Excelsior College’s Inaugural Celebration of President Schejbal

Posted on by Erin Coufal

Albany, NY — Excelsior College celebrates President David Schejbal at an inaugural luncheon on July 8, 2022, at the Capital Center in Albany, NY.

President Schejbal is Excelsior’s fourth president since the College’s founding in 1971. He took office in August 2020. An inauguration event was not possible at that time due to the pandemic. This celebration takes place on the same day as Excelsior’s 51st Commencement and is attended by faculty, staff, Excelsior’s board of trustees, political officials, local business leaders, family, and friends.

David Schejbal

Schejbal is a leading voice in adult and nontraditional higher education. Throughout his career, his primary focus has been on making education accessible, affordable, and flexible for all students.

During his time at Excelsior, the College has launched a new nursing program and graduate certificates. Excelsior was also named a Top 10 Online College for 2022 by Newsweek. On August 1, Excelsior will become Excelsior University and continue to serve adult students through innovative programs and an engaging student experience.

Excelsior College is the largest, fully online college in New York state and attracts students from all 50 states and more than 20 nations.

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Media Contact Excelsior College:
Erin Coufal, ecoufal@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8498/ (c)518-366-9992

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

How Much Do Nuclear Engineers Make?

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Nuclear Engineering at a Glance

According to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), nuclear power provides 13 percent of the world’s electricity. More than 430 nuclear power plants are in service in 31 countries around the world; 100 of them are in the United States. Nuclear engineers research and develop processes, instruments, and systems needed to use nuclear energy and radiation.

Nuclear engineers are typically investigative people who are also intellectual, introspective, and inquisitive. Other shared characteristics include curious, methodical, rational, analytical, and logical. Some additional qualities they might possess are independent, persistent, genuine, practical, and thrifty. Does this sound like you? Read on to see if being a nuclear engineer is right for you.

Four Common Questions About Nuclear Engineering

What Does a Nuclear Engineer Do?

The main role of a nuclear engineer is to develop and design, maintain, and operate a nuclear power plant. Depending on where they work, nuclear engineers may have other tasks. Here are some of the typical job duties of a nuclear engineer, according to CareerExplorer:

  • Design or develop nuclear equipment, like reactor cores and radiation shielding
  • Monitor nuclear facilities to identify practices that violate safety regulations and laws
  • Examine nuclear accidents and gather data to use in preventive measures
  • Write operational instructions for handling and disposing of nuclear waste
  • Test whether methods using nuclear material, reclaiming nuclear fuel, and disposing of nuclear waste are acceptable
  • Order plant shutdowns in case of emergencies
  • Develop nuclear material for medical imaging devices
Help power the world, and your career with a BS in Nuclear Engineering Technology.

How Much Do Nuclear Engineers Make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nuclear engineers make, on average, $116,140 annually. Salary varies depending on position, education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years in the position. The BLS reports that the job outlook is projected to decline 8 percent from 2020 to 2030, but despite this, about 900 openings for nuclear engineers are projected each year over the next decade. These openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or retire.

Where Do Nuclear Engineers Work?

A nuclear engineer’s work setting varies with the industry in which they work. Nuclear engineers work in industries and sectors such as agriculture, energy, government, medicine, and space, and usually work in offices, in power plants, and sometimes in laboratories, depending on their job.

How Do You Become a Nuclear Engineer?

Nuclear engineers must have a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering. Excelsior College’s Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology prepares students for technical positions in the nuclear industry. The ABET-accredited program provides knowledge in areas such as reactor operations, health physics, quality assurance, chemistry, and instrumentation and control related to the nuclear engineering technology field.

Those interested in nuclear engineering should also consider going on to earn a master’s degree in engineering, though it’s not often required. Some states require professionals who offer nuclear engineering services to the public to be licensed as a professional engineer (PE) and hold appropriate security clearances. Employers also value experience, which can be gained through cooperative-education engineering programs.

If an exciting career in nuclear engineering interests you, chat with an Excelsior admissions counselor today!

Career Spotlight: Telehealth Nurse

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Telehealth nurses offer health care from a distance through the use of technology such as mobile devices, tablets, and computers. Although they do not visit with patients in-person, telehealth nurses deliver services to provide them with necessary care.

Telehealth nursing has evolved over time and become a common practice at many hospitals and clinics. It especially became more popular during the COVID-19 pandemic when many people could not travel due to illness and hospitals were overcrowded. In rural areas, telehealth nursing enables patients and clinicians to interact without the challenges of travel and expenses while improving communication and timeliness. And telehealth also permits medical professionals to diagnose certain low-risk conditions, outline treatment options, and educate patients about self-care at home, which improves health care outcomes.

According to Glassdoor.com, the average salary for telehealth nurses is $71,632.

Telehealth Nursing Job Responsibilities

Telehealth nurses can work in physicians’ offices, hospitals, outpatient care facilities, poison control centers, and trauma centers. They have a variety of job responsibilities, depending on their job location and specialty. These responsibilities may include:

  • Scheduling appointments and referring patients
  • Consulting with patients over the phone or via video chat
  • Educating patients on different ways to manage their symptoms
  • Monitoring patients’ oxygen levels, health rate, respiration, and blood glucose
  • Providing pre-surgical and post-surgical care
  • Providing medical advice
  • Supporting medical response teams in bringing patients to the hospital

    • Telehealth Nurse Qualifications

    Higher education is the most important qualification to becoming a telehealth nurse, and an associate degree in nursing or a bachelor’s degree in nursing are necessary to earn. It’s also important to gain bedside experience. While there is no specific certification for telehealth nursing, some telehealth nurses who work in ambulatory care settings are required to learn specific knowledge to care for patients. For this reason, the Ambulatory Care Nursing Certification (RN-BC) is often required.

    Beyond education, telehealth nurses should be empathetic and have high attention to detail, good online communication skills, and good technical skills.

    Expand your career options with a BS in Nursing

    Why Become a Telehealth Nurse?

    Telehealth nursing provides a range of benefits for both patients and providers. According to Telehealth.com:

  • It improves patient access to care—Telehealth nursing provides patients access to care, including people in vulnerable populations and those who live in rural areas.
  • It saves time and money—Telehealth nursing allows patients to consult with a nurse from their home so they do not have to take time off work, pay for transportation, arrange for childcare, or deal with other obstacles.
  • It helps people avoid exposure to illnesses—As mentioned, telehealth nursing has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic demonstrated that telehealth helps patients avoid exposure to illnesses and protect providers from getting sick.
  • It helps clinicians better manage chronic conditions and aftercare—Telehealth services can help patients manage their conditions and aftercare following procedures. Remote patient monitoring can make checkups more convenient.
  • It helps balance nurse workloads—Nurses must juggle many tasks, so it’s essential that they use their time, energy, and resources effectively so their patients can receive good care. Telehealth nursing allows nurses to balance their workloads or add flexibility to their career.

    • If being a telehealth nurse sounds like the right career for you, talk with an Excelsior College admissions counselor about starting your educational journey in nursing.

    What Can I Do With a Master in Public Administration?

    Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

    Are you the type of person who likes to help others? Would you like to put that desire to work in a career? If you enjoy working with people and contributing to the public good, an MPA may be right for you. People with an MPA who work in public administration enjoy working with others and appreciate working in teams.

    Public administration is a community-focused field in which people try to achieve positive change. This can be in government, nonprofit organizations, transportation, education, housing, law enforcement, disaster response, and many other areas.

    You might be wondering with such a variety of areas to enter, what exactly can you do with an MPA? The truth is the tricky part is narrowing down what you would like to specialize in. Let’s take a look at some of the careers you could enter.

    Careers to Consider with an MPA

    People with an MPA work in a range of public administration careers, from urban planner to budget analyst. Jobs are available in the government or private sector

    Local Government Jobs

    There are several career paths you can follow at the local government level if you have an MPA, and these can include:

  • City director
  • Urban planning and development director
  • Local government administrator
  • Community health director
  • Mayor
  • Public housing manager
  • Parks and recreation director
  • Board of directors for education
  • Police commissioner

    • State and Federal Jobs

    Just as the local government needs individuals to carry out programs, so do the state and federal governments. These jobs can include:

  • CIA
  • Working for the president
  • Director of transportation
  • United Nations representative
  • Foreign service officer
  • State agency employee
  • State department of natural resources officer
  • Labor relations specialist
  • Political scientist

    • Private Sector Jobs

    Companies and businesses in the private sector also have jobs for MPA graduates. These jobs can include:

  • CEO or COO of a company
  • Company director
  • President or executive vice president of a company
  • News writer
  • News reporter
  • Data analyst

    • People with a Master in Public Administration can expect to receive anywhere between $35,000–$100,000 per year, depending on what area they go into.

    How to Pursue an MPA

    Before you enter an MPA program, you first need bachelor’s degree. Excelsior College’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program prepares you for career advancement in all levels of government, or with local and global service organizations. Excelsior’s MPA graduates are ready to become skilled public service leaders who work toward improving their communities.

    This MPA program will help you master both the personal and the business side of public administration with courses and assignments that show you how to harness information technology, respond to ethical issues, foster constructive collaboration, and more. You will also gain practical experience in honing your presentation skills; developing strategic plans and financial reports; and analyzing data to make better decisions. You will leave the program prepared to achieve, with a complete professional portfolio ready to present to prospective or current employers.

    If a career in public administration sounds right for you, contact an Excelsior College admissions counselor today to get started on the next step in your educational career.

    What Degree Do You Need for a Career in Human Resources?

    Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

    According to humanresources.edu, the term “human resources” was coined in 1960 when ideas like motivation, organizational behavior, and selection assessments began to take a larger role in work settings. In any organization, the human resource department and the people who work there are responsible for managing all matters related to employees, including finding, screening, and recruiting employees; administering employee benefit programs; and instituting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

    Human Resources Career Outlook

    According to U.S. News and World Report, human resource positions consistently rank among the leading careers in the United States, partly because of the important role that HR professionals play in the survival and growth of an organization.

    What Does a Human Resources Professional Do?

    A HR professional has many different duties, ranging from:

    • Developing initiatives aligned with organizational goals
    • Addressing management and employee issues
    • Hiring and firing employees
    • Motivating the workforce
    • Encouraging a positive culture
    • Making and improving training programs
    • Making sure laws are followed through HR policies

    To be a good HR professional, you need good communication skills, analytical skills, interpersonal skills, technological skills, and problem-solving skills.

    Put your people skills to work with an Excelsior business degree.

    How Do You Become a Human Resources Professional?

    To successfully become a human resources professional, you should have the right education, experience, and certifications. An associate degree is the minimum requirement for most entry-level positions, and a bachelor’s or master’s degree in human resource management will qualify you the upper-level jobs.

    Degree Programs for a Career in Human Resources

    Excelsior College’s fully online Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) in Business and Management program is a great choice if you are interested in a career in human resources. The program includes coursework in accounting, financial management, marketing, project management, employee relations, leadership, management practice, business communication, and global commerce. The program is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).

    Excelsior’s Master of Science in Human Resource Management with an Emphasis in Diversity and Technology program gives you specialized knowledge to lead organizations through complex challenges associated with all functions of human resources, including recruitment and selection, training and development, performance appraisals, health and safety, labor relations, and communications, especially with a distributed workforce.

    Certifications for a Career in Human Resources

    Certifications are not required in human resources, but they can help prove your knowledge and experience. There are many human resources certifications available. Just a few of the most popular include:

    Professional Organizations for a Career in Human Resources

    To boost your employment and advancement opportunities, you can also join an industry organization to network with other professionals. These include:

    • Academy of Human Resource Development
    • American Payroll Association
    • Association for Talent Development
    • Human Capital Institute
    • International Association of Administrative Professionals
    • Society for Human Resources Management
    • Be sure to check out Excelsior’s student chapter of SHRM and see how you can benefit in your HR career.
    • WorldatWork

    What Jobs Can You Get with a Human Resources Degree?

    Once you earn a degree in human resources, you can apply for a number of different jobs. Some of these include:

    • HR Assistant—HR assistants help managers and HR directors accomplish routine administrative tasks, including documenting employee performance, attendance, compensation details, violations, and more.
    • HR Coordinator—HR coordinators facilitate the benefits of employees. This includes processing employment eligibility documents, insurance requirements, reconciling benefits statements, and more.
    • HR Generalist—HR generalists oversee employee benefits and payments, help in developing and organizing training programs, and review and improve employee policies.
    • Recruitment Manager—Recruitment managers oversee a company’s recruitment and hiring process. They maintain recruiting procedures and make changes to ensure that the hiring process is smooth and efficient.
    • Employee Experience Director—Employee experience directors are responsible for developing and implementing programs that help maintain and improve employee satisfaction. These programs include team building, company events, career planning, and more.
    • HR Director—HR directors manage the department’s budget, ensuring regulatory compliance, design training and development programs, and devise compensation plans.

    According to Glassdoor.com, as of 2021, the national average base pay for an entry-level HR position in the United States. was $52,333 a year. Nearly 15,000 job openings are expected each year in the United States. If human resources seems like the type of career field you would like to enter, contact an Excelsior admissions counselor today to start your educational journey in HR.

     

    Career Spotlight: Critical Care Nurse

    Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

    Some people say critical care nurses are the everyday superheroes of the nursing world because they help patients heal from life-threatening illnesses and injuries. As the job title suggests, these nurses care for patients who are critically ill. The patients can range from newborn to geriatric, and they all suffer from life-threatening medical conditions or injuries. Because the patients they care for have such special needs, most critical care nurses work with only a few patients at a time.

    Critical care nurses use specialized skills to assess and monitor their patients’ conditions to help them return to full health. They are responsible for caring for their patient, from giving medication to monitoring ventilator use, as well as constantly watching the patient for any changes in their status. These also use technology and constantly interact with a multidisciplinary health care team.

    Critical Care Nurse Job Responsibilities

    In the course of their daily job responsibilities, critical care nurses provide one-on-one care to patients. They provide all typical bedside care, with the addition of certain other responsibilities, which include:

  • Treating wounds and injuries
  • Caring for patients experiencing medical emergencies
  • Working other members of a patient’s care team
  • Administering medications
  • Infusing blood products
  • Monitoring patients for reactions to medication
  • Advocating on the patient’s behalf
  • Coordinating a patient’s transfer to another location
  • Performing administrative duties
  • Assessing patients as they are admitted to the critical care unit to identify their needs
  • Monitoring, recording, and evaluating vital signs
  • Tracking the operation and output of life support equipment
  • Cleaning and bandaging wounds
  • Assisting families as they make important end-of-life decisions

    • Critical care nurses can work in burn centers, trauma centers, operating rooms, emergency departments, neonatal intensive care units, pediatric units, and any place where patients require intensive care. Since these settings vary, some duties may differ. Here are just a few examples of settings and the specific job responsibilities found there:

    Pediatric ICU:

  • Care for critically ill children
  • Meet children’s physical and emotional needs
  • Collaborate with parents

    • Neonatal ICU

  • Provide specialized care to premature or sick newborns
  • Monitor infants’ progress and recovery
  • Teach parents how to care for their baby

    • Burn Care Unit

  • Treat and monitor burn wounds
  • Stabilize acutely burned patients
  • Assess physical, emotional, and psychological trauma
  • Educate patient’s family about ongoing care

    • Critical Care Nurse Qualifications

    Critical care nurses must have the knowledge, skills, experience, and compassion to do their job. They must be able to make quick decisions in the best interest of their patients. Some other skills necessary to succeed in this role are:

  • Excellent assessment skills
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Communication skills
  • Knowledge of anatomy and physiology
  • Knowledge of medications
  • Maturity and ability to handle end-of-life issues
  • Working knowledge of technology

    • Degrees Needed to Be A Critical Care Nurse

    In addition to the above, it is important to have the appropriate education to pursue a career as a critical care nurse. You need to earn either an associate degree in nursing or a Bachelor of Science in nursing.

    Specifically tailored for working nurses, Excelsior College’s online nursing degree programs are fully accredited, led by supportive instructors, and designed to help you succeed in your career. You can prepare to become a critical care nurse with an associate degree in nursing and then pass the NCLEX-RN, a bachelor’s degree especially for registered nurses, or a master’s degree in nursing.

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing positions are expected to increase approximately 9 percent by 2030, which means an additional 194,500 openings each year. Critical care nurse salaries vary greatly depending upon geographic location, experience, education, and more, but the national average salary for the position ranges between $67,691 and $81,623.

    If critical care nursing seems right for you, consider pursuing a higher education with Excelsior College today.

    What Does a Data Analyst Do?

    Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

    Do you like working with numbers and data? Are you detail-oriented, inquisitive, methodical, analytical, and logical? A career as a data analyst might be for you. Data analysts use data to answer questions and solve problems. They may also identify trends to make predictions about the future.

    Usually, data analysts use computers and calculation applications to figure out numbers. Finding out numbers is important, but data analysts must also understand what the numbers mean and present their findings using graphs, charts, tables, and graphics. They must be able to report and explain their findings in easily understandable ways.

    Data Analyst Responsibilities

    Data analysts have a wide variety of responsibilities and often work closely with project managers and department heads to discuss how data can be changed or improved over time. Some other tasks of a data analyst may include:

  • Working with IT, management, and/or data scientists to set goals
  • Reviewing data to eliminate irrelevant information
  • Analyzing and interpreting results using statistical tools and techniques
  • Pinpointing trends and patterns
  • Identifying new opportunities for process improvement
  • Providing data reports for management
  • Designing, creating, and maintaining databases and data systems
  • Fixing code problems and data-related issues

    • Almost every industry has a need for data analysis, with the most jobs available in sales, marketing, and health care. The average annual salary of an experienced data analyst can range from approximately $60,000 to $140,000.

    Key Skills and Qualifications for a Data Analyst

    To be a successful data analyst, it’s important to have certain skills and qualifications. These include:

  • Math skills to collect, measure, organize, and analyze data
  • Skilled in programs like SQL, Oracle, R, MATLAB, and Python
  • Proficiency in statistics and using programs like Excel, SPSS, and SAS
  • Ability to apply accurate algorithms to datasets to find solutions
  • Visualization skills to help identify patterns, correlations, and trends
  • Problem-solving skills that allow you to approach and solve a problem
  • Accuracy and attention to detail
  • Adept at queries, writing reports, and making presentations
  • Teamwork skills
  • Verbal and written communication skills
  • Critical thinking skills

    • How to Become a Data Analyst

    Data analytics is an important tool for predicting future trends and drawing conclusions. It is used in health care to improve patient care, in agriculture to come up with new ways to produce food, and even used by governments to tackle issues like human trafficking.

    If you are interested in becoming a data analyst, you should pursue a two- or four- year degree in a related program, and become skilled in the various computer platforms data analysts use. Excelsior College’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity is a good option to pursue if you want to enter this career field.

    What Kinds of Jobs Are in Electrical Engineering?

    Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

    Are you an inventor or builder? Do you love to solve complex problems? Electrical engineers are inventors, designers, and builders who find creative ways to advance technology. You have to have an interest in engineering, too!

    Electrical engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the technology of electricity. It specifically deals with electricity, electro-magnetism, and electronics, as well as power, control systems, telecommunications, and signal processing.

    Electrical engineers use physics and math to design and develop electrical equipment and systems, to solve problems, and to test equipment. They work on projects ranging from designing household appliances, to designing satellite communication systems and electrical power stations.

    What Does an Electrical Engineer Do?

    Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacturing of electrical equipment like motors, navigation systems, and power generation systems. Some other duties of electrical engineers include:

  • Design ways to use electrical power to develop or improve products
  • Develop manufacturing, construction, and installation standards and specifications
  • Direct the manufacture, installation, and testing of electrical equipment to ensure products meet safety codes
  • Investigate customer complaints, evaluate problems, and recommend solutions
  • Work with staff to ensure projects are completed well, on time, and within budget
    • Power up your career with a BS in Electrical Engineering Technology.

    What Types of Careers Are in Electrical Engineering?

    Before choosing to be an electrical engineer, it’s important to know that there are several types of electrical engineering fields. What area you choose depends on your interests and the academic education you pursue. Several industries of electrical engineering include:

  • The information technology industry
  • The energy industry
  • The aerospace industry
  • The telecommunications industry
  • The transportation industry
  • The health care industry
  • The robotics industry

    • To get a job in many of the areas above, you need a bachelor’s degree and, for some, a master’s degree.
    Now let’s look at some of the careers you can pursue in these different areas:

  • Electronics engineer—An electronics engineer designs, builds, tests, and oversees electronic devices and systems.
  • Electrician—An electrician uses electrical engineering knowledge and skills to install, maintain, and repair things that require electrical energy to be operational. They work in industries from construction to telecommunications.
  • Computer hardware engineer—A computer hardware engineer uses electrical engineering knowledge to develop components and systems that enable computer systems to function correctly.
  • Solar photovoltaic technician—A solar photovoltaic technician maintains energy systems that convert the sun’s power into electricity by assembling, maintaining, and repairing system components.
  • Biomedical engineer—A biomedical engineer develops the electrical functionalities of equipment used in health care. They develop diagnostics equipment, build devices that replace body parts, install and maintain equipment, and collaborate with scientists on how best to use biological systems.
  • Robotics engineer—A robotics engineer designs and builds robots. They design complex, high-performance machines, including building sensors for detecting environmental stimuli, developing prototypes, and testing prototypes.
  • Mechanical engineer—A mechanical engineer designs and builds machines, automobiles, and components that are powered by electrical systems.
  • Industrial engineer—An industrial engineer designs and builds systems that provide a service. They work with materials, electricity, equipment, information, and workers to meet project requirements and achieve targets.

    • Job Outlook of Electrical Engineering

    You might be asking yourself if electrical engineering is a good profession to get into and what the future has in store for these kinds of jobs. The great news is that according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of electrical engineers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2020 to 2030.

    More than 20,000 openings for electrical engineers are projected each year, on average, over the next decade. Many of these openings are expected from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as by retiring.

    Job growth for electrical engineers is projected to occur largely in professional, scientific, and technical services firms. The rapid pace of technological innovation will create some demand for electrical engineers in research and development, where expertise is needed to design systems related to new technologies.

    The average salary for electrical engineers was $100,830 in May 2020.

    How to Become an Electrical Engineer

    As previously mentioned, those wishing to become an electrical engineer must have a bachelor’s degree. Employers also value practical experience, such as internships or participation in student engineering programs.

    At Excelsior College, the fully online Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology program prepares you for electrical and allied engineering technology positions in technology-related industries such as electronics, electrical power, semiconductors and computers, and nanotechnology. The program is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, which is a requirement for your education if you want to get a job in an electrical engineering career.

    You don’t need to have a license for entry-level positions as electrical engineers, but a Professional Engineering (PE) license can allow you to reach higher levels of leadership and licensed engineers are called professional engineers (PEs). Each state issues its own licenses and most states recognize licensure from other states. Some states require you to continue your education to keep your license.

    Does electrical engineering sound like the career field you might like to enter? If so, contact an Excelsior College admissions counselor to get started on your educational journey to enter this fast-paced and exciting profession.

    Maureen McGowan, AAS in Nursing, 1986

    Posted on by Mackenzie Wright

    Maureen McGowan was working as an LPN when she decided she wanted to advance to RN. She credits Excelsior College (then Regents) as offering, “the best opportunity for me to advance my education, earn my degree, and achieve my goal of becoming an RN. The cost and flexibility were a godsend as I could fit my studies around my work schedule.” She graduated in 1986 with an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing and began working in a post-open heart surgery unit. McGowan has been a triage nurse, a disease manager, an ER educator, and a preceptor and mentor for EMT and paramedic students and new hires. She retired in 2019 after a long and fulfilling career.

    Excelsior Trustee to Receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service During 2022 ESPYS

    Posted on by Erin Coufal

    Albany, New York—Gretchen Evans, retired Army command sergeant major and Excelsior College trustee, will be presented with the Pat Tillman Award for Service during the 2022 ESPYS. The event will air live on ABC on Wednesday, July 20 at 8 pm ET. The award is named for the former NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger and given annually to an individual with a strong connection to sports who has served in ways that echo his legacy.

    Evans’s highly decorated Army career ended after suffering a life-altering injury from a mortar round blast while on assignment in Afghanistan. The injury resulted in traumatic brain injury, total hearing loss, and other wounds. As she regained her footing as a veteran, she founded Team UNBROKEN, an adaptive racing team of mostly veterans who have experienced life-altering injuries, illness, or traumas, which competed in the World’s Toughest Race: Eco-Challenge Fiji.

    “The transition out of the military was rocky. Finding my next chapter to serve nonprofit organizations, tell my story, and remain physically strong and competitive gave me purpose,” said Gretchen Evans, a member of the Excelsior College Board of Trustees. “I joined the Excelsior board of trustees because half of Excelsior’s students are military or veterans, and I believe that education is one of the most important parts of the transition for veterans. Excelsior students and alumni demonstrate the grit and determination that has helped me persevere.”

    The Pat Tillman Award for Service is the most recent recognition of Evans’ service as a veteran. In addition to serving on Excelsior’s board of trustees, Evans has been inducted into the U.S. Army Women’s Hall of Fame and U.S. Veteran Hall of Fame.

    “Gretchen Evans is an inspiration and motivation to everyone she meets. Our Excelsior community is excited to cheer her on as she receives the Pat Tillman Award,” said David Schejbal, president of Excelsior College. “Congratulations on this much deserved honor.”

    Named a “Best for Vets” school 11 times and with more than 72,000 alumni who are military servicemembers and veterans, Excelsior College has a strong military and veteran alumni community and student population. Veterans and military students represent 51 percent of Excelsior’s student population.

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    Available B-Roll Footage: https://www.dropbox.com/s/6x4x44mubl4kwyy/UnbrokenParade_ExcelsiorPR.mp4?dl=0

    Media Contact Excelsior College:

    Erin Coufal, ecoufal@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8498

    ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE

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

    Tech Valley High School Students Earn Associate Degree from Excelsior College

    Posted on by Erin Coufal

    Albany, New York—This year, two seniors at Tech Valley High School will earn both their high school diploma and an associate degree from Excelsior College. With hard work and determination, Mina Olsson and Zoey Flansburg took college courses alongside and as part of their high school curriculum. Thanks to an innovative partnership between Excelsior College and Tech Valley High School, those college credits translated into an associate degree.

    “Excelsior faculty and staff are excited that these two students from Tech Valley High School took advantage of the unique opportunity to complete an associate degree with Excelsior College while they were completing their high school diploma,” said Catherine Seaver, dean of the School of Undergraduate Studies at Excelsior College. “It took a lot of hard work and perseverance to get all of this done, and we are very proud of them.”

    Excelsior College traditionally serves adult learners and is known for its innovative approaches to meeting students where they are. The partnership with Tech Valley High School illustrates one innovative approach in the learning journey. Students on the associate degree track take Advanced Placement (AP) and college credit classes as part of their high school course curriculum. Additionally, these students take courses online with Excelsior to round out the degree requirements. In all, they take 60 college credits and will have their associate degree conferred shortly after they graduate from high school this week.

    “We are thrilled to partner with Excelsior College to offer the opportunity for our students to earn an associate degree while at Tech Valley High School,” said Amy Hawrylchak, principal of Tech Valley High School. “We are very proud of our students’ accomplishments and are excited to see where their future leads.”

    Tech Valley High School in Albany, N.Y., provides a unique student-centered, project-based learning approach to education that engages students in current and emerging technologies. It provides opportunities for students to learn both in and out of the classroom. Students can earn college credit in their high school courses as well as with the College Ready partnership with Excelsior College.

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    B-roll video footage: https://bcove.video/3zgMZun

    Media Contact Excelsior College:
    Erin Coufal, ecoufal@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8498

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