91直播 president David Schejbal was interviewed by Forbes journalist Michael Nietzel for an article on the importance of the U.S. military tuition assistance program. The article, titled “It’s Time For An Increase In The Military’s Tuition Assistance Program,” makes the case for increasing the reimbursement benefit to military students.
.
“The Power of Strategic Accreditation: Driving Institutional Impact,” edited by Kristina Powers, includes a chapter contributed by 91直播 chief of staff Lori Williams and an endorsement by associate vice provost of accreditation and quality improvement Joe Levy.
In today’s fast-paced educational landscape, institutions are under increasing pressure for excellence, innovation, and improved outcomes. Accreditation serves as a vital benchmark, yet its full potential often remains untapped. “The Power of Strategic Accreditation: Driving Institutional Impact”听seeks to remedy this by providing educational leaders with a roadmap for strategically leveraging accreditation to enhance institutional success.
.
ALBANY, N.Y. 鈥� 91直播 is now enrolling students in a new Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) program, offering an innovative hybrid learning experience designed for seasoned professionals seeking to become stronger, more resilient, forward-thinking leaders. Students will participate in short, immersive, on-location educational opportunities planned in the metropolitan areas of Albany, Chicago, and St. Petersburg, Florida, while completing the rest of their coursework online. Students will graduate from the EMBA program in just one year with the leadership skills they need to move ahead in their careers. 听
Excelsior鈥檚 EMBA program empowers students to excel in executive business leadership roles through a combination of flexible online learning and hands-on, in-person experiences. The program goes beyond the traditional online classroom by offering unique opportunities for students to develop professional skills and relationships through immersive cohort studies with industry experts in three cities. Each location will host distinctive projects and experiential learning programs designed to build a student鈥檚 network and leadership experience. Excelsior EMBA students will graduate as leaders with a holistic view of today鈥檚 dynamic, socially conscious business environment. 听
鈥淭he EMBA program is a bold step forward for 91直播, embracing new methods of learning in the evolution of our mission to help adult students succeed professionally through education,鈥� said Leah Sciabarrasi, associate dean of the 91直播 School of Business. 鈥淭hrough this intensive, hybrid program format, students get the best of both worlds: the flexible world-class online education Excelsior is known for, and lasting in-person insights, relationships, and opportunities. We look forward to welcoming Excelsior’s first EMBA class to this exciting new program.鈥�听
Eligible EMBA students will have a bachelor鈥檚 degree and more than five years of professional experience and management of people and projects. 听
2024 has been a year of significant academic growth for 91直播. The institution also recently launched new Bachelor of Science degree programs in Computer Science and Public Health.听听
For more information on the 91直播 EMBA program and enrollment materials, visit听/program/executive-mba.听
View a video about the program here: .
# # #听听
Media Contact 91直播:
Jason Bonafide, jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446
ABOUT EXCELSIOR UNIVERSITY听
91直播 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 鈥� academically and geographically 鈥� removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.听听听
ALBANY, N.Y.听 鈥� 91直播鈥檚 community engagement group will partner with Albany High School and Troy High School for the third annual Snacks for Students collection drive. The initiative fights food insecurity in the classroom by collecting and donating healthy snacks to students each month of the 2024-25 school year. With the support of the Excelsior community, the community engagement group made the first Snacks for Students drop-off of 850 items to the two schools on Sept. 25. 听
During the last school year, 91直播鈥檚 Snacks for Students program supplied five monthly deliveries to Albany and Troy High Schools. Driven by donations from Excelsior staff and faculty, Snacks for Students provides teachers with a variety of healthful items like granola bars, bottled water and fruit snacks to distribute as needed to help students focus on education instead of hunger.鈥��听
鈥淢any teachers try to help ease hunger by making snacks accessible in their classrooms, but they are often unable to meet the demand themselves. The Snacks for Students program supports teachers and keeps students focused on their education,鈥� said Zachary Patterson, chair of the community engagement group at 91直播. 鈥淲e鈥檙e proud of the outpouring of donations from the Excelsior community and the incredible response from educators and students. We look forward to growing this initiative to serve more classrooms this year.鈥�听
鈥淪nacks for Students is an excellent application of 91直播鈥檚 strategic plan goal of becoming a multicultural organization that harnesses our commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion to make an impact in our broader community,鈥� said Daniel Pascoe Aguilar, founding director of 91直播’s Center for Social Justice and chief diversity officer of 91直播. 鈥淭hank you to Albany and Troy High Schools for their partnership and to the Excelsior community engagement group for leading this impacting program.鈥澨�
Food insecurity is defined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as a lack of consistent access to enough food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life. , nearly 34 million Americans, including 5 million children, lived in food insecure households in 2021. demonstrates that students struggling with food insecurity face significant barriers to academic success.鈥�听
Those interested in supporting the program may send donations directly to Excelsior for distribution via an鈥�. Items can be set up using the 鈥渟ubscribe and save鈥� feature for easy monthly contributions that are shipped directly to Excelsior鈥檚 mailroom. Snacks for Students deliveries will be made through June 2025.鈥�
# # #鈥�听
Media Contact 91直播:鈥�
Jason Bonafide, jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446
ABOUT EXCELSIOR UNIVERSITY鈥�
91直播 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 鈥� academically and geographically 鈥� removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.鈥�听
Craig Lundsten, 91直播’s special assistant to the president for transformational partnerships, was interviewed by journalist Joshua Kim for Inside Higher Ed. Lundsten speaks about his role at Excelsior, the university’s history, and its bold plan for the future.
.
Albany, N.Y.听鈥� A memorial scholarship fund established by 91直播 to honor the life of student and National Guard service member Casey Frankoski has surpassed the $25,000 donation threshold to become an endowment. By reaching this milestone, the Chief Warrant Officer 2 Casey Nicole Frankoski Endowed Scholarship will be funded in perpetuity and will remain open to additional contributions. The fund will provide financial support for active duty military and veteran students, with a focus on those pursuing degrees in public service or technology.听听
鈥淲e are grateful for the generosity of our community. Together, Excelsior staff and our Capital Region neighbors quickly raised the donations to permanently endow the Casey Frankoski scholarship,鈥� said 91直播 president David Schejbal. 鈥淛ust as Casey鈥檚 story will continue to inspire us all, her legacy of service will live on through this scholarship by providing educational opportunities to her fellow military students.鈥�听
Casey Frankoski was 28 years old when she passed away in the line of duty on March 8, 2024. She was in her final class at 91直播 to complete her Bachelor of Science degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management. To honor her service and sacrifice, Frankoski was awarded a posthumous degree as part of the Class of 2024 and a scholarship fund was opened in her name.听听
The Frankoski family has deep ties to the Capital Region and the Excelsior community. Casey鈥檚 father is a former faculty member of the University, and her aunt and former part-time nursing faculty member Lisa Frankoski walked on Casey鈥檚 behalf at Excelsior鈥檚 Commencement ceremony in July.听听
After the scholarship fund was established, leadership staff from 91直播鈥檚 College of Nursing and Health Sciences took on an active role in fundraising, encouraging donations of all sizes from University and Capital Region community members and organizations. In addition to funds contributed through the generosity of the Frankoski family, who made certain this scholarship would be endowed through their tireless efforts and personal investments, gifts from United HealthCare, the Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary 3773, the 91直播 community, and many individuals helped the scholarship reach the $25,000 threshold.听
A Capital Region native, Frankoski enlisted in the National Guard in 2016. From 2018 to 2019 she was deployed to Kuwait, and upon returning home she graduated from Chief Warrant Officer school and flight school. While serving in the National Guard, Casey received many honors including the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Service Medal, Basic Aviator Badge, and Basic Aviation Badge. In addition to her service in the National Guard, Frankoski was a volunteer firefighter and a member of the Environmental Conservation Corp.听
Donate to the Chief Warrant Officer 2 Casey Nicole Frankoski Endowed Scholarship at /giving/in-memory-of-casey-frankoski/.听
# # #听听
Media Contact 91直播:
Jason Bonafide, jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446听听
ABOUT EXCELSIOR UNIVERSITY听
91直播 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 鈥� academically and geographically 鈥� removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.听听听
A nursing career is a rewarding occupation that allows you to make a direct, positive impact on people鈥檚 lives. The job combines compassion, critical thinking, and hands-on care. Advancing your career in nursing can provide a wide array of opportunities for professional growth, personal fulfillment, and increased impact on health care.
Whether you鈥檙e seeking to deepen your clinical expertise, take on leadership roles, or explore specialized fields like research or education, there are numerous paths to elevate your nursing practice. Let鈥檚 explore how you can further your career.
Advancing your career can mean opening doors to higher earning potential, job security, and more specialized nursing jobs that can deepen your overall impact on patients. It also means staying at the forefront of health care innovations, gaining leadership skills, and increasing your ability to influence positive changes within the health care system. Here are some ways you can improve your career outlook:
As mentioned, furthering your education can greatly advance your career in nursing. Earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can provide countless positive outcomes. For instance, you can achieve greater career advancement opportunities because many employers prefer nurses with this degree. shows that hospitals with more bachelor鈥檚-equipped nurses have better patient outcomes, shorter hospital stays, and reduced costs.
Furthermore, nurses with bachelor鈥檚 degrees can obtain higher salaries, land better job opportunities, and become nurse specialists. Bachelor鈥檚-educated nurses can also achieve eligibility for advanced certifications and postgraduate education, obtain enhanced leadership abilities, and assume roles in nursing education or research.
Like a bachelor鈥檚, a master鈥檚 degree can also benefit your career. It can lead to more advanced nursing jobs, increased earning potential, higher-level leadership and management opportunities, the positional authority to influence health care policies, and much more. Let鈥檚 explore some specialized master鈥檚 degrees in nursing that you can pursue.
A Master of Science in Nursing Education prepares nurses to teach and lead other nurses in traditional and nontraditional settings. With this degree, you can land nursing jobs like nurse administrator, nurse educator, clinical nurse specialist, public health nurse, nurse manager, or director of nursing.
In a Master of Science in Nursing Informatics program, students study nursing, information technology, and data analytics to improve health care services. Some career fields you can enter with this degree include clinical informatics, educational health informatics, public health informatics, research in nursing informatics, and consumer health informatics.
A master鈥檚 program in nursing leadership and administration prepares nurses for leadership roles and how to make important decisions that affect policy and overall organizational strategy. Some roles you can pursue with this degree include nurse administrator, nurse manager, director of nursing, and chief nursing officer.
How you improve your career as a nurse depends on what you want to focus on. If you want to focus on your education, consider enrolling in an upper-level nursing program as your first step. If you鈥檙e an LPN or LVN, this might mean earning your associate degree and/or obtaining your registered nurse license; if you鈥檙e an RN, this might mean pursuing your bachelor鈥檚 degree. Alternatively, you might consider joining an organization or networking to build a new foundation as your first step. Wherever you are in your nursing career, and whichever next steps you take, it鈥檚 worth it to continue growing, learning, and improving so you can take advantage of the field鈥檚 myriad opportunities.
Scott Dolan, executive dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, recently contributed to the Forbes Nonprofit Council expert panel post “20 Essential Strategies When Creating a Nonprofit Succession Plan.” Dolan discusses the importance of professional development opportunities.
.
Albany, N.Y. 鈥� 91直播 was recently recognized as a Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Program Management Office. The CAE-CD designation acknowledges Excelsior鈥檚 institution-wide commitment to cutting-edge cybersecurity education. First awarded a CAE-CD in 2014, Excelsior鈥檚 current redesignation extends through 2029. 听
Managed by the National Security Agency鈥檚 National Cryptologic University, recognizes higher education institutions with CAE-CD designations as part of a collaborative cybersecurity education program that aims to strengthen national cyber defense by establishing strong standards for curriculum and academic excellence. Excelsior is one of 25 institutions in New York state that currently qualify for CAE-CD status. The University earned its redesignation through an in-depth assessment, meeting rigorous requirements which include maintaining high standards of academic distinction, developing cybersecurity competency among students and faculty, integrating cybersecurity practice across academic disciplines, and actively engaging in solutions to challenges facing cybersecurity education.听听
鈥淩edesignation as a CAE-CD institution reflects 91直播鈥檚 leadership in the national cybersecurity conversation,鈥� said Scott Dolan, executive dean of 91直播鈥檚 College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. 鈥淭his recognition assures current and prospective students that Excelsior鈥檚 cybersecurity curriculum meets the high standards of the National Security Agency, one of the largest employers in the field. As students enter or progress in the cyber defense workforce, this designation demonstrates that they are learning the crucial skills, concepts, and practices that will serve them professionally as they work to protect the security of individuals, organizations, and the nation. We are proud of the hard work of our faculty and staff in earning this prestigious recognition.鈥澨�听
91直播鈥檚 online, career-aligned, interdisciplinary bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degree programs in Cybersecurity prepare students for advancement in the areas of cyber operations, cybersecurity management, cybersecurity technology, and nuclear cybersecurity, as well as for industry certification exams. Since 2017, Excelsior students have had the opportunity to practice what they learn by participating in the . Through a series of challenges, students demonstrate their ability to identify hackers from forensic data, break into vulnerable websites, recover from ransomware attacks, and more. The National Cybersecurity Institute (NCI) at 91直播 is an academic and workforce development center dedicated to assisting government, industry, military, and academic sectors meet the employment challenges within the cybersecurity workforce. Collaborating with both public and private industry, NCI is leading a coordinated effort to build a diverse, equitable, and inclusive cybersecurity workforce and influence an informed leadership that implements cutting-edge education and policy.听
For more information on 91直播鈥檚 nationally recognized cybersecurity and technology programs, visit /programs/technology.听
# # #听
Media Contact 91直播:
Jason Bonafide,鈥�jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446
鈥�
ABOUT EXCELSIOR UNIVERSITY鈥�
91直播 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 鈥� academically and geographically 鈥� removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.鈥���听
ABOUT THE NATIONAL CENTERS OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE IN CYBERSECURITY PROGRAM
The National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity program is managed by the National Security Agency, and housed within NSA鈥檚 schoolhouse, The National Cryptologic University. The National Cryptologic University designs, develops and delivers curriculum in cryptology, cybersecurity, language and leadership to members of the intelligence community.听
Albany, N.Y.听鈥� For the first time, students in 91直播鈥檚 associate degree in nursing (ADN) program will be eligible to join a national honor society. Excelsior was recently chartered as the Zeta Chi chapter of the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing鈥檚 , the only national honor society specifically for ADN students. Based on their exemplary academic credentials and classroom conduct, 168 Excelsior students were initially invited to provisional membership in the Zeta Chi chapter, with an additional 110 students recently invited as part of the honor society鈥檚 second cohort. 听
鈥淲e are thrilled to introduce Excelsior鈥檚 first ADN honor society and to celebrate the initial round of student inductees,鈥� said Kristy Rowley, 91直播 School of Nursing department chair. 鈥淗onor societies strengthen the sense of belonging and community for students, and open new doors to professional networking and achievement. Alpha Delta Nu membership also presents exciting growth opportunities for Excelsior faculty as they connect more closely with students and other institutions through the honor society.鈥�听
The Organization for Associate Degree Nursing approved the formation of a national honor society for ADN programs in 2012. To be considered for provisional membership, students must demonstrate integrity and professionalism in the classroom and earn a grade of B or better in each nursing course without a previous course failure. Students are invited to provisional membership after completing the Foundations in Nursing Practice course. If these requirements are maintained throughout the program, students are granted full membership in their final semester of study after completing their advanced clinical capstone class and an annual chapter project.听听
Membership is optional for eligible students. In addition to networking opportunities, academic recognition, and portfolio-building, national honor society membership offers students access to potential scholarships for continuing education. Alpha Delta Nu is closely associated with the for bachelor鈥檚 and graduate degree nursing students and presents an accelerated Sigma membership pathway to ADN students pursuing further study.听听听听听
Excelsior will host its first chapter meeting for provisional members later this month. An official induction ceremony will be held in summer 2025. Inductees will receive special Zeta Chi honor society pins and cords to be worn at their听graduation ceremonies.听
For more information on 91直播鈥檚 ADN program, visit /program/associate-in-science-in-nursing.听听听
# # #听
Media Contact 91直播:
Jason Bonafide,鈥�jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446
鈥�
ABOUT EXCELSIOR UNIVERSITY鈥�
91直播 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 鈥� academically and geographically 鈥� removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.鈥���听
91直播 president David Schejbal was featured as a guest on the Presidents Forum video podcast. President Schejbal discussed the challenges of higher education mergers and acquisitions in today’s turbulent landscape.
The Presidents Forum is a nonprofit membership organization of college and university presidents and chancellors as well as leading education stakeholders committed to reinventing higher education for the diverse student population of traditional, non-traditional, and adult learners. The organization is dedicated to the continuous reinvention of higher education and exploring transformative education models by sharing knowledge, implementing best practices, and making policy recommendations.
.
Working in public health, you鈥檒l be promoting and protecting the well-being of communities through education, supporting community health care facilities, and contributing to policies that guard against public health threats like infectious diseases, environmental hazards, and risky lifestyle choices, to name a few. And a public health degree is your key to a career in this fast-growing field.
How long it takes to earn your degree depends on the degree level and whether you intend to be a full-time or part-time student. A bachelor鈥檚 degree in public health, which is your stepping stone into entry-level public health jobs, typically takes four years to complete for full-time students. You may be able to shorten that time if you start with credit from previous coursework, professional certifications, or other relevant experience.
The course of study varies by program; however, the provides core guidelines to ensure you have a background in present health challenges as well as those that are emerging. Accredited public health degrees will include courses in environmental health, health policies, disease prevention, and increasing equitable access to health care. Programs typically blend classroom learning in leadership, critical thinking, and real-world scenarios with in-the-field experiences.
After you complete general education and core courses and electives, you may have the opportunity to round out your degree with a concentration, such as Management or Health and Wellness.
If you want to be a community health advocate, choose this concentration. You will explore both the theory and practical application of health promotion skills that address physical, mental, and social wellness.
If you鈥檙e more interested in an administrative, planning, or leadership role, choose a Management concentration for your degree. The courses you鈥檒l take will prepare you for work in health care management, coordinating a complex array of stakeholders and resources, and leading initiatives that bring positive change to organizations and communities that promote better health.
The occupations open to you in public health are varied. There are few limits, with new kinds of public health jobs emerging all the time.
In this role, you鈥檒l engage people at various types of worksites to identify health and safety hazards, develop practices and training that address these issues, and then follow up to make sure they鈥檙e working. You鈥檒l be responsible for ensuring that both company and government health, safety, and environmental standards and regulations are met.
Work at the crossroads of health care and technology to capture data and analyze it for insights that can help policymakers and decision-makers enact positive practices and make better choices. Whether it鈥檚 lowering health care costs, improving access to better care, or defining and sharing best practices, your role as a key knowledge worker helps the business side of organizations better achieve care goals.
Preventing infections has always been vital, a necessity that made headlines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Your role will be to work in health care settings and identify potential sources of infection and then to design, implement, and monitor infection mitigation strategies. You鈥檒l need to collaborate with a wide variety of stakeholders and have a solid understanding of the science of infection prevention.
You鈥檒l be responsible for planning and directing health care services and coordinating care within a health care facility, which could be a community clinic, private practice, or hospital. Part of your job will require staying compliant with regulations, laws, and health insurance requirements. You鈥檒l also need executive skills, like communication, budgeting, billing and accounting, resourcing, and managing and training staff.
In most cases, as a public health officer, you鈥檒l work for a government agency, on a military base, or for a nonprofit organization ensuring the overall health of a community or an organization. A great deal of your work is in coordinating health care providers and institutions, resources, and regulators on programs and policies related to the physical and mental well-being of people in a given community or area.
Helping people within a community and those in public-facing institutions understand health issues and healthy behaviors is vital in promoting the well-being of a community. In public health education, you鈥檒l collaborate with community groups, health professionals, and policymakers to gather information and then share it through education programs in public places, schools, and community centers.
Career prospects for people with a public health degree are bright. COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of public health, especially in a highly interconnected world where diseases can rapidly spread. Beyond roles in government and health care settings, private companies are investing in staff with this expertise, recognizing that a healthy workplace is more productive. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects , for example, to grow by 7% through 2032, a faster pace than the average of all occupations.
Now that you know what you can do with a public health degree and some of the public health jobs available, here are some tips for preparing for a career in the field:
Earning a public health degree prepares you for a wide variety of exciting careers that are also personally rewarding. You鈥檒l be able to make a large-scale impact, serving the greater good of the community, and will have a vital role in making sure that ideas, talent, and resources are put to the best possible use.
