Beth Wineland of Georgetown, Tennessee, earned an Associate of Science in Nursing in 2009. She shares, “Since completing my degree I have gone on to get my RNFA and my BSN. I am so happy with the milestones that I have been able to complete. My granddaughter is the joy of my life.”

Jeff Ketcham of Augusta, Georgia, earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Science in 2023. He shares, “I was excited to take this journey, knowing that my degree completion would make me a little more valuable than some of my peers in the Army. Everyone works and goes to school at some point, some work more than one job, or come home to a family hyped up on caffeine after a 13-hour day. My family motivated me to be better, to push harder, to make myself stand out when we all dress and act the same in the Army. I started my journey in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. I took a couple classes, worked a full-time job and dealt with part-time military training each month. Eventually I got more excited knowing this degree was half completed. I had long days ahead, 12– to 16-hour workdays then do some schoolwork online or on my phone as we spent hours driving around after our workload was done for the day. I completed my degree, was recognized as an alumnus, and it made my wife decide to start her path towards her associate degree. We have been together for 22 years, our oldest daughter finished her BS in December 2023, so why not push ourselves and each other for bigger and better challenges… after all, we didn’t die trying harder. Thank you, Excelsior.”

Kathryn Crowley-Shea of Hershey, Pennsylvania, earned a Master of Science in Nursing in 2015. She shares, “I have been teaching as nursing faculty, as a nursing professional development specialist, and went back to bedside care during the pandemic as an expert staff RN and resource/preceptor. I began my doctoral program at Ohio State in August 2024.”

Iluminada Chinneth, formerly Calicdan, of Seattle, Washington, earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1993. She shares, “I immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 17, after graduating high school in the Philippines. I attended several community colleges and universities while working several part-time jobs to finance my education, including flipping hamburgers from midnight to 4 a.m., when fast food restaurants stayed open 24/7. There were times when I went from one job to another on the same day when I was not in school. First, I obtained a certificate, then an Associate Degree in Nursing, and worked night shifts so I could go to school during the day in pursuit of a baccalaureate degree. Then Regents College degrees provided a way for me to continue my education on my own pace, through proctored clinical exams and evaluation of previous academic records. It was 13 years from the day I set foot at a community college to the day I received my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Regents College. Undeterred by hardship and determined to advance in my career, I went on to graduate school and became a nurse practitioner.  At the age of 43 1/2, around the age when most military officers retire, I joined the active-duty Army Nurse Corps and served for 20 years, retiring at the grade of colonel (O-6).”

Candice Brown Elliott of Santa Rosa, California, earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Psychology in 1982. She shares, “I am semiretired from being the CEO of a Silicon Valley high tech start-up. Currently I am an advisor for several firms. During my career in technology, I was granted several hundred patents worldwide, over a hundred in the U.S. alone. I have written several nonfiction books and two sci-fi novels. Yes, that is me on the cover of Electronic Engineering Times.”

Jose Cordero of San Antonio, Texas, earned an Associate of Science in Nursing in 2013. He shares, “As a former paramedic, Excelsior made it possible for me to obtain my degree on my time, which was a blessing due to family matters and scheduling conflicts with work. I have since gone on to obtain my BSN and currently work in the emergency room.”

Tryphena Banks of Willingboro, New Jersey, earned an Associate of Science in Nursing in 2009. She shares, “I obtained my initial nursing degree (ASN) from Excelsior College in May 2009 and have been actively working in the field since then. In 2010, I resumed my studies and completed my BSN in 2013, followed by a master’s degree in Nursing Education in 2016, both from Regis University in Denver, Colorado. Most recently, I achieved my doctorate in Health Care Administration from Virginia University of Lynchburg. Currently, I serve as a hospice nursing director and have recently published my autobiography on May 1, 2024.”

Camilo Medina of Port Saint Lucie, Florida, earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in 2015. He shares, “I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Liberal Arts from Excelsior University (formerly Excelsior College) in 2015 while serving in the U.S. Army. Following my retirement from the military, I was able to leverage my degree to secure a position at Indian River State College (Florida), where I now serve as the coordinator for the Veteran’s Center of Excellence.”

James Winter of Buckeye, Arizona, earned BS in Liberal Arts in 2009. He shares, “I will be starting my eighth school year in teaching at Odyssey Preparatory Academy (International Baccalaureate School) here in the fall and starting my 17th year of public service. My youngest is a senior in HS this fall, another to serve an LDS two-year mission abroad, another finishing his HS and the two oldest working and thriving! Our Winter wonderland is in great shape!”

Ernest Blanchard of Lowell, Michigan, earned a BS in 1987. They share, “My Doctor of Business Administration was conferred on Oct. 23, 2023. Graduation was on May 1, 2024.”

Leslie Chamblee of Lakeland, Wisconsin, earned an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing in 2015. He shares, “My degree in Nursing from Excelsior led me to more education in Nursing.  I obtained my BSN and then MSN to become a nurse educator. I now run the nursing simulation lab for Keiser University/Lakeland Campus. I had no idea I would like simulation so much, but I have found my niche.”

Bernadine Claus of Ballston Lake, New York, earned an MS in Nursing Education in 2019. She shares, “My degree has prepared me for the role of director of nursing at Whitney Young Health in Albany, New York.”