow students, strategic thinking, and real-world problem-solving. “The communication aspect of it is major; it becomes part of your everyday, and then you really transfer that to your everyday life,” Goldberg says. “Then, there’s obviously the technical aspect of it, the actual business knowledge that you learn, the accounting knowledge that you learn. … Just having that overall knowledge kind of brings everything together.”

Thriving in a Firm

Now working in public accounting, Goldberg is enjoying both the work and the environment. “The firm’s culture is exceptional, fostering a supportive environment that encourages professional growth,” he says. “They ensure that you learn and understand everything as you grow in your role.”

In his day-to-day work, Goldberg organizes client financial information, communicates directly with clients, and prepares tax returns, bringing together the technical skills he learned at Excelsior with the communication skills he developed early in his career. For him, satisfaction comes when the numbers click and everything falls into place. He says the busy season is just around the corner, though, and he’s excited for what’s t  come.

Looking ahead, Goldberg is focused on completing his CPA exam within the next year and a half, as well as balancing his work, study, and personal time. It’s a demanding goal, but he feels well prepared.

Reflecting on his journey, Goldberg credits Excelsior for not only the education he received but also the support that extended beyond graduation. The Career Café webinar wasn’t just an information session; it was a bridge between his degree and his career. For students wondering how to take the next step after graduation, Goldberg’s experience offers this message: Stay connected and be ready when opportunity presents itself.

Excelsior University welcomes Ruth Lown Turman to Board of Trustees

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

ALBANY, N.Y.  —The Excelsior University Board of Trustees has named Ruth Lown Turman, senior sales operations manager at Optum Serve (UnitedHealth Group) and a resident of Columbia, South Carolina, among its six new trustees. The University’s governing body, the board consists of individuals from across the country who are leaders in the fields of business, education, and government. An Excelsior alumna, Turman was recently appointed president of the Excelsior Alumni Leadership Council and will serve as an ex officio member of the board of trustees.

In her role as senior sales operations manager at Optum Serve, part of UnitedHealth Group, Turman specializes in executive-level reporting, process optimization, and strategic business development initiatives. Her background spans the banking, technology, and health insurance sectors, and she has experience in systems analysis and design, product delivery, business process consulting, and proposal management.

“As an Excelsior alumna, it’s deeply meaningful to return in service to an institution that expanded access and opportunity at a pivotal point in my educational journey,” said Turman. “I’m honored to join the board of trustees and to support Excelsior’s continued evolution as a university that meets learners where they are. I look forward to contributing to the stewardship and long-term impact of this remarkable institution.”

A Fellow of the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP), Turman also holds professional credentials in health care management and project management.

Her broader record of professional and community service includes a term on the international board of directors of APMP and recognition as a Melvin Jones Fellow of Lions Clubs International. She has been honored for leadership, mentoring, and chapter service throughout her career and remains dedicated to advancing excellence, equity, and engagement within every organization she serves.

Turman joined Excelsior’s Alumni Leadership Council in 2023, was elected first vice president in 2024, and became president of the Excelsior University Alumni Association and its Alumni Leadership Council in January 2026. In these roles, she has championed collaboration, stewardship, and professional development across Excelsior’s global alumni community. Turman’s dedication to Excelsior extends beyond leadership service to include philanthropy as a member of both the President’s Circle and the Purple and Gold Society.

Kent A.D. Clark, president and chairman of the board for the Clark Advisory Group LLC and CAG Federal, was appointed chair of the Excelsior University Board of Trustees. Other trustees appointed to the board include Diane Adams, chief learning officer of Mount Sinai Health System; Todd Greene, vice president of Work, Education, and Labor Division and executive director of WorkRise Urban Institute; Jessica Hinkle, senior vice president of Strada; Jeff Metzler, partner at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP; and Tony Spearman-Leach, director of development and philanthropy at the National Academy of Public Administration.

For more information on the Excelsior University Board of Trustees and full biographies of each member, visit excelsior.edu/about/leadership/trustees.

Media contact Excelsior University:
Jason Bonafide, jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446

About Excelsior University

Excelsior University is an accredited, not-for-profit higher education institution focused on helping learners complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971 in Albany, New York, 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 is a not-for-profit university with a main campus in Albany, New York, and an educational site in St. Petersburg, Florida. Excelsior University’s academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, with additional licensing for Florida-based programs.

Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928). Additional information regarding this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, toll-free number: (888)-224-6684.

Excelsior University welcomes new chair and members to Board of Trustees 

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

Excelsior University Board of Trustees chair Kent A.D. Clark

Albany, N.Y.  — The Excelsior University Board of Trustees has named Kent A.D. Clark as its chair and appointed six new trustees. The University’s governing body, the board consists of individuals from across the country who are leaders in the fields of business, education, and government. 

Clark, of Valrico, Florida, is president and chairman of the board for the Clark Advisory Group LLC and CAG Federal, a military veteran, and an Excelsior alumnus. Clark is an experienced chief executive officer certified in board and advisory work across the spectrums of cybersecurity, governance, finance, audit, strategic planning, and development for both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. He has been a member of the Excelsior Board of Trustees since 2020, most recently serving as treasurer. 

“As a board member and alumnus, Kent Clark’s expertise, leadership, and commitment to Excelsior’s mission of educational access have had a profound impact on our university,” said David Schejbal, president of Excelsior University. “I look forward to working with Chair Clark and this remarkable group of trustees as we continue our growth as a comprehensive educational institution dedicated to creating opportunities for learners everywhere.”     

As a veteran of the U.S. Army, Clark held progressively senior ranks, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. During his service, he advised U.S. Armed Forces leaders across multiple geographical locations, both domestic and abroad, on strategy, logistics, and resource planning. He also specialized in the deployment of large overseas logistical operations during combat, working with allies, foreign militaries, governments, and inter-agency partners. 

He most recently held the position of CEO at AMVETS National Service Foundation in Lanham, Maryland, where he spearheaded the major transformation of the one of the country’s largest veterans service organizations with a complex organizational structure, providing clear direction and governance while upholding the highest levels of ethics and fiduciary care. Previously, he held the position of chief appropriations advisor/national security director in the office of U.S. Rep. C. W. Bill Young. 

“As a military student in need of flexible education, Excelsior helped set me on a path to success in both my Army and civilian careers,” said Clark. “It has been an honor to give back to the University as a trustee, and I am thrilled to step into the role of chair at this exciting time in Excelsior’s history.” 

New trustees appointed to the board include Diane Adams, chief learning officer of Mount Sinai Health System; Todd Greene, vice president of Work, Education, and Labor Division and executive director of WorkRise Urban Institute; Jessica Hinkle, senior vice president of Strada; Ruth Lown Turman, senior sales operations manager at Optum Serve of UnitedHealth Group; Jeff Metzler, partner at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP; and Tony Spearman-Leach, director of development and philanthropy at the National Academy of Public Administration.  

For the past ten years, Diane Adams has served a workforce of 50,000 people at the Mount Sinai Health System as chief learning officer. In this role, Adams creates and drives the organizational learning strategy, leading a team of talent development professionals implementing programs focused on areas such as leadership development, workforce capacity building, engagement, and patient experience.  

Todd Greene is a vice president of the Work, Education, and Labor Division (WELD) at the Urban Institute. He leads a team of K-12, higher education, workforce development, apprenticeship, and labor market experts who shape education and training that leads to lifelong success. He also serves as the executive director of WorkRise, a research-to-action network focused on jobs, workers, and mobility hosted by the Urban Institute.  

As senior vice president of strategic investments for Strada Education Foundation, Jessica Hinkle evaluates potential mission-aligned investments and manages Strada’s portfolio of direct minority investments and early-stage fund investments. Previously, Hinkle advised and supported Strada’s mission-aligned affiliates, leading product strategy and innovation for Strada’s commercial and products division. 

An active and engaged Excelsior alumna, Ruth Lown Turman was recently appointed president of the Excelsior University Alumni Leadership Council and will serve as an ex officio board member. Turman currently serves as senior sales operations manager at Optum Serve (UnitedHealth Group). Her experience spans health care, technology, and financial services, with a focus on proposal management, process design, and cross-functional leadership supporting complex federal and commercial programs.  

Jeff Metzler is co-leader of Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP’s education group and is ranked by Chambers for Higher Education law. He has extensive experience handling complex civil litigation, investigations, and appeals for a diversity of clients. He also has significant appellate experience in New York state and federal courts and has served as trusted counsel to boards and senior leaders in government and nonprofits. 

As senior director of institutional advancement at the U.S. Congressionally chartered National Academy of Public Administration, Tony Spearman-Leach engages major philanthropists, corporations, and foundations, securing commitments that ensure long-term sustainability while expanding programs in good government and governance. An Excelsior alumnus, Spearman-Leach recently concluded his term as Excelsior Alumni Leadership Council president.  

For more information on the Excelsior University Board of Trustees and full biographies of each member, visit excelsior.edu/about/leadership/trustees. 

Media contact Excelsior University:
Jason Bonafide, jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446

About Excelsior University

Excelsior University is an accredited, not-for-profit higher education institution focused on helping learners complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971 in Albany, New York, 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 is a not-for-profit university with a main campus in Albany, New York, and an educational site in St. Petersburg, Florida. Excelsior University’s academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, with additional licensing for Florida-based programs.

Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928). Additional information regarding this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, toll-free number: (888)-224-6684.

Bridging Equity and Empathy in Pain Care

Posted on by Brian Pervis

Brian Pervis, department chair for the Excelsior University School of Nursing, published an article titled “Bridging Equity and Empathy in Pain Care” in the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) Post-Conference Newsletter (p. 34-40). The article examines disparities in pain assessment and management and highlights the role of nursing education, clinical practice, and professional leadership in improving patient care and health outcomes. It reflects ongoing scholarly and professional efforts to strengthen nursing practice and patient-centered care.

Read the article here.

From Immigrant to Officer

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

In 2013, when Jervaughn Miller was 18, his family emigrated from Jamaica to the United States in search of a better life. Miller’s parents believed that greater opportunities were in store for their son. “We didn’t have everything figured out, but they believed in the promise that hard work and dedication could lead to something better,” he says. Twelve years later, Miller is in the military, has three degrees, and works to contain hazardous materials. He’s proving the American dream isn’t just a fairy tale.

During his deployment to Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, from December 2017 to October 2018, Miller worked night shifts as a hospital corpsman. He spent most of his nights responding to medical emergencies and providing health care to his fellow service members. One evening, his chief gathered all the sailors outside the living quarters to explain his expectations of them. He also gave them an ultimatum: Either find a hobby or go back to school.

“I couldn’t do any hobbies or play any sports, so I chose school,” he says, remembering his parents’ belief that a better education and a better future were attainable in the United States. That belief was deeply personal to Miller and would stay with him throughout his military and educational career.

Miller needed to pick a major. He chose health care, in part due to his role as a hospital corpsman. However, his military duties made it difficult to take courses in person. So, instead of focusing on the clinical side of health care, he decided to focus on prevention, policy, and public health.

Those interests led him to Excelsior University (then College). The school’s education standards impressed him. While stationed at the Naval Support Activity Orlando base not long after his time in Guantánamo Bay, he completed his associate degree (2019) and bachelor’s degree (2021), both in health sciences, before starting work on his Master of Science in Health Sciences.

Learning While Leading

The curriculum of Excelsior’s health sciences programs supported his interest in public health. “The courses enlightened me of all the issues that our health care system is experiencing right now. It piqued my interest,” he says.

In 2022, after spending eight years in the Navy, Miller was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army. He decided to attend the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Basic Officer Leadership Course to start focusing on public health concerns. It wasn’t easy; Miller took the course at the same time he was completing his master’s. It was no small task, but he pushed through and finished both programs in 2023.

As a CBRN officer, Miller leads a command defending against chemical and biological weapons, and weapons of mass destruction. “In essence, we try to detect, analyze, and mitigate any type of chemical, biological, or radiological threats,” he says. “If we have personnel or equipment that are contaminated, we are able to decontaminate them. … Many of us are also trained as hazmat technicians.”

Jervaughn Miller in his military uniform looking at the camera

As a reconnaissance platoon leader, Miller oversees what he calls a “mobile science lab on wheels.” This specialized military vehicle carries equipment that detects and analyzes hazardous agents in real time. If there’s a nuclear event or chemical spill, Miller and his colleagues drive in, collect samples, and determine what’s out there. Mini mobile labs allow them to test the air samples from safely inside their vehicles. Air is pulled in through ports, analyzed by detectors, and displayed on screens inside, giving the team immediate data. Although not usually necessary, if Miller and his team need to go outside, they wear required protective suits and masks.

Training for the Unthinkable

Most days aren’t spent in active crisis response, but Miller and his team are constantly training. Miller’s days begin at 6:30 a.m. with physical training, followed by working on vehicles and doing drills. He also has leadership duties such as managing soldiers, planning training for his 16-member platoon, and briefing senior officers.

Miller’s academic background directly supports his Army work. Excelsior’s courses in biology, environmental science, and even weather have practical applications in understanding how hazards spread. Leadership training has been equally important. “A few of my classes had a leadership aspect to it, like how to be a good leader, servant leader, so that kind of really helped me to be a good leader to my platoon and the orders that I’m giving,” he says.

With 11 years of service—eight in the Navy, three in the Army—Miller remains focused on his platoon, his higher education, and his mission of improving public health and safety. He credits Excelsior for his growth and where he is today.

The Road Ahead

But there’s a spark in Miller that pushes him to do more. He’s pursuing a doctoral degree in health care administration at Virginia University of Lynchburg. “Preventative medicine is my thing. I’m really big into holistic care, preventative medicine, using the wellness model … maybe creating some type of wellness program to help people better their health,” Miller says. He wants to teach, influence policy, and develop wellness programs to prevent public illness.

His Excelsior experience may have set him up for a career beyond the military, but it was his family who instilled in him the importance of never giving up. For as much as he values his achievements, he knows how much every milestone of his journey has meant to his parents. “Every degree I’ve earned has been a reflection not just of my personal drive but also of the sacrifices my family made to give me this chance,” he says.

Miller shows that it may be difficult, but with determination and hard work, the American dream is never far out of reach.

A New Way to Earn Your Nursing Degree at Excelsior University

Posted on by Brian Pervis

IDEAS IN BRIEF

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing prelicensure program is designed for individuals with little to no health care experience, including recent high school graduates and adults seeking a new career path in nursing. Excelsior University’s hybrid bachelor’s degree program offers hands-on education for those entering the nursing profession for the first time.

The Excelsior University School of Nursing in St. Petersburg, Florida

Today represents the ideal opportunity for nursing students to begin their education at Excelsior University’s site in St. Petersburg, Florida, which now offers a bachelor’s degree in nursing. The newly opened location will provide convenient access to our Bachelor of Science in Nursing prelicensure program for students looking to start their health care journey or advance their education. Excelsior University St. Petersburg enables students to experience the University’s innovative hybrid nursing curriculum, with online learning complemented by on-site lab practice and hands-on clinical training in local health care facilities.

What Will the Hybrid Nursing Program Experience Look Like?

The hybrid BS in Nursing program at Excelsior’s St. Petersburg location combines online learning with practical in-person training. This program is designed to offer the flexibility students need while providing a structured pathway into nursing.

Students begin their education online, allowing them to study on their own schedule through asynchronous coursework. As part of the hybrid format, students move seamlessly from theoretical knowledge to practical application through hands-on lab exercises and in-person simulation learning—with experienced nursing faculty on-site in St. Petersburg to support their learning—as well as through supervised clinical experiences in partnered health care facilities. Excelsior’s combination of online coursework and in-person training offers collaborative, hands-on learning and individualized faculty support that equips students with the skills and confidence that make graduates highly competitive in the nursing profession.

What Will You Learn in Excelsior’s Hybrid BS in Nursing Program?

Excelsior University’s prelicensure teaches students to practice nursing in real-world settings while helping them succeed on the registered nurse licensing exam, the NCLEX-RN. The curriculum teaches students evidence-based nursing practices, clinical decision-making, and teamwork skills, which are vital for nursing practice in the 21st century. Through study in areas such as anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and patient safety, students learn to integrate critical thinking and communication skills guided by the nursing process.

The curriculum focuses on delivering complete patient care through various nursing approaches that serve different patient groups, including women, children, mental health patients, and community populations. Students develop their clinical skills through simulation-based training, which provides a safe environment to practice, make mistakes, and apply learned concepts before and alongside hands-on clinical experiences with real patients. The program teaches students to become proficient in NCLEX-RN exam preparation while they learn to transition into their first nursing position after graduation.

Can I Get into This Nursing Program with No Medical Experience?

Excelsior University’s hybrid prelicensure BS in Nursing program welcomes students who have little to no health care experience but want to begin a career in nursing. The program enables individuals from diverse professional backgrounds to enter the field, whether they’re pursuing nursing as a first profession or as a second career.

The prelicensure program enables students to earn their nursing degree and sit for the NCLEX-RN through a modern curriculum pathway. Students receive the knowledge, skills, and professional values needed to prepare for practice as a bachelor’s-prepared registered nurse. Excelsior University supports students at every stage of their journey through a comprehensive range of services, which include admission support, individual academic advising, and NCLEX test preparation.

Why Choose Excelsior to Earn Your BS in Nursing?

Excelsior University has maintained its position as a nursing education leader for more than 50 years through its dedication to modern learning methods and adaptable programs that support student achievement. The University’s hybrid learning approach to its St. Petersburg nursing program provides the flexibility of online learning as well as confidence-building in-person instruction and the invaluable hands-on experience that employers seek. And we’re proud to say Excelsior supports students through their entire educational journey, from admission through their first day on the job.

Ready to Take the Next Step Toward Your New Nursing Career?

Join a new generation of nurses with Excelsior University’s hybrid BS in Nursing program in St. Petersburg, Florida. Regardless of how much health care experience you have, our expert faculty and support team are committed to guiding you every step of the way—from your first course to NCLEX-RN preparation—ensuring you’re ready to enter the workforce with confidence.

Apply today and take your first step toward a meaningful new career in care.

Licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education, License No. 12928.

Excelsior University launches innovative new nursing program to address Florida’s health care needs  

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Excelsior University is proud to announce the launch of its Bachelor of Science in Nursing prelicensure program, a hybrid learning experience designed to create new opportunities for Florida students in the health care field. The program is the first health care offering at Excelsior University St. Petersburg, the institution’s new immersive learning site in Florida. 

Directly addressing Florida’s nursing shortage by focusing on entry-level, generalist nursing practice, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing prelicensure program combines online coursework with in-person training at Excelsior University St. Petersburg’s nursing lab facilities and partnering health care sites. Clinical credits are completed in direct care settings, helping students develop practice-ready skills. The program is designed to be completed in three years or less of year-round study, creating an accelerated path to Registered Nurse licensure and sustainable careers.  

“At Excelsior University’s new St. Petersburg site, learners in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing prelicensure program will build critical patient care skills through individualized, hands-on coaching and high-fidelity simulation experiences that mirror real-world scenarios,” said Christina Jones, executive site director for Excelsior University St. Petersburg. “With access to state-of-the-art technology and guidance from Excelsior’s highly experienced nursing educators, students will graduate ready to care for their communities.” 

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing prelicensure program is the next phase of Excelsior’s extensive history of nursing education. While Excelsior’s popular Associate Degree in Nursing program is designed to help LPNs, LVNs, paramedics, and certain military personnel build on their health care knowledge to transition to careers in nursing, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing prelicensure program requires no previous health care experience. The program is ideal for those just beginning their career journey or looking to forge a new path in the nursing field.  

“More than 50 years since Excelsior launched its first nursing programs, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing prelicensure program reflects our continued evolution as a leader in health care education,” said Diane Pytlik-Flammia, dean, Excelsior University School of Nursing. “By combining the flexibility of online learning with immersive labs at our new St. Petersburg site and training at clinical partner locations, we are preparing the next generation of nurses for dynamic, rewarding careers in health care.” 

For more information on the Bachelor of Science in Nursing prelicensure program and enrollment materials, visit the program page.  

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Media Contact Excelsior University: 
Jason Bonafide, jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446 

ABOUT EXCELSIOR UNIVERSITY  
Excelsior University is an accredited, not-for-profit online institution focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971, Excelsior meets students where they are — academically and geographically — removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.   

Excelsior is a not-for-profit university with a main campus in Albany, New York, and an educational site in St. Petersburg, Florida. Excelsior University’s academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, with additional licensing for Florida-based programs.   

Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928). Additional information regarding this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, toll-free number: (888)-224-6684.