On Patrol

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Chadwick Cotner serves and protects in his roles in law enforcement

As a first line supervisor with the U.S. Border Patrol, Chadwick Cotner of Oro Valley, Arizona, is in charge of keeping the southern border safe. It’s a difficult job, especially when multiple federal agencies are involved and trying to work together, but Agent Cotner does his best to oversee law enforcement activities related to the arrival and departure of people and goods across the border.

Cotner is a 2019 graduate of Excelsior College who earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts. Growing up, he always wanted to serve in the military or work in law enforcement. Most men on both sides of his family served in the military, so the influence to serve was strong. “I have always had a strong desire to serve and protect,” he says. Cotner joined the U.S. Navy after graduation from high school in 1989 and served during Desert Shield/Desert Strom. When an injury left him unable to continue serving in the armed forces, he changed directions to pursue a career in law enforcement.

Cotner began working for the Maricopa County Adult Probation Department (MCAPD) in 1997. For the first year and a half, he worked in the Domestic Violence Unit, performing field duties checking on people convicted of various felonies, but who all had issues with domestic violence. This consisted of visiting the homes of probationers to check on the welfare of the family and determine the probationer’s progress with education, employment, and recovery. “This job was very interesting and flexible. It dealt with an aspect of the criminal justice system I was unfamiliar with,” Cotner says. While in this position, he and his partner were selected to supervise boxer Mike Tyson. Tyson was training for an upcoming fight in Phoenix, AZ and on probation in Maryland. Cotner also worked in the Fugitive Unit with MCAPD to locate people who stopped reporting to the probation department and thus needed to be brought to court.

After six years with MCAPD, Cotner moved on to the U.S. Border Patrol. He initially joined the U.S. Border Patrol because he wanted to be a deputy U.S. marshal. “I developed an appetite for tracking fugitives from the law while working with the Maricopa County Probation Department,” he says. Three years into working for the U.S. Border Patrol, he had an opportunity to work with U.S. marshals as a task force officer on a Fugitive Investigative Strike Team for two years. He loved the experience and was even offered a permanent position with the U.S. Marshals Service. After weighing the pros and cons, Cotner decided to stay with the U.S. Border Patrol. “One of the things I did not take into account when starting my federal law enforcement career was how much I enjoy being a border patrol agent,” he recalls.

Cotner’s favorite part about working for the U.S. Border Patrol is being able to make a difference, he says. “We help/save more lives than most people know about or want to admit,” he says. Cotner used to be more physically involved in tracking subjects in the desert and monitoring the border, but now he is a member of management and can make a difference in other ways. For example, he can help make changes to job duties or the work culture.

Several years into his career with the U.S. Border Patrol, Cotner decided to go back to school to finish the bachelor’s degree he had started but not completed in 1995. He had been about six classes away from earning his bachelor’s in 2002 when he stopped. At the time, he thought he would be entering the U.S. Border Patrol academy. As things turned out, he didn’t end up going to the academy until July 2003, and his education plans remained on the backburner for 15 years as he and his wife added to their growing family and the financial cost of school just wasn’t in the cards.

In August 2018, however, Cotner was in a more stable financial state to finish his degree. He took advantage of Excelsior’s partnership with the federal government, which provides tuition discounts and other benefits to federal government employees. “I really appreciated the reduced tuition and credit transfer policy at Excelsior.  With the help from Excelsior and the tuition reimbursement program from the U.S. Border Patrol, I only had to pay for one of the four classes needed to complete my bachelor’s,” says Cotner. He plans to take advantage of the partnership again and save on tuition as he pursues a Master of Science in Criminal Justice at Excelsior.

Now that he has a bachelor’s degree, Cotner is better positioned in his career. Having a higher degree gives him an extra point when he is applying for promotions. As Cotner explains, promotions within the border patrol are based on a point score matrix. Tests and career experience make up some of the score, but points are awarded for additional experience or qualifications, like having a higher degree. “Possessing a BS, MS, or PhD gives that candidate one point for each degree held,” he explains.

Cotner has encouraged many of his coworkers to return to school to finish their higher education. “I relate to them my sense of personal satisfaction and accomplishment from finally finishing my bachelor’s,” he says. Finishing something he started years ago gave him a sense of achievement and he reminds others how far they could go if they pursue their own goals.

Q & A with Ashley Picillo, Founder of Point Seven Group and Advisor for the Cannabis Control Certificate Program

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

The Cannabis Industrial Advisory Committee (CBC-IAC) is an essential component in the creation of Excelsior College’s  Graduate Certificate in Cannabis Control program. Members review and advise the dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Excelsior College on the industry relevancy and fresh perspective of the program, ensuring the cannabis control curriculum remains current and meaningful.

As part of a new blog post series, we will be introducing our IAC members and ask them questions about themselves, their background in the cannabis industry, and their advice to individuals looking to work in cannabis.

Ashley Picillo’s Background

Picillo entered the regulated cannabis market in spring 2014, joining one of the largest vertically integrated cannabis businesses in Colorado as the head of marketing, operations, and sales. She oversaw the day-to-day operations, including five dispensaries, a high-volume extraction facility, a 23,000 square foot cultivation facility, and 70+ employees. Picillo developed, documented, and implemented the majority of the company’s standard operating procedures (SOPs), created detailed forecasting models and calculated the facility’s overall production capacity.

Picillo recognized that Colorado was quickly becoming a model in the cannabis industry for other states and founded Point Seven Group (Point7) in 2016 to offer management consulting services to new operators facing the learning curve she had experienced just two years prior. Since then, Point7 has rapidly expanded its headquarters in Colorado, and satellite offices in California and Ohio, supporting clients worldwide. Today, Point7 specializes in business strategy, licensing acquisition, facility optimization and operations, go-to-market planning, financial modeling, regulatory compliance, and company expansion.

Q & A with Ashley Picillo

Q: What’s something unique about you that others would find interesting?

A: After graduating from business school, I decided to accept a teaching position in Hawaii where I earned my master’s degree in education. While seemingly unrelated to business, I truly believe my time spent as a teacher prepared me well for running my own company. Like entrepreneurs, teachers are expert jugglers and need to learn how to manage many different personalities and methods of learning. It was the most challenging job I have ever had, and I am endlessly grateful for my days spent in a classroom.

 Q: Do you hold any certifications? If so, which one(s)?

A: Professional degrees include BS in Business Administration and Master of Arts in Education. I am also a Tory Burch Fellow, certified as a women-owned business via WBENC, and have been certified previously to use the cannabis track-and-trace system METRC.

Q: Which cannabis industry organizations are you affiliated with?

A: Our company is a member of NCIA, CCIA, MoCannTrade, CannaBiz Connection, MMBAFL, and Ohio Cannabis and Hemp Chamber of Commerce. We contribute to Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) and The Last Prisoner Project. As far as non-cannabis organizations go, we are a member of 1% for the Planet, Entrepreneurs Organization (EO) and are accredited as a women-owned business (WBENC).

Q: In your own words, how do you think Excelsior’s program will benefit students?

A: Cannabis is a rapidly evolving and growing industry with exceptional professional opportunities ranging from agriculture, through science, engineering, and business services. Students worldwide can benefit from this program in the long term by being prepared for professional opportunities.

Q: What do you hope students will take away from Excelsior’s program?

A: My hope is that students recognize a) that there are many possibilities within this rising sector, b) that cannabis is a powerful medicinal therapy benefiting patients worldwide, and c) that we have a responsibility as an industry and community to educate the world about cannabis — including and most importantly — the dark history surrounding this plant and the many social injustices that have happened throughout this industry, and community’s history.

Q: What is a piece of advice you’d offer someone getting into the industry?

A: I would encourage every person entering the space to take the time to learn the history of cannabis prohibition and the serious consequences of the War on Drugs.

Q: What is one thing you wish you had known before entering the industry?

A: I did not have a deep understanding of cannabis, or cannabis history, before finding my way into this industry. While I was able to learn quickly, I wish I had more context before starting in my first full-time role as I believe I would have had far more compassion for patients using cannabis therapies, and for the many people who were harmed by cannabis laws.

 

We are grateful for Ashley Picillo’s relevant expertise and the strong skills she brings to her advisory role for our Graduate Certificate in Cannabis Control. See our program page for more information about how you can become a student.

 

*This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Excelsior College Partners with the National Cryptologic School (NCS)

Posted on by Alicia Jacobs

Albany, N.Y. — The National Cryptologic School (NCS), a school within the National Security Agency (NSA) that provides training to NSA employees, announced a partnership with Excelsior College as part of the NCS’s Accelerated Degree Program. The partnership allows the NSA workforce to transfer eligible NCS course credit from military and other industry certifications to Excelsior to advance quicker toward completing an undergraduate degree.

Opened in 1965, the NCS develops and delivers curriculum in cryptology, cybersecurity, language, and leadership for agency employees, as well as curriculum for the Central Security Service, the U.S. intelligence community, and armed services.

David Schejbal, PhD, president of Excelsior College, stated, “This partnership will allow employees to benefit from our College’s transfer credit policy and partnership savings. In addition, employees can take advantage of UExcel exams to earn credit through independent study for credit by exam to expedite degree completion.” A hallmark of this partnership is “leave no credit behind.” By combining NCS training, military experience, and previously earned college credits, NSA employees have the ability to save time and money on degree attainment. Excelsior College is also a Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD).

“Our newest partner, Excelsior College, offers expanded college credit options that will enable our military and civilian professionals to accelerate their degree,” stated Diane M. Janosek, commandant, National Cryptologic School.

NCS’s agreement with Excelsior College supports NSA’s Accelerated Degree Program, which enables military and civilian agency personnel to earn college credit at a reduced cost. Excelsior established a reduced tuition rate for active-duty servicemembers and their spouses or partners of $250 per credit for undergraduate tuition plus applicable fees, and $295 per credit for master’s degree program tuition plus applicable fees for 2020–2021. Civilians and their spouses or partners can receive up to 20 percent off undergraduate tuition and 15 percent off graduate tuition, in addition to a reduction in applicable fees.

The educational partnership currently focuses on the Bachelor of Science in National Security, Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, and Bachelor of Science in Information Technology programs. For more information on this partnership, visit https://www.excelsior.edu/partner/national-security-agency/

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Media Contact Excelsior College:

Alicia Jacobs, ajacobs@excelsior.edu, 518-410-4624

 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. 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.

Media Contact NCS/NSA:Mediarelations@nsa.gov 443-634-0721

 ABOUT NSA

The National Security Agency/Central Security Service (NSA/CSS) leads the U.S. Government in cryptology that encompasses both signals intelligence (SIGINT) and cybersecurity products and services, and enables computer network operations (CNO) in order to gain a decisive advantage for the Nation and our allies under all circumstances.

 

Antony Kolenc BA ’93

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Antony Kolenc, BA ’93, of Jacksonville, Florida is a professor at the University of North Texas Dallas College of Law. He recently published his first novel, “Shadow in the Dark,” book one in “The Hardwood Mysteries,” an inspirational fiction series for tweens and teens. The School Library Journal reviewed his novel, calling it, “an engaging medieval adventure with an appeal that transcends its denominational press.” You can learn more at www.antonykolenc.com.

Joy Garratt, BS in Liberal Arts, 1986

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Representative Joy Garratt is currently serving Albuquerque’s House District 29 in the New Mexico State Legislature.  Elected in 2018, she also works as an instructional coach and teacher.

Since graduating from Excelsior in 1986, Garratt has gone on to obtain a MA in Educational Leadership at the University of New Mexico. She reports that her Excelsior College experience continues to inform her work on the House Education Committee in the State Legislature saying: “Excelsior taught me out-of-the-box thinking for how to compile diverse experience and credits to equal to a diploma.  Now I apply that in developing innovative ways for adults to obtain high school equivalency diplomas.”

Steve Carriere BS ’18

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Steve Carriere, BS ’18, of Jacksonville, Florida, recently accepted a volunteer leadership role with Team Rubicon, a veteran-based disaster relief non-profit organization, to lead volunteer growth, training, and provide administrative support to Team Rubicon city administrators and volunteers from Pensacola, FL to Jacksonville, FL.

Andrew LaMothe, BS in Computer Technology, 1991

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Andrew LaMothe, BS ’91, of Malta, NY is a sales representative for IBM in the systems group where he focuses on data protection and preservation for large enterprises like the state of New York, insurance companies, and higher education institutions like MIT and Harvard. He previously worked for multinational technology companies like Dell and Hewlett-Packard. LaMothe credits Excelsior (then Regents) College with his successful, decades-long career in IT saying: “Regents College made it possible for me to earn my BS while working and raising a family. Earning my BS from Regents gave me the credential and confidence to grow in my career – and I’m still enjoying that career 29 years later.”

Denise Boroughs-Fitch BS ’14

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Denise Boroughs-Fitch, BS ’14, of Woodland, CA, has worked as a director or manager in health care administration for more than 25 years. She is currently enrolled in the Master of Science in Management and Leadership program at Western Governors University and says earning her bachelor’s in liberal arts from Excelsior prepared her well for WGU’s online competency-based program.

Jeffrey Gilfor BS ’82

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Jeffrey Gilfor, BS ’82, of Tampa, FL, completed his degree with Regents College while in the U.S. Navy Nuclear Power Program. He then moved into the Pre-Health Specialized Studies program at the University of Pennsylvania, took the Medical College Admission Test in 1992 and was accepted into Jefferson Medical College. He earned his medical degree in 1998 and completed his residency in anesthesiology at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. He is now an anesthesia director for a large ambulatory surgical center in Tampa and says if it wasn’t for the Regents program, he wouldn’t have been able to accomplish any of this.

Looking Toward a Successful Future

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Brooklin Gilbert benefits from what Excelsior has to offer

When Brooklin Gilbert received the Entrepreneur: Business and Technology Scholarship from Excelsior College in May 2019, she was shocked. As a previous graduate of Excelsior with an associate degree, Gilbert had decided to re-enroll to pursue a bachelor’s degree. However, with working full-time and money being tight, she struggled. Receiving the scholarship helped with educational finances and enabled her to continue her education. She earned a Bachelor of Professional Studies in September 2020.

The bachelor’s degree sets Gilbert, of Capon Bridge, West Virginia, on a new career path. Her first dream was to be a physician’s assistant, probably because as a young girl, she used to tag along with her father, an EMT, on ambulance calls. When she got older, she pursued a degree in biology and earned an Associate in Science from Excelsior in 2017. Gilbert realized the medical world was not for her, though. From her experiences as teenager working at a country store with her mother, she learned the importance of being financially stable. So, she didn’t wait long before deciding to return to school to pursue a different career and secure her future. Gilbert tried majoring in accounting for a semester but quickly realized it wasn’t for her. She decided to pursue general business management and professional studies. “Pursuing a business degree was important because I wanted to be very diversified in a degree field,” says Gilbert, adding that with a general degree, she would have the background and be prepared to enter any career field.

The business program suits Gilbert, who has been working for a private financial institution since 2016. She helps customers to set up accounts and spends much of each day interacting with customers on the phone. Although the job can be stressful, she finds it gratifying because she enjoys helping people and making a difference in their lives. Helping them obtain the finances they need is rewarding. “I enjoy the financial world so much that I have even thought about becoming a personal finance manager to assist and help others with finance management in the future,” she says.

Gilbert’s options are open thanks to earning her degrees from Excelsior. A civilian Department of Defense worker recommended Excelsior College to Gilbert and she decided to take the plunge. She says at first it was hard to return to school, especially for her bachelor’s, but luckily her father and friend were there to continuously support and encourage her. “Sometimes we don’t really know our own potential until someone gives us a nudge in the right direction,” she says, referring to her father’s words of encouragement. She says she is happy she listened to her father and now feels better about herself and her future than ever before.

While doing her studies, Gilbert put a lot on the backburner. She prioritized school over her personal life and hanging out with friends, for instance. She knew she had to push through and that her hard work would pay off. This mentality was difficult to maintain, however. “A lot of times I always felt I had to choose between something I wanted versus something I was forcing myself to do.” Earning the Entrepreneur: Business and Technology Scholarship reinforced Gilbert’s belief that she was working hard for a reason: to better herself and her future.

Gilbert has worked hard to get where she is today. She says she thinks her degrees will help her obtain other employment and even open her own business. “I believe that my degrees from Excelsior will help me stand out against my competitors and make me the better candidate,” she says. Explore all of our Bachelor’s Degrees in Business.

Excelsior College Hires Vice President for Enrollment Management

Posted on by Erin Coufal

Albany, NY – Following a national search, Excelsior College announces the addition of Breanne Simkin as associate vice president for enrollment management. This is a new role in the Provost’s Office.

Breanne SimkinA goal-driven and data-informed leader, Simkin was most recently the associate vice president for enrollment management at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Mo., where she worked closely with campus faculty, staff, and administration to develop long-term enrollment strategies, improvements in student service, and a shared vision that ensures long-term enrollment success.

Simkin implemented a need-based institutional aid model to coordinate better financial access for students to the institution. With a focus on student engagement and holistic admissions, Simkin managed multiple areas to grow enrollment and net tuition revenue while improving the student experience. Serving as a member of the provost’s team, she will provide leadership in the development, implementation, and assessment of strategies to support the College’s enrollment goals. Primary areas of oversight include Admissions, Student Financial Services, and the Records Office. In collaboration with the provost and the other members of the provost’s team, Simkin will be responsible for the development of data-driven strategies to increase student enrollment, while working collaboratively with various stakeholders to ensure positive enrollment growth.

Simkin has presented at multiple national conferences, including most recently at the Ruffalo Noel Levitz National Conference 2019 on Developing a One-Stop-Shop, Combining Multiple Divisions to Serve Students. She is also a member of the National Association for Financial Aid Administrators and National Association for College Admissions Counseling. Simkin earned a Master of Science in pharmacy research and regulation from the University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla.

“I was drawn to Excelsior because of the mission of creating affordable and equitable access to education. Higher education is at an important crossroads, and Excelsior is well-positioned to be a leader in defining how the educational needs of the adult learner can be met. I look forward to bringing my enrollment expertise to work on important initiatives, for both the students and the institution, and continuing upon the successes at Excelsior College,” Simkin said.

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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. 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.

Media Contact: Alicia Jacobs
Email: ajacobs@excelsior.edu
Phone: (518) 410-4624