Why the Nation Feels So Involved in the Death of Gabby Petito

Posted on by Emily Miller

Every day in the United States, there are countless victims of domestic violence, whether it’s physical or emotional abuse. Generally, these stories are not the headlines in the news. So why were so many people captivated by the Gabby Petito case?

According to an Insider.com article, in the past 10 years alone, 710 indigenous peoples—mostly girls—have gone missing in the same area that Petito did. In the week she was killed, two other women were killed at a campsite not far from her in Grand Teton National Park. There are many factors that may account for the attention the Petito case is receiving over others, including the 10 bodies found as a result of the investigative efforts of her case. As a social media strategist, I am exploring the link that social media plays in building an emotional connection between Petito and the public.

Many young adults take cross-country backpacking trips, but before the rise of social media, it wasn’t something others could follow in real-time. Petito had a dream to be a travel blogger and a social media influencer. She had an Instagram account with almost 1 million followers and a YouTube channel that was created to show her life and travels with 68,000 subscribers. She created a unique hashtag, #vanlife, and chronicled her journey in detail. Her boyfriend, Brian Laundrie, also revamped his accounts to show a different perspective on their life together and their trip. To the outside world who followed their social media channels, they were a young, happy couple.

Social media is now giving us even more access to their lives through the release of police body camera footage and individual’s accounts of interactions with them. In many instances, the third-party takes from social media create doubt and tell a very different story than what Petito and Laundrie portrayed on their own digital presence. After it was reported that Petito was missing, a few people took to TikTok to tell their stories of what they may have seen or the interactions that they had with both Petito and Laundrie. These people also reported sightings to authorities, but their posts made for even more fodder in the social media world as updates and conspiracy theories started swirling. As of the time Petito’s body was discovered on September 19, 2021, video content on TikTok with the hashtag #gabbypetito had more than 663.5 million views.

This type of highly emotional content can turn viral quickly, and with that, it creates a following and a community of engaged followers and contributors. Communal efforts and online conversations further spur interest and engagement. Much of this content can be deemed clickbait, a piece of content attractive enough to get viewers to click to view. It amounts to social media rubbernecking. In the same way you can’t look away when you see an accident on the side of the road, social media has made it easy to closely examine details and stories and make even casual followers feel like a detective or lawyer examining evidence and testimony.

The line between in-person relationships and those formed and existing solely online is becoming increasingly blurry. The online relationships may also be one-sided, where the viewer becomes attached to and invested in a media personality who doesn’t return the emotion. This phenomenon is called parasocial relationships.

Social media has facilitated the growth of parasocial relationships, a term coined by sociologists Donald Horton and R. Richard Wohl in 1956. In the times of COVID-19, with so many in isolation and following social distancing guidelines, the number and depth of parasocial relationships has only increased. Individuals who are taking to publicizing the Petito case via their personal social media accounts or waiting for additional updates have become somewhat of a movement for advocacy to the general public. These individuals may feel as though they are “helping” and working together for a greater good, which creates a deeper perceived psychological bond with the influencer.

This is not unlike cases we’ve seen for years, where the general public becomes seemingly obsessed with finding the answers, think of Jon Benet Ramsey or Elizabeth Smart. In many cases, the increased public awareness can lead to tips and information to help solve cases. In others, it just makes for increased gossip and frenzy. While users of social media outlets are doing some good in investigations, they are increasing the rise and frequency of parasocial relationships and blurring the lines between what is reality and what is a façade.

They are also shining a light on social issues. The Petito case, like other cases, did in the past (for example, Chris Watts and Lacy Peterson) has raised awareness of domestic abuse. As the case unfolds, the social media community can use the awareness to spotlight the issue and connect others to nonprofit organizations assisting men and women in need. They can use this moment of attention for a longer-reaching impact.

Excelsior College Walks with Team UNBROKEN in New York City Veterans Day Parade

Posted on by Erin Coufal

Albany, New York—Excelsior College is proud to walk in the New York City Veterans Day Parade on November 11 with the courageous men and women of Team UNBROKEN.

Team UNBROKEN is an adaptive adventure racing team comprising combat-wounded veterans as well as civilians with life-altering injuries or illness. They competed for the first time together in 2019 for the “World’s Toughest Race” featured on Amazon.

“Team UNBROKEN is honored to be participants in this year’s NYC Veterans Day Parade,” said retired Command Sgt. Maj. Gretchen Evans, founder of Team UNBROKEN and trustee of Excelsior College. “Team UNBROKEN believes that disabilities do not define who we are or what we can accomplish. We race and advocate to demonstrate to others like us that what is within us is stronger than anything in our way.”

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. Some Excelsior alumni who are veterans are walking with Team UNBROKEN in the parade.

“Excelsior students demonstrate a grit and determination that speaks to the fortitude showcased by Team UNBROKEN,” said David Schejbal, president of Excelsior College. “We are honored to support the team and walk beside them as we honor all veterans.”

The parade will take place on Veterans Day, Thursday, November 11, stepping off between noon and 12:30 pm ET. Parade details: https://parade.uwvc.org/parade-update/

Available B-Roll Footage:

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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.

 

 

 

Excelsior College Relaunches Online Veteran Resource Center

Posted on by Erin Coufal

Albany, New York — Excelsior College has updated and relaunched the
Lt. Col. Bryant A. Murray Veterans Center, an online resource center for veterans. The veterans center provides resources not only for education but also for career, health and wellness, and transition to civilian life.

Veterans and military students represent 51 percent of Excelsior’s student population, and this center is designed with them in mind. However, the Lt. Col. Bryant A. Murray Veterans Center is also available for the entire Excelsior community and the public.

“In recognition of the unique needs of veterans, Excelsior is pleased to relaunch the Lt. Col. Bryant A. Murray Veterans Center,” said James Lettko, chief operating officer of Excelsior College and retired U.S. Army brigadier general. “We are committed to serving the veterans in our Excelsior community and supporting all U.S. veterans.”

Named a “Best for Vets” school 11 times, Excelsior College has made it a priority to ensure that all veterans, as well as servicemembers, have access to the resources and education they need.

“In honor of my father’s 30-year career in the U.S. Air Force and with deep gratitude to all veterans and military servicemembers who defend our great nation and democratic values, my family and I are so pleased to support the relaunch of the Lt. Col. Bryant A. Murray Veterans Center to pay it forward to our veterans and Excelsior College, which has demonstrated such an abiding commitment to them,” said Bryanne Hamill, alumna and former trustee of Excelsior College. “Having observed first-hand the sacrifices of our veterans—putting country above all else—we owe it to them to provide them the tools, including education, to ensure their success thereafter.”

The online resource center can be accessed at https://www.excelsior.edu/veterans/.

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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.

 

 

Accelerate Your Career with MS in Health Care Administration

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

With the explosive growth in health care in recent years, the need for skilled administrators to oversee medical operations is stronger than ever. Consequently, there is increasing demand for those with the knowledge and skills to successfully guide hospitals, doctor’s’clinics, and other medical facilities.

The job of health care administration presents complex challenges. For example, a hospital administrator must ensure an adequate and steady supply of needed medical equipment and maintain training programs to keep staff educated on the latest clinical options. At the same time, they are responsible for keeping the hospital financially healthy. All the while, administrators must also navigate an ever-changing regulatory environment.

An online Master of Science in Health Care Administration prepares students for success. The best programs help students develop a deep understanding of evidence-based health practice. Excelsior’s program prepares graduates to lead and motivate health care teams, research electronic documents, analyze and propose new policies, and solve health care challenges.

High Demand for Qualified Health Care Administrators

Health care now employs more people than any sector of the economy. In that context, it is easy to understand why health care administrators are in such high demand.

 According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, data-driven employment projections call for a 32 percent increase in the number of “medical and health service managers” in the next decade, with more than 133,000 people joining the profession.

Overall, health care administration salaries have increased by 10 percent to 20 percent in the past decade. The average salary in the profession as of May 2020 was $104,280.

Health care administrators can work in any health care facility, including outpatient, ambulatory, primary, and inpatient care facilities. Health care administrators are often employed in hospitals, physician clinics, nursing or elder care facilities, home health care organizations, rehabilitation centers, and mental health organizations.

Job titles for graduates with an MS in Health Care Administration include clinical manager, department head, executive administrator, health care project manager, and patient relations director.

What You Learn in an MS in Health Care Administration Program

The Excelsior College online MS in Health Care Administration focuses on the business side of health care. Students learn how to oversee operations at outpatient, ambulatory, primary, and inpatient care facilities.

Learning outcomes in the program include:

  • Developing effective communication strategies
  • Applying leadership techniques to solve organizational challenges
  • Integrating principles of risk management and quality improvement
  • Implementing financial management and human resource practices
  • Applying ethical standards to resolve policy and legal issues
  • Analyzing contemporary issues impacting health care

Courses in the program cover diverse topics in the field. Subjects include health service outreach communication planning, medical licensure and certification, human resource management, health care finance and payment systems, health care policy analysis, and community access to public and private health care services.

Graduates of the Excelsior College program can go on to earn certifications in different areas of health care. They include Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE), Certified Medical Manager (CMM), Certified Healthcare Administrative Professional (cHAP), and Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management (CPHRM).

The Excelsior MS in Health Care Administration program does not require students to take the GMAT or GRE to enter. Students can transfer up to 18 credit hours from other accredited institutions into the program.

What Can I Do With a Psychology Degree?

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

For anyone interested in psychology, a question that quickly arises is: “What can you do with a psychology degree?” The answer if, of course, that an interest in psychology leads to many career paths.

Psychology is a rare degree that gives graduates valuable skills needed in many different careers. Most people associate psychology graduates with careers in counseling, but they are employed in many other fields. Career fields include but are not limited to social work, market research, human resources, teaching, and labor relations. Working as a counselor provides opportunities to work in a variety of settings, including schools and workplaces.

The online Bachelor of Science in Psychology program from Excelsior College prepares graduates for success in any field or organization that benefits from psychology expertise.

Counseling Jobs in Psychology

Students completing their education at the graduate level with a psychology degree have many counseling career options. Among the many examples is working with a nonprofit organization in disadvantaged neighborhoods providing counseling to individuals or groups. Some psychologists also work in schools at all grade levels, while others are employed by businesses, providing direction on structuring a positive work culture. Many psychologists work within the criminal justice system, counseling inmates and others impacted by the system, including crime victims.

Interested in what makes people tick? Learn more about Excelsior’s BS in Psychology.

While many psychologists work in counseling, which requires earning a master’s degree, the American Psychological Association points out that because “psychology touches every aspect of our lives,” the career opportunities are almost limitless.

Social Worker

Social workers focus on assisting the poor and underserved in getting health care, healthy food, and finding work. It’s a demanding but rewarding job. The insight psychologists have into human behavior is extremely valuable in this profession.

Market Research

In marketing, the idea is to influence human behavior, convincing people to buy products or services. Psychologists have insight into what people want in certain areas and, with access to market research data, can help organizations shape marketing strategy.

Human Resources

Whether at a management or specialist level, psychologists in human resources understand both individual and group behavior. As noted by Psychology Today, one of the main duties of a human resources department is to “maintain good performance and behavior” of an organization’s employees. Psychology graduates offer expertise in this area.

Organizational Psychology

This includes duties that go beyond counseling employees. A psychologist, for example, might create a questionnaire to determine the best applicant for a job. They might also work with employees in-house and match the right person to the right job in an organization.

Teaching

With a background in psychology, teachers can better understand what drives student behavior. It also provides strategies for how to connect with students and improve student-teacher relations.

Labor Relations

Psychologists can be good negotiators. They understand how people think and why they behave the way they do. That makes them useful in the often intense negotiations between management and employees. They also have insight into how to find compromises that both sides will find acceptable.

Excelsior College BS in Psychology

In the Excelsior College BS in Psychology program, students learn about the biological, social, and cognitive origins of behavior. They receive a broad background in scientific principles and ethical practices.

Core courses in the program include:

  • Introduction to Psychology
  • Research Methods
  • History and Systems
  • Research and Writing

Students also take intermediate and upper-level courses in:

  • BiopsychologyLifespan Developmental Psychology
  • Mind, Body, and Health
  • Industrial/Organizational Psychology
  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Educational Psychology

Graduates emerge able to discuss the key concepts, principles, and themes of psychology, use scientific reasoning to interpret psychology phenomena, apply ethical standards to psychology practices, and apply psychological content and skills to career goals.

A degree in psychology prepares graduates for success in a variety of careers. Whether as the first step toward earning a master’s degree and becoming a counselor or to help inform excellence in other disciplines, a bachelor’s in psychology allows graduates to put the latest theory and practices of psychology to work in a career field of their interest.

 

From Lobbyist to City Attorney

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Mark Lambert’s love of law began when he was a child, watching “Perry Mason” reruns. The courtroom drama series caused Lambert to pursue what became a decades-long career in law — a career that began after he earned a bachelor’s degree from Excelsior College. From there, he worked his way from a lobbyist to his current position as city attorney of Ames, Iowa.

Lambert graduated from high school in 1979 and attended several colleges, including Des Moines Area Community College and Drake University. He completed some courses, but it was also at Drake that Lambert found a book in the library called “Bear’s Guide to Non-Traditional College Degrees.” Excelsior College was listed as a highly touted option, and Lambert decided that it was the pathway for him.

After Lambert earned his Bachelor of Arts from Excelsior in 1989, he worked at a public-policy consulting firm before starting law school at the University of Iowa Law School in 1992. He graduated in 1995 and began his law career as a lobbyist at the Iowa Legislature. In 2000, Lambert became the executive director of the Iowa Environmental Council, a nonprofit coalition of the environmental and conservation organizations of Iowa. “We were a lobbying entity trying to impact policy of the state environmental issues,” explains Lambert. After a year, the governor of Iowa appointed Lambert to the Iowa Utilities Board, which regulates electric, natural gas, telephone, and other utilities in the state. When his term was up after four years, he became an administrative law judge.

In 2013, Lambert became the assistant city attorney in Ames, and in 2017, he was promoted to city attorney. “The common element to all those [jobs] was having a law degree, which I would never would have had if I hadn’t gotten my bachelor’s degree first to get into law school. So, I’ve always been very thankful for Excelsior, because I would have gotten there eventually, in terms of finishing my bachelor’s, but I was able to do it at a much faster pace, and probably at a lot less money,” says Lambert.

Lambert has always loved the concept of public service and looks for ways to be helpful. “I’ve always felt that government is there to help people, not to harm them, and so I try to kind of make the world a better place, even if it’s just a little bit, even just in the city, and even if it’s only for a few people or one person. If I can make things easier for them, then I just feel good about that,” says Lambert.

He cites several examples of how he has helped better his community. Lambert recalls, as an administrative law judge, making a ruling reversing the Iowa Department of Human Services’ decision ordering single mothers to pay back monies from the Children’s Health Insurance Program. Lambert discovered the department was citing the wrong federal law, so he wrote a ruling to reverse its original decision. “And suddenly, you know, the state changed their mind and said, ‘now you don’t have to pay it back.’ I was very proud of that.”

Recently, as city attorney, Lambert completed all the legal paperwork for an inclusive playground for kids with all levels of physical ability to be built in Ames. “Even though there are a lot of people who made that happen, I felt really proud about that, because it’s a wonderful thing and it’s going to be there for decades to come.”

Lambert has come a long way from watching “Perry Mason” reruns. Reflecting on his long career in law, he remains grateful for what got him started on his path. “I’m just so thankful I stumbled upon Excelsior, and it just made a huge difference in the rest of my life.”

More from Mark Lambert

What are the most important traits or skills someone needs to succeed in a law career?

“I would say dedication and persistence…And brains help. You know, being smart helps. But being persistent I think is more important than that. And being honest. I’ve encountered a lot of people in my life who would have been in much better shape if they had just been honest.”

What do you think your prime piece of advice would be for someone pursuing law?

“I would say, first of all, finish your bachelor’s degree. And secondly, talk to some people who have been through it, talk to some lawyers about how to apply, contact a law school, talk to the admissions office about what you need to do to apply to law school, and then go through those steps and apply.”

Enter a Fast-Growing Industry – How to Get a Cybersecurity Job in Government

Posted on by Mary Kate Weaver

About Cybersecurity

The cybersecurity field is growing fast. Each day, there is a new article or news story about a cyber hack, breach, or other cybersecurity-related problem. Since these issues are on the rise, so is the need for experts in the industry. The constant threat of cyber hacks affects every business and every industry. Cybersecurity professionals are needed across the workforce, including in government. Do you enjoy solving problems, looking at data, and want to support your city, state, or federal government? A job in cybersecurity will let you do all of this.

What is cybersecurity? Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting networks, systems, and programs from digital threats. Threats and attacks are usually aimed at accessing, changing, or destroying sensitive information, taking money from users, or interrupting business processes.

Why a Cybersecurity Job and Why Now

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in cybersecurity is projected to grow 31 percent from 2019 to 2029. This is faster than the average for all occupations. As cyberattacks grow in frequency, experts in the field are needed to create innovative ways to prevent hackers from stealing information or creating network problems. IT (information technology) security-related jobs produce higher salary expectations than other information technology jobs. This is because there is a huge skills gap in the cybersecurity field – meaning there are more positions available than there are skilled workers.

If this interests you, a cybersecurity job in government is a great path to take. Cybersecurity a rewarding and challenging field, and a job in the government sector comes with good benefits and advantages not found in other businesses. In addition, a bonus of working in cybersecurity is that most cyber jobs can be done from home.

Fastest Growing Cybersecurity Jobs in Government

Below are the top three fastest-growing cybersecurity jobs in government:

• Information Security Analyst

Information security analysts plan and execute security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems. If a cyberattack does occur at an organization, analysts lead the response and recovery plan. Qualified candidates will have at least a bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, or cybersecurity. Become an information security analyst for CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency), and you will be working at the forefront of the cybersecurity challenges facing our nation.

The median annual salary for information security analysts is $103,590.

• Information Technology Security Engineer

An IT security engineer (also known as a cybersecurity engineer) identifies threats and vulnerabilities within a system and then develops solutions to defend against all types of cybercrime. They are a critical team member for creating security policies and procedures. Qualified candidates will have a bachelor’s and a master’s in cybersecurity.

The median annual salary for an IT security engineer is $125,000.

• Forensic Computer Analyst

Forensic computer analysts investigate the causes of data breaches and cyberattacks when they happen, and work with government agencies to protect against them before they occur. Most forensic computer analysts work in government, law enforcement, or private firms. A big part of their role is to testify in court and relate the evidence found during investigations. Qualified candidates will hold at least a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or information technology; however, a master’s degree is becoming more preferred for this role.

The median annual salary for forensic computer analysts is $99,730.

Education for a Cybersecurity Job

Most jobs in this field require at least a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, information technology, or computer science. However, for some roles, and if you are looking to advance in your career, a master’s degree in any of these fields may be required. On average, master’s degree holders earn $1 million more over a lifetime than those with only a bachelor’s degree.

At Excelsior College, you can complete your bachelor’s in cybersecurity or information technology, as well as complete a master’s degree in cybersecurity. These programs prepare you to protect an organization’s cyber assets by teaching you techniques to prevent, detect, and recover from cyber incidents. Get started on your cybersecurity degree today!

Democracy and Assessment: Building A Better Future Panel Discussion at the IUPUI Assessment Institute Virtual Conference 2021

Posted on by André Foisy

https://assessmentinstitute.iupui.edu/index.html

This session sponsored by the National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment provides space for assessment practitioners to explore the relationship between assessment and democracy while engaging in dialogue on the history of assessment and consider alternative assessment conceptions to assessing democratically-related learning outcomes beyond civic engagement. Building upon the work begun in a four-part webinar series exploring democracy and assessment, re-imagining democratically focused learning outcomes, and re-thinking means to assess those outcomes, this session provides an update and entry point to the conversation on how assessment can proactively support a Democratic society.

Accelerate Your Career with MS in Management Degree

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

Business graduates face a competitive market where every job opening typically attracts hundreds of applicants. The situation motivates many undergraduates to continue with their studies and earn a Master of Science in Management.

An MS in Management prepares students to lead teams, departments, and entire organizations successfully. Graduates enter the workforce with advanced management skills, including developing employees, overseeing projects, handling financial accounting, managing organizational change, and exhibiting strong communication skills.

Honing these skills makes MS in Management graduates attractive candidates for leadership positions and helps them stand out from the job applicant crowd. That’s one reason The Economist reports MS in Management programs are increasingly popular with business students. Women, in particular, are enrolling in these programs.

What Can You Do with a Master’s Degree in Management?

Earning an MS in Management usually happens earlier in a professional’s career than earning an MBA. Most people enroll in MBA programs after gaining experience in their field. Most MS in Management students enroll shortly after finishing an undergraduate program.

Enrolling in an online business degree program provides an opportunity for students to put their managerial knowledge into practice and gain experience on the job. After graduation, students are ready to take on a host of top-level jobs in diverse business areas.

Jobs available to graduates include the following listed below. The salary figures come from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as of May 2020.

C-Suite. A master’s degree in management prepares candidates for success in CEO, CFO, CISO, and other C-suite positions. ($107,680)

Director of Digital Marketing. Digital marketing is critical to success in the modern world of marketing. Those with a combination of business talent and digital marketing skills are perfectly suited for leadership in this important area. ($141,490)

Financial Manager. Financial managers work at the center of every operation, from small and medium-sized businesses to giant corporations. ($134,180)

Human Resource Manager. This is another position that has become increasingly important for business success as HR managers work closely with department heads and executives to attract the talent a company needs. Many employers now require HR managers to earn a master’s degree. ($121,220)

Management Analyst. Often working as consultants, management analysts develop methods of making an operation more efficient and profitable. ($87,660)

What You Learn in an MS in Management Program

Earning an advanced management degree helps students sharpen the unique, complex blend of skills essential for success in business leadership. These skills include learning strategies for managing teams, using project management tools and techniques, developing business problem solutions, and using strategic analysis to continuously improve a program.

At Excelsior College, students can choose a concentration in the MS in Management program: General Business Management, Human Resource Management, or Organizational Leadership.

No GMAT is required to apply for the program. Students can transfer up to 15 credits earned at other accredited institutions. Core courses in the program cover ethical leadership, strategic talent management, business communication, global business environments, and organizational behavior.

Earning an MS in Management provides students with a proven pathway to working in management and playing an important role in developing business strategy. If you’re ready to earn your master’s degree online, Excelsior is a choice that can immediately bolster your career outlook.

Excelsior College to Host Webinar on Cannabis Cultivation and Sustainability

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

Albany, New York — Excelsior College today announced the hosting of an upcoming cannabis webinar, Croptober: Navigating the Business of Cannabis Cultivation and Sustainability. This webinar showcases Excelsior’s continued expertise in cannabis curriculum, which aligns with its Graduate Certificate in Cannabis Control.

This webinar will focus on regulatory and business aspects of cannabis cultivation. Questions to be considered include:

  • How does a business decide between having an indoor vs. outdoor grow?
  • How does a company advocate for or against home grow without alienating potential customers?
  • How do cultivation facilities incorporate environmental sustainability?
  • How do these businesses maintain compliance in an ever-changing regulatory environment?

The webinar will take place on Thursday, October 28 at noon ET. The panel discussion will be approximately 30 minutes, followed by a 15-minute Q&A. You can register for this event here.

The event will be moderated by Jennifer Rumble, director of the Sustainable Cannabis Coalition, and panelists will include cannabis industry experts Allan Gandelman, founder of the NY Cannabis Growers & Processors Association; Amanda Reiman, PhD, MSW, founder of Personal Plants; Michael Sassano, CEO of SOMAÍ Pharma; and Shawn Cooney, founder of Cloud Farming & Corner Stalk Farm.

“I look forward to moderating a lively and informative discussion on some of the most widely examined topics in the cannabis space,” said Jennifer Rumble, event moderator and director of the Sustainable Cannabis Coalition. “It’s imperative we focus on educating the leaders of tomorrow’s cannabis industry, so we can create an industry that is long-lasting and synergized with Mother Earth.”

 

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Media Contact Excelsior College:

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

Media Contact NisonCo:

Zane Bader, zane@nisonco.com, 470-342-5440

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.

 

ABOUT MODERATOR

Jennifer Rumble, croptober moderatorJennifer Rumble

Jennifer Rumble has partnered for more than 25 years with clientele from a variety of industries to create and implement compelling PR platforms that facilitate communications and brand building. She has vast experience within consumer tech, sports marketing, cannabis, healthcare, finance, and investor relations sectors. Rumble assists clients to acquire, develop, and articulate brand identities, leading to the design and execution of programs that ultimately build brand equity and drive company growth. She serves as director of the Sustainable Cannabis Coalition (SCC) and vice chairperson for ASTM International’s sustainability subcommittee under cannabis committee D37.

 

ABOUT PANELISTS

Allan Gandelman, croptober panelistAllan Gandelman

Allan Gandelman is the co-founder and president at Head & Heal, New York Hemp Oil, and Main Street Farms. He has been an organic vegetable farmer for 10 years. In 2017, Allan began experiencing symptoms of Lyme disease. When traditional methods of care did not work for him, he tried CBD—and finally found the relief he was looking for.

Because of this experience, he decided to add hemp to their crop rotation in 2018. Allan is the founder and president of the New York Cannabis Growers and Processors Association—an organization of cannabis producers, processors, and industry partners committed to an economically viable, consumer-conscious cannabis industry. NYCGPA worked closely with NYS legislature for the last three years to help pass the recent Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act legalizing cannabis in New York state.

 

Amanda Reiman, croptober panelistAmanda Reiman

Amanda Reiman, PhD, MSW, is the founder of Personal Plants, a multimedia platform designed to support the home cultivation and processing of therapeutic plants. After receiving her PhD from UC Berkeley, Dr. Reiman was the director of research and patient services at Berkeley Patients Group and the manager of Marijuana Law and Policy for the Drug Policy Alliance. Dr. Reiman is an internationally recognized cannabis expert and public health researcher. She has written for/been quoted in The Huffington Post, New York Times, Washington Post, and Playboy as well as numerous peer-reviewed academic journals and several textbooks.

Also an expert in cannabis policy on the local, national, and international level, Dr. Reiman was the first chairwoman of the Berkeley Medical Cannabis Commission and also sat on the Oakland Cannabis Regulatory Commission. She sits on the Board of Cannabis Doing Good and the Cannabis Travel Association International and is a member of the Ganjier Council.

Michael sassano, croptober panelistMichael Sassano

Michael Sassano is the CEO and chairman of the Board for Somai Pharmaceuticals, a European company centered in extraction, manufacturing, and formulation of pharma-grade GMP-certified cannabinoid products throughout the European Union. The current focus of the company is building scalable high-output manufacturing facilities in various strategic countries as Europe develops its market. As the continent ultimately comes online, Somai will be positioned as one of the top global pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors of medical-grade cannabinoid products. Prior to this role, Sassano founded Solaris Farms, which became one of the largest and most technologically advanced cannabis cultivators in Nevada.

 

 

shawn cooney, croptober panelist Shawn Cooney

Shawn is the founder of Cloud Farming and Corner Stalk Farm and has been growing the highest-quality produce for Bostonians using Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) for the past eight years. Cloud Farming plans to add hemp and cannabis to its wide range of products, rounding out its enterprise line and cementing a diverse sustainable business profile. Cooney is a serial entrepreneur with proven ability to create products and technology ahead of market demand. Successful exits with three tech startups attest to his commitment, vision, and drive. Cooney has presented to many large national and international conference audiences and has received multiple “Best Of” finalist awards. He is the co-founder of the Sustainable Cannabis Coalition (SCC) and chairman for ASTM International’s sustainability subcommittee under cannabis committee D37.

Excelsior College and University of Washington Continuum College Partner to Offer Students More Opportunities

Posted on by Erin Coufal

Excelsior College and University of Washington Continuum College Partner to Offer Students More Opportunities

 Albany, New York — University of Washington Continuum College is partnering with Excelsior College to offer students with digital marketing and Python programming certificates an opportunity to convert those professional certificates to credit in an Excelsior degree program.

When Continuum students complete either certificate, they can transfer as many as 9 credits into certain Excelsior Bachelor of Science or Master of Science programs. In addition to earning degree credit, partnership benefits give Continuum graduates discounts on tuition.

Excelsior students and alumni will have the opportunity to enroll in UW certificate programs to continue their lifelong learning. Through this partnership, both institutions are creating a larger learning ecosystem for their students.

Excelsior College was founded in 1971 as the Regents External Degree Program, which evaluated credit earned from college courses, proficiency examinations, military educational programs, and the assessment of knowledge gained from experience and nontraditional approaches to education to help students achieve degree completion. While evolving to offer degree programs fully online, Excelsior has maintained its commitment to aggregating credit for previous learning accomplishments and awarding credit for approved workplace and military training, health care credentials, and industry certifications.

“The collaboration between University of Washington Continuum College and Excelsior College will allow students flexibility in customizing the best learning experience to meet their needs and an opportunity to build on prior learning,” said David Schejbal, president of Excelsior College. “This partnership can make degree completion more accessible to students, and I am pleased to welcome Continuum as a partner.”

University of Washington Continuum College offers job-specific education for people from all backgrounds at every age, every career stage, and every income level. Its award-winning professional certificates, short programs, and advanced degrees empower people to create better lives and provide employers with exceptionally skilled workers, creating a more knowledgeable community.

“We believe in the power of education to improve people’s lives,” said Rovy Branon, vice provost of Continuum. “Our Python programming and digital marketing certificates give people transferrable skills that can boost their careers. This promising new partnership with Excelsior gives a supercharged boost, creating a bridge between credentials and a degree that can open the door to professional and personal advancement.”

More information about the partnership is available at excelsior.edu/uw.

 

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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.

 

 

Excelsior College’s Graduate Research Symposium

Posted on by Erin Coufal

Albany, New York—Excelsior College welcomes select graduate students and recent alumni to present their original research at the annual online Graduate Research Symposium on Thursday, October 14. The theme for this year’s symposium is Embracing New Frontiers: Innovation, Resilience, and Technology.

Transformative and empowering, the symposium offers those attending an intellectually stimulating and professionally enriching experience. The keynote speaker is Excelsior instructor Kelley Cronin, a nationally renowned expert in homeland security and emergency management and author of several books in these areas. Ethné Swartz, a professor in the Department of Management at the Feliciano School of Business of Montclair State University, is the invited speaker.

“We have an interesting event of invited speakers and graduate presentations,” said John Caron, provost of Excelsior College. “Our students embraced the challenge of the theme: innovation, resilience, and technology, and I am excited for them to share their research.”

Student presentations include: “Blockchain Technology: Current Applications and Future Potential,” “Oncology Smoking Cessation Program; Commit to Quit,” “Technology in the COVID Response,” and “The Making of a Highly Reliable Organization.” At the conclusion of the event, the Ever Upward Prize will be awarded to the outstanding graduate presentation from the symposium.

 

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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.