Wanda Lopez of Wrightstown, New Jersey, earned an Associate of Science in Human Services in 2018 and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2025. She shares, 鈥淢y academic journey has been one of perseverance and growth, and I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support and encouragement I received from the dedicated faculty, staff, and fellow students at 精东影业. Currently, I serve as a registered behavior technician, working primarily with individuals in the autism community as well as those with various disabilities. My mission is to create a meaningful impact not only through knowledge but through compassion, advocacy, and dedication. 精东影业 has provided me with the tools and confidence to pursue my passion for making a difference in the lives of others. I am proud to be part of this incredible community of learners and leaders.鈥�
Corey Gause, Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts, 2003
Corey Gause of Winchester, Virginia, earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in 2003. He shares, 鈥溇耙� was a vital part of my military journey. While serving in the Air Force, I attended several schools, but 精东影业鈥檚 flexible program and excellent counseling truly supported my degree completion. My Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts provided a strong foundation for further education, which ultimately helped me earn my commission and achieve the rank of Colonel.鈥�
Anthony Casas, Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts, 1991
Anthony Casas of McKinleyville, California, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts in 1991. His story was recently featured in a podcast available on Spotify and Apple. The episode, 鈥淔rom Drive-By Shooting, Private Investigation Firm, to Learning the Most Valuable Lesson 精东影业 Time with CPO Anthony Casas,鈥� is part of the podcast series Enterprise Alchemy. Listen now:
Jesse Sigurdsen, Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts, 2025
Jesse Sigurdsen of Lino Lakes, Minnesota, earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in 2025. He shares, 鈥淭he decision to return to school after my 23 years of military service was a significant one, and I’m incredibly grateful to have found that 精东影业 truly understands how to support veterans. From the start, they made the process of converting my military experience into academic credits seamless, which was a huge relief. Beyond the administrative support, the education itself was truly transformative. The curriculum and instructors played a pivotal role in honing my writing skills and strengthening my communication abilities, which I now feel confident using in any professional setting. My favorite part of the experience was undoubtedly my Capstone project. As a group, we were able to collaborate and share ideas on how to help people in need around the world, creating a project that was not only academically challenging but deeply meaningful. It was during these collaborations that I also had the chance to connect with my classmates by sharing my passion for natural and regenerative farming and the importance of healthy eating. The supportive and collaborative environment made it easy to share my perspective and learn from the perspective of others. This University is more than just a place to get a degree; it’s a community that helps you grow both professionally and personally.鈥�
Zoann Murphy, Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts, 1996
Zoann Murphy of Everett, Washington, earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in 1996. Murphy recently received her PhD in Psychology from National University on July 1, 2025.
George Shadman, Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts, 1988
George Shadman of Barboursville, Virginia, earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in 1988. He shares, 鈥淲hile living in New York, 精东影业 allowed me to get my degree through night school while working. My bachelor鈥檚 degree was a tremendous help through my career in local government which gave my family a very nice standard of living. Thank you, 精东影业.鈥�
Eduardo Rivas, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, 2017
Eduardo Rivas of Boylston, Massachusetts, earned a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology in 2017. He shares, 鈥淓arning my degree at 精东影业 was one of the best decisions I鈥檝e made. I had the honor of serving as the student graduation speaker at the 2018 Commencement ceremony. Today, I am a full-time professor of accounting, teaching courses in both mathematics and information technology. In addition to teaching, I serve as the coordinator of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program sponsored by the IRS in my community. In 2024, I was proud to receive the NISOD Excellence Award in recognition of my teaching practices and the many initiatives I鈥檝e led to support student learning and community engagement. 精东影业鈥檚 flexible and forward-thinking approach enabled me to complete my degree using previously earned college credits, opening doors to teach multiple online courses and inspire others to continue their education.鈥�
精东影业 ranked among Military Times 2025 Best for Vets: Colleges
Arlington, Va. 鈥� Military Times has included 精东影业 in its 2025 Best for Vets: Colleges rankings, the most trusted, comprehensive list of U.S. colleges and universities committed to supporting military service members, veterans and their families.
This year鈥檚 list includes听357 institutions, marking the听largest field in the program鈥檚 history听and a substantial increase from 304 in 2024. The growth underscores the expanding network of colleges prioritizing veteran success through targeted programs, financial support and student-veteran communities.
鈥淔or 15 years, Best for Vets has helped transitioning service members find schools that not only welcome veterans but actively invest in their success,鈥� said听Jon Simkins, Executive Editor of Military Times and Sightline Media Group. 鈥淭he record-breaking participation this year shows that higher education leaders are listening and working to create environments where veterans can thrive academically and personally.鈥�
Military Times collects data from an extensive survey from colleges across the country. Institutions are evaluated on academic quality, student support services, affordability, and outcomes for veterans, including graduation and retention rates.
Key trends from the 2025 survey include:
- Increased participation听among public universities and community colleges, signaling broader institutional engagement.
- A surge in听online and hybrid program options, which continue to support active-duty and Guard/Reserve students.
- Growth in听dedicated veteran resource centers, peer mentorship networks and mental health services tailored to post-service transition.
The full 2025 ranking, along with an interactive database of schools, can be found at听.
For more information about 精东影业鈥檚 student veteran programs, visit 精东影业鈥檚 website at听.
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Media contact 精东影业:
Jason Bonafide, jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446
精东影业 Military Times
The Military Times digital platforms and magazines are the trusted source for independent news and information for service members and their families. The military community relies on Air Force Times, Army Times, Marine Corps Times, and Navy Times for reporting on everything that matters in their lives, including pay, benefits, finance, education, health care, recreational resources, retirement, promotions, product reviews, and entertainment. Military Times is published by Sightline Media Group. To learn more, visit听.
精东影业 精东影业
精东影业 is an accredited, not-for-profit higher education institution focused on helping learners complete their degrees and advance their careers. 精东影业 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 in Albany, New York, 精东影业 meets students where they are 鈥� academically and geographically 鈥� removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.鈥�听
精东影业 is a not-for-profit university with a main campus in Albany, New York, and an educational site in St. Petersburg, Florida. 精东影业’s academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, with additional licensing for Florida-based programs. 听
Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928). Additional information regarding this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, toll-free number: (888)-224-6684.听
Empowering Future Nurse Leaders: Sigma鈥檚 Accelerated Membership Pathway
Since July 2024, 精东影业 has celebrated the achievements of more than 300 nursing students who have academically qualified for the Zeta Chi Chapter of , the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing鈥檚 student honor society. During that time, 精东影业 students have benefited from the partnership between OADN and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma), a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to cultivating nurse leadership. Sigma and OADN developed an for Alpha Delta Nu nursing graduates participating in baccalaureate or graduate nursing programs, which has been a transformative opportunity that has aligned perfectly with the mission of many international nursing programs. This initiative reflects a robust recognition of academic excellence and professional development within the nursing community as students progress toward eventual membership into 精东影业鈥檚 Tau Kappa at-Large Sigma chapter or听others.
Recognition of Academic Excellence and Professional Development
This collaboration between and opens new doors for our nursing graduates to join a prestigious global network of nurse leaders. It empowers them to engage with Sigma, an organization that promotes leadership, scholarship, and advancement in nursing. By streamlining the eligibility process, Sigma has acknowledged and celebrated the accomplishments of Alpha Delta Nu members, reinforcing the value of nursing pathways.
Empowering Nursing Students to Assume Leadership Roles and Become Lifelong Learners
This is not only an honor society membership but also an entry into leadership for our students. It will expose them to resources, guidance, and a network of professionals striving to make a difference in nursing and patient care. 精东影业 students will be challenged to endeavor for academic achievement in the future, maintain the principles of professionalism, and actively pursue professional development at all times, which is crucial in nursing.
Strengthening the听Value of Nursing听Pathways
Sigma鈥檚 accelerated membership pathway for Alpha Delta Nu graduates shows how all nurses are essential in health care, regardless of entry point. This initiative promotes inclusion by acknowledging the importance of all nursing programs, as Sigma acknowledges students鈥� academic achievement. It also sends the message that nursing excellence is not defined by the type of degree one has but by the desire and potential to lead, thus allowing the graduates of our associate nursing program to continue with their professional development and leadership through Sigma.
Impact on Students鈥� Professional Identity and Global Health Care Contribution
The accelerated Sigma membership pathway for the Alpha Delta Nu graduates is an excellent chance for our students to enhance and cement their professional selves. Thus, they become members of the prestigious international network, which provides them with opportunities for leadership, research, and collaboration, developing their careers and enabling them to impact global health care positively. This incentivizes them to work hard to realize their potential and positions them to improve the standard of nursing globally.
精东影业 launches Florida site for immersive new learning opportunities听
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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. 鈥� 精东影业, a pioneer in online education, will open the first standalone on-ground learning site in its five-decade history this fall in St. Petersburg, Florida. 精东影业 St. Petersburg opens its doors to students beginning Oct. 20. 精东影业 St. Petersburg 鈥� located on 4th Street N 鈥� will enhance the institution鈥檚 comprehensive online education with immersive in-person learning opportunities. 精东影业 is currently enrolling students in hybrid Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, Master of Science in Cybersecurity, and Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology degree programs for the Spring I Term, with classes beginning Jan. 5, 2026. The new St. Petersburg site offers hands-on learning and lab space for students in these vital fields, a brick-and-mortar complement to the institution鈥檚 history of innovation in distance and online education. Health care programming is planned to open to enrollment in early 2026.
, 精东影业 is now offering pre-degree certification programs and select hybrid lab training aligned with in-demand careers in allied health and IT at the St. Petersburg site. This partnership offers students access to workforce-ready training programs and onramps to further education with 精东影业. From October to December, students in select certificate programs will have access to complimentary practical hands-on training to supplement their online learning.听听
With more than 200,000 graduates positively impacting communities around the globe, 精东影业鈥檚 expansion into hybrid learning is the next phase of its mission to provide accessible education to all learners.听听
鈥淢odern learners need flexibility,鈥� said 精东影业 President David Schejbal. 鈥淲hile many students thrive in a fully online classroom, 精东影业 St. Petersburg presents new opportunities for learners to build community and hone the practice-ready skills that the workforce demands. With this site, 精东影业 delivers on its promise to meet students where they are 鈥� academically, geographically, in-person, or online.鈥�听
Headquartered in Albany, New York, 精东影业 established its first on-ground learning site in St. Petersburg for many reasons. The site provides new opportunities for 精东影业 faculty and staff to strengthen their connections with the large community of 500 current 精东影业 students and nearly 17,000 alumni in Florida. With a strong focus on technology and health care, 精东影业鈥檚 programs are positioned to help learners gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in Florida鈥檚 major industries. With veterans and active-duty military students comprising more than 30% of its current enrollment, the institution鈥檚 long history of serving the nation鈥檚 service members makes 精东影业 St. Petersburg a destination for Florida’s military learners. More than three-quarters of 精东影业鈥檚 2024 technology program graduates were military-affiliated, driving the decision to bring hybrid versions of the cybersecurity and electrical engineering technology programs directly to this center of the military student population.听
For more information on 精东影业, visit excelsior.edu.
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Media contact 精东影业:
Erin Coufal,听ecoufal@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8498
ABOUT EXCELSIOR UNIVERSITY听
精东影业 is an accredited, not-for-profit higher education institution focused on helping learners complete their degrees and advance their careers. 精东影业 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 in Albany, New York, 精东影业 meets students where they are 鈥� academically and geographically 鈥� removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.鈥�听
精东影业 is a not-for-profit university with a main campus in Albany, New York, and an educational site in St. Petersburg, Florida. 精东影业’s academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, with additional licensing for Florida-based programs. 听
Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928). Additional information regarding this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, toll-free number: (888)-224-6684.听
Failing 101: How to Fail Well and Thrive in the Workplace
Sara Niemiec, advancement operations specialist for 精东影业’s Development and Alumni Engagement team, co-presented at ‘s annual customer conference, bbcon, on Oct. 6, 2025. The presentation, titled “Failing 101: How to Fail Well and Thrive in the Workplace,” offers tips for turning setbacks into learning and growth opportunities.
View the presentation slides here.听
Cyber Strength
After graduating from 精东影业 in 2023 with a master鈥檚 degree in cybersecurity, Jonathan Pichardo said his goal was to be at the forefront of the cyber age. He saw himself working as an advisor, helping people navigate the complexities of networks and software, as well as providing resources for those looking for answers. He鈥檚 now doing that in his full-time role at the U.S. Army Research Laboratory in Maryland, where he serves as a cyber operations technician and crew lead on the 169th Cyber Protection Team.
It鈥檚 been a busy couple of years for Pichardo, a native of the Bronx borough of New York City and a member of the Army National Guard. After completing his master鈥檚 degree, Pichardo attended the Warrant Officer Candidate Course at Fort Novosel (now Rucker), in Alabama. Upon completion of that course, he then applied for and attended the Warrant Officer Basic Course at the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence at Fort Gordon, in Georgia. He then successfully became a cyber operations technician. He was then assigned to the 169th Cyber Protection Team for the Maryland Army National Guard, where he now leads cyber defensive operations for state and national operations.
A Cybersecurity Degree Was Worth It
精东影业 graduate courses in cybersecurity helped prepare Pichardo for his role in leadership opportunity. Many of the courses fell within the curriculum and covered the requirements he needed to become a cybersecurity specialist. His 精东影业 studies also prepared him to qualify for the necessary certifications. 鈥淸My studies] helped me to prepare for a lot of CompTIA certifications and 鈥� kept me on the right track. 鈥� It鈥檚 actually opened a lot of doors for me,鈥� says Pichardo.
When he completed his schooling at Warrant Officer Candidate School in February 2025, Pichardo landed his current role as a cyber operations technician maintaining and monitoring defense and offense operations as well as network architecture and aiding in cyber operations planning. The position gives him the opportunity to hold various positions within the field and develop subject matter expertise.
Evolving to Face New Cyberthreats
Pichardo鈥檚 interest in cybersecurity also led him to attend the cybersecurity doctoral program at Capital Technology University. He鈥檚 working on a dissertation about implementing artificial intelligence within the cyber operations technician role and exploring how the Army can use AI in defensive and offensive operations and day-to-day technologies. For example, the Army now uses a private network instead of the commercial internet. With the integration of AI, accessing any military site on your home computer can be streamlined.
鈥淭he integration of AI and cyber operations is figuring out a way to make that process simple, secure, and efficient for everybody working at home,鈥� Pichardo says. 鈥淭he Army鈥檚 going to see a big, big change in security and vulnerability risk.鈥�
To be ready for future challenges and opportunities, Pichardo wants to keep growing in the field of cybersecurity. 鈥淚 want to continue teaching myself as much as I can. … [Cybersecurity] is constantly changing: new updates, new software, new integrations, new implementations.鈥�
Deployments Spur Interest in Defensive Operations
It was his deployments to Kuwait and Iraq in 2019 that ignited Pichardo鈥檚 interest in cybersecurity. Assigned to air defense operations, he explored the intricate connections among air defense systems, computer systems, and configuration systems. The experience piqued his curiosity. 鈥淒oing the hands-on portion of it is what actually gave me a little interest, and I started looking into different career fields in the military,鈥� he says.
It was during this time that Pichardo began his journey into higher education, and he discovered 精东影业 (then College). A military friend had told him about 精东影业鈥檚 flexible online courses and how the school understands the needs of military personnel. 鈥淵ou know, the staff, the faculty, the professors, they were all very military friendly. It was easier for me to start the [admissions] process based on [a friend] who had the prior experience,鈥� Pichardo recalls.
精东影业鈥檚 online format made his learning experience seamless, and he effectively managed his coursework alongside his military commitments. Pichardo earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in November 2020 and a Master of Science in Cybersecurity in February 2023.
Pichardo has sometimes faced complex challenges on his career path. Attending 精东影业, pursuing Warrant Officer Candidate School, and studying for his doctoral program has sometimes meant putting friends and family on hold. With the help of mentors and scheduled chats and get-togethers with his loved ones, Pichardo has balanced the various demands in his life.
His determination has shown his family that anything is possible when you put your mind to it. Pichardo is the first member of his family to earn a bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degree, and he has inspired family members to pursue their education goals. His wife returned to school and recently completed a bachelor鈥檚 degree with 精东影业. Their son is also pursuing the ROTC program in high school. 鈥淸Earning my degrees has set] a foundation for my family and then the generations to come,鈥� says Pichardo. 鈥淚 feel like the completion of my degree, my studies, opened the whole landscape for me.鈥�
