Rico Nelson, Bachelor of Science in Business, 2022

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

Rico Nelson of Columbus, Georgia, earned a Bachelor of Science in Business in 2022. He shares, 鈥淪ince earning my B.A. in Human Resources in 2022 while on active duty, I was able to conclude my military career with the core values I learned while attending 精东影业.

After an honorable discharge, I鈥檝e pursued a purposeful entrepreneurial endeavor as an ordained minister. I鈥檝e performed numerous marital ceremonies and holy unions. I also held two federal government positions.

I had an 18-month tenure as a United States Postal Service employee and served as a transportation security officer with the Department of Homeland Security.

These feats were accomplished after 20 years of honorable military service, which consisted of four combat deployments, one being an interagency deployment, an overseas assignment as an installation training facilitator for allied NATO forces, and a two-year assignment as a United States Army drill sergeant.

Despite a long and impactful career, I remain committed to serving with unwavering dedication.

As an alumnus from 精东影业, I鈥檝e continued to live the words that come from our alma mater: onward and upward.

Nearly a decade after obtaining my academic credentials with cum laude honors, I continue to adhere to the principles and knowledge acquired during my undergraduate studies.

Excellence is attainable with diligence, commitment, and a clear purpose. Identify your cause and why you aspire to surpass your previous day. My cause is my family. I stand as a pillar of hard work and determination, and I continue to be an example of ascension and progression. I desire my path to be followed, but I also aim to inspire others to discover their own unique paths.

No matter how arduous and daunting the journey may appear to be, once you arrive at your destination, you will see that it was worth it.

Every journey begins with a single step, and the belief that you can go onward and through your perseverance, you can go upward.鈥�

精东影业 to Provide Free Tuition for Eligible New York State Students听

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

ALBANY, N.Y. 鈥� 精东影业 is offering free tuition to eligible students in its home state of New York. After applying federal and state grants, 精东影业 will cover the full balance of undergraduate tuition costs and course-related fees for qualifying learners starting in the Fall 2026 trimester. Interested students can check their eligibility and learn more on 精东影业’s New York Free website.听听

To qualify, students must be full-time residents of New York state with an adjusted gross income of $60,000 or less; file taxes as dependents, or as independents with鈥痑t least one鈥痙ependent; and be eligible for both Federal Pell Grant and New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) funding.鈥耙� will apply Pell grant and TAP funds first, and institutional funding may cover any additional eligible balance. 精东影业鈥檚 Admissions Office will guide prospective students through the process.听听

“精东影业 serves students globally, but New York is our home. The University’s name reflects those roots: 精东影业 is the New York state motto, a Latin expression meaning ‘ever upward.’ Access to higher education is central to the progress of our state鈥檚 communities and workforce, but financial barriers often stand in the way. By removing those barriers for eligible New York learners, we can help our neighbors move ever upward in their lives and careers as they contribute to New York鈥檚 future,” said 精东影业 President David Schejbal.听听

While 精东影业’s online and hybrid online/in-person learning programs serve students in all 50 states and around the world, New Yorkers represent the University’s largest student population. Approximately 2,500 New York residents are currently enrolled at 精东影业, including about 300 from the Capital Region. In keeping with 精东影业’s mission to serve students often left behind by the higher education system, about 750 New York state learners are first-generation college students, and nearly 10% are active military service members or veterans. 精东影业 educates more practice-ready nurses than any other school in the state, with more than 1,600 current New York students preparing to help address the state鈥檚 nursing shortage.听

The free tuition program is available for qualifying students pursuing any of 精东影业’s undergraduate degree programs beginning in the Fall 2026 trimester, starting August 31. 精东影业 offers online degree programs in business, health sciences, liberal arts, nursing, public service, and technology, aligned with New York’s workforce and community needs. Learn more at excelsior.edu.听听

Media contact 精东影业:
Jason Bonafide, jbonafide@excelsior.edu

精东影业 精东影业听
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.听听听听听

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. 精东影业鈥檚 academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, with additional licensing for Florida-based programs.听听 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

Why Partnerships Are Becoming Essential to Higher Education鈥檚 Future

Posted on by David Schejbal

精东影业 President David Schejbal was interviewed by Presidents Forum about how collaborations between institutions, employers, and other organizations can help create a more seamless student experience. President Schejbal discusses 精东影业’s 鈥渃onstellation鈥� model鈥攁 network of partnerships designed around student success rather than institutional boundaries.

The Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation Makes Historic Gift to 精东影业 Nursing Programs

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

ALBANY, N.Y. 鈥斕�精东影业听and the听Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation, Inc.听signed an agreement听securing a $300,000 gift听supporting听精东影业 nursing听students.听The听donation听will听establish听the听Julia O. Wells听Memorial Education Foundation, Inc.听Scholarship at 精东影业,听an endowment to听provide听精东影业 nursing听scholarships听in perpetuity.

Made as the Foundation听concludes听its operations, the听$300,000听gift听is the capstone in a long history听of听精东影业听nursing听scholarship听support听beginning in听1989.听Established in recognition of the legacy of Julia O. Wells, a 1918 graduate of the Memorial Hospital Training School for Nurses in Albany, the Foundation’s听previous听gifts to 精东影业 total $260,000.听To date, this support has听helped听approximately听300 individual students听pursue听academic and professional goals in听healthcare.听

“精东影业 is grateful for the Julia O.听Wells Memorial Education Foundation’s听decades of generous support for nursing students,” said Robin Goodrich, 精东影业 College of Nursing and Health Sciences Purnell executive dean. “The Foundation’s final donation will carry on听Julia O. Wells’ legacy听for many decades to come,听through听generations of nurses听who will use the opportunity听this scholarship creates听to听complete their education and听serve communities around the world.”听听听

“The听Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation, Inc.听is officially dissolving, but our mission of educating nursing is simply changing听form听to last forever. Our commitment to 鈥榞rowing nurses鈥� will now live on in perpetuity,鈥� said Kathleen Bagley Santarcengelo, president of the Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors.听鈥淪igning this gift agreement with 精东影业 is both an ending and a profound new beginning. We are handing 精东影业 the听torch and听know that they will keep it lit.鈥�

Candice Johnson, an 精东影业 Class of 2026 graduate who earned a Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Administration of Healthcare Systems, is one of many students who have received scholarship funding through the Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation. Johnson said, 鈥淎s a nursing student at 精东影业, this scholarship not only helped ease the financial burden of my education but also inspired me to continue striving for excellence in my academic and professional pursuits. The Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation鈥檚 belief in my potential reinforces my commitment to serving others and making a meaningful impact in the field of healthcare.鈥澨�

This $300,000 donation听represents听a landmark gift in the 精东影业’s recently announced听Empower with Purpose campaign,听the largest capital campaign in the institution鈥檚 history. The University has now raised $4.4 million toward its $5 million campaign goal.听听

# # #听

Media Contact 精东影业:听
Jason Bonafide,听jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446听听听

精东影业 精东影业听

精东影业 is an accredited, not-for-profit online institution focused on helping adults 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, 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.听听听

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. 精东影业鈥檚 academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, with听additional听licensing for Florida-based programs.听听听

Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928).听Additional听information听regarding听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

DBA vs. PhD: What鈥檚 the Difference?

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Have you ever looked at the letters that come after someone鈥檚 name and wondered what differentiates a DBA from a PhD? Well, you鈥檙e likely not alone. At first glance, both degrees represent the highest level of achievement, and both require you to conduct extensive research. Not to mention, both can open doors to meaningful leadership opportunities. But what鈥檚 the difference? If you鈥檙e considering a doctoral degree but aren鈥檛 sure which to pursue, understanding the difference between a DBA and PhD can help you determine the path that aligns best with your goals.

What Is a DBA?

Geared toward accomplished managers and executives, a Doctor of Business Administration is a business-oriented doctorate program that provides the skills necessary to solve real-world problems. A DBA can be beneficial to business professionals who have not finished growing in their fields. It requires leaders to research, analyze data and evidence, identify patterns, challenge the status quo, and communicate ideas in ways that result in better decision-making.

What Is a PhD in Business?

A Doctor of Philosophy in Business is a research-based degree designed for individuals looking to obtain careers in academia or research-based industries. It focuses mainly on research and theory, and since its core focus areas are finance, accounting, marketing, etc., it trains students to research new management and business theories. Individuals may choose to pursue a PhD in Business Administration, a PhD in Business Management, a PhD in Business, or another business-oriented doctoral program.

What Is the Difference Between a PhD and a DBA?

The main difference between a DBA and a PhD in Business is that a Doctor of Business Administration is a professional degree, whereas a Doctor of Philosophy is an academic degree. The DBA is focused on using practical applications and solving real-world problems; the PhD is primarily aimed at expanding academic knowledge and contributing to scholarly discussions. Let鈥檚 dive a bit deeper into what makes them different and which one is more suited to your goals.

dba-vs-phd-infographic

DBA vs. PhD: Focus and Curriculum

A Doctor of Business Administration is what鈥檚 considered an experiential degree, which means that much of your studies will be applying your research to your professional work. You can choose to concentrate in areas like health care, finance, cybersecurity, marketing, leadership strategy, and more. Most DBA programs also include in-person residences where you can work with your peers, get feedback on your research, and meet with faculty. These programs end with a dissertation project that includes using your research methods to solve practical business problems. You should be prepared to defend these projects before expert panels, and your work may even be published.

Alternatively, a PhD program includes seminars, independent research, and oftentimes teaching or being a research assistant. This is important to help students learn how academic knowledge is produced, taught, and ultimately published. During a PhD program, you may take several exams before moving into your dissertation phase. Students in a PhD program are expected to make a theoretical contribution to their field, which means challenging or refining given scholarly knowledge.

DBA vs. PhD: Career Goals

Depending on your career goals, a DBA and a PhD can lead you in different directions. Many DBA graduates go on to advance within industries such as business, health care, finance, technology, government, and nonprofit leadership, where they use their knowledge to lead organizational change, evaluate strategy, and solve complex business challenges. DBA career paths often lead to executive-level positions, including CEO, CFO, or COO, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting the median annual salary of chief executives at . DBA alumni may become management consultants who advise organizations on strategy, become executive educators or scholar-practitioners, or teach business concepts in academic settings where industry experience is valued.

A PhD is an appropriate choice for someone whose career goals lie within the academic community. These graduates are prepared to pursue careers focused on research, teaching, scholarship, and the creation and sharing of knowledge. You can usually find PhD graduates in jobs at universities, business schools, think tanks, research institutions, and other places that require analytical expertise. Some may produce research that helps inform policy, industry, or strategic decision-making, and they may consistently research and publish their scholarly work. Others may pursue becoming department chairs of institutions. Doctoral degree holders can see usual , according to the BLS.

DBA vs. PhD: Format and Time Commitment

DBA programs tend to be more flexible, as they are designed for experienced professionals who want to advance their careers while continuing to work full time. A lot of these programs can be completed on a part-time basis in three to five years. Although a DBA emphasizes the practical application of existing theories rather than creating new ones, the program still requires significant research skills, strong writing abilities, and a defense of your dissertation.
PhD programs are generally more academically intensive and time-consuming, often requiring four to seven years of study and a full-time commitment. Most programs begin with approximately two years of coursework in research methodology, statistics, and theory development, followed by several years dedicated to original research and dissertation work. Many PhD programs also require residency and full-time attendance at the college or university. Earning a PhD is a demanding but rewarding path for those pursuing careers in academia and research.

Which Business Doctorate Is Right for Your Goals?

Choosing between a Doctor of Business Administration and a Doctor of Philosophy in Business ultimately comes down to your career goals. If you want to come up with new theories, conduct scholarly research, and pursue a full-time career in academia as a researcher or tenure-track professor, a PhD is likely the better fit for you. However, if your goal is to advance into executive leadership, solve real-world business challenges, and influence organizational strategy, a DBA is probably the better choice.

It should be noted that you can also teach with a DBA. Many DBA graduates serve as adjunct professors, executive educators, and faculty members at colleges and universities. For professionals who want to continue leading in business while also sharing their knowledge in the classroom, a DBA offers a powerful combination of academic rigor and career flexibility.

精东影业鈥檚 DBA Program

精东影业鈥檚 Doctor of Business Administration program is designed for experienced professionals, including executives, industry specialists, and military leaders who want to elevate their leadership and expertise without taking time away from their careers. The 60-credit program combines eight-week online courses with two immersive in-person residencies in Albany, New York, and/or St. Petersburg, Florida, and offers the flexibility to complete the degree in as little as two years. You can choose from two concentrations from seven in-demand areas and select either of two dissertation options: a considered solution for an organization, using design science principles, or a three-paper research model.

Designed specifically for working professionals, the program offers multiple start dates, flexible pacing options, and a transparent pathway to completion that respects both students鈥� ambitions and their busy lives. If you鈥檙e ready to change your industry, talk to an admissions counselor today about enrolling in 精东影业鈥檚 Doctor of Business Administration program.

Lake Forest Center for Leadership Joining Forces with 精东影业

Posted on by David Schejbal

David Schejbal, president of 精东影业, was interviewed by journalist Myrna Petlicki of the Chicago Tribune听for an article on the Lake Forest Center for Leadership joining 精东影业. President Schejbal speaks on 精东影业’s history, the institution’s focus on strategic organizational partnerships, and the new academic pathways available to students through the Center for Leadership’s integration into 精东影业.

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The Computer Science Skills You Need for a Successful Career

Posted on by 精东影业 Staff

Ask someone what skills a computer science student needs, and the answer is often simple: Learn to code.

Coding is certainly important. Computer science students should graduate with strong technical skills and the ability to develop software solutions. But if we look at what makes someone successful over the course of a career, the answer is much broader.

Computer technology continues to reshape nearly every aspect of our lives. The professionals designing those systems need more than technical knowledge. They need to solve complex problems, communicate ideas, work with diverse teams, adapt to constant change, and understand the impact their decisions have on people and society.

The challenge for today鈥檚 computer science students is not simply learning the technologies of today. It鈥檚 developing the habits of mind and professional skills that will allow them to continue learning, adapting, and leading throughout their careers.

Here are 10 computer science skills that any student should be working to develop while earning their computer science degree.

10 essential computer science skills rendered as icons

  1. Problem-Solving and Computational Thinking

Computer technologies change constantly. That鈥檚 why the ability to think critically and solve problems remains one of the most valuable skills a computer science professional can possess.

What This CS Skill Includes

  • Breaking complex problems into manageable parts
  • Identifying patterns and relationships
  • Designing efficient solutions
  • Thinking logically and systematically

Why It Matters

Computer science is fundamentally about solving problems. Whether developing software, analyzing data, or building AI systems, employers value professionals who can think critically and develop effective solutions to complex听challenges.

  1. Programming and Software Development

Programming听remains听one of the foundational skills of computer science. But just as important as understanding the syntax of a programming language is a strong grasp of the software development process.

What This CS Skill Includes

  • Writing clean, maintainable, and reliable code
  • Debugging and testing applications
  • Understanding how software is designed, developed, and maintained
  • Working with modern development tools

Why It Matters

Programming transforms ideas into reality. Strong development skills enable professionals to build applications, automate tasks, and create technologies that solve meaningful problems and drive innovation across industries.

Build a successful career in tech with a BS in Computer Science from 精东影业.

  1. Data Literacy and Analysis

Data has become one of the most valuable resources in modern organizations. Computer science professionals increasingly work with large amounts of information and must be able to not only gather and understand data but also turn it into actionable insights.

What This CS Skill Includes

  • Collecting, organizing, and interpreting data
  • Working with databases and data systems
  • Understanding statistical concepts
  • Visualizing data
  • Making data-informed decisions

Why It Matters

Organizations increasingly rely on data to guide decisions, making this skill valuable regardless of career specialization. The ability to ask good questions, evaluate information critically, and make informed decisions is becoming increasingly important in a data-rich world.

  1. Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technology Literacy

Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of everyday computer technology development. Students entering the workforce should understand the fundamentals of AI as well as other emerging technologies; however, this does not mean every graduate must become an AI specialist. Rather, they should understand how these technologies work, recognize their strengths and limitations, and evaluate their appropriate use.

What This CS Skill Includes

  • Understanding AI fundamentals, machine learning, automation, and other
  • Using AI-assisted development tools effectively
  • Evaluating new technologies critically
  • Adapting to technological change

Why It Matters

Learning today鈥檚 tools is an important part of earning a computer science degree, but that won鈥檛 be sufficient over the span of your career. You must also develop the ability to adapt as new technologies emerge. The professionals who thrive over time are often those who remain curious, open to change, and willing to learn.

  1. Ethical Reasoning and Responsible Technology Design

Computer science professionals increasingly find themselves making decisions that affect privacy, access, fairness, and even opportunity. The challenge is not simply determining what technology can do; it鈥檚 determining what we should do once it can鈥攁nd ensuring that the people affected by those decisions have a voice in shaping them.

What This CS Skill Includes

  • Evaluating the societal impact of technology
  • Recognizing bias and unintended consequences
  • Designing systems that are fair, secure, and accessible
  • Balancing innovation with responsibility

Why It Matters

Technology shapes how people communicate, work, learn, and interact with the world. As a result, computer science professionals must consider the ethical and societal implications of their decisions and strive to create solutions that are trustworthy, inclusive, and beneficial to society.

  1. Cybersecurity Awareness

Cybersecurity is no longer a specialized concern reserved for security professionals. Every technology professional鈥� regardless of whether their focus is software development, data analytics, artificial intelligence, or information technology鈥搉eeds a foundational understanding of how to protect systems, applications, and data.

What This CS Skill Includes

  • Understanding security principles
  • Protecting data and systems
  • Identifying vulnerabilities and risks
  • Applying secure development practices

Why It Matters

Cybersecurity affects every organization. Understanding how to protect information and build secure systems helps prevent breaches, safeguard privacy, and maintain trust in digital听technologies.

  1. Communication Skills

One of the most underrated skills in computer science is the ability to communicate effectively. Technology professionals frequently work with clients, managers, executives, and stakeholders who may not have technical backgrounds.

What This CS Skill Includes

  • Explaining technical concepts to diverse audiences
  • Writing clear documentation
  • Presenting ideas and recommendations
  • Bridging technical and nontechnical perspectives

Why It Matters

The best technical solution has limited value if others can鈥檛 understand its purpose, importance, or impact. Effective communication helps professionals collaborate with colleagues, influence decision-makers, and translate technical knowledge into meaningful outcomes. The ability to explain complex concepts clearly can often be the difference between a successful project and a failed one.

  1. Collaboration and Teamwork

The stereotype of the lone programmer working in isolation rarely reflects reality. Modern technology projects typically involve teams of developers, designers, analysts, project managers, cybersecurity professionals, and business stakeholders.

What This CS Skill Includes

  • Working effectively in multidisciplinary teams
  • Participating in agile and collaborative workflows
  • Giving and receiving constructive feedback
  • Contributing to shared goals

Why It Matters

The ability to collaborate effectively is an often-underrated workplace skill. It is often what allows good ideas to become successful solutions.

  1. Adaptability and Continuous Learning

Programming languages evolve, new frameworks emerge, and entirely new fields can develop within just a few years. Developing adaptability requires cultivating curiosity and becoming comfortable learning independently. A commitment to lifelong learning helps ensure resilience in a field where change is constant.

What This CS Skill Includes

  • Learning new tools, languages, and frameworks
  • Responding to industry changes
  • Developing self-directed learning habits
  • Embracing lifelong professional growth

Why It Matters

The computer technology landscape changes constantly. Professionals who remain curious and committed to learning are better positioned to seize new opportunities and navigate future career shifts. Perhaps more importantly, continuous learning encourages students to view education as something that extends beyond graduation鈥攁n ongoing part of their professional and personal development.

  1. Systems Thinking

One skill that often gets overlooked is systems thinking. Technology rarely operates in isolation. Software interacts with hardware, networks, organizations, policies, and people. Systems thinking encourages students to move beyond asking, 鈥淒oes this work?鈥� and begin asking, 鈥淗ow does this fit into the larger system, and who might be affected by it?鈥�

What This CS Skill Includes

  • Understanding how technologies interact within larger systems
  • Recognizing connections between technical and human factors
  • Evaluating trade-offs and dependencies
  • Anticipating broader impacts of decisions

Why It Matters

Systems thinking helps professionals understand how software, hardware, data, people, and processes work together, leading to more effective and sustainable solutions.

Looking Beyond Technical Computer Science Skills

Computer science is often associated with technology, but at its heart it is about solving human problems.

Programming, software development, data analysis, and cybersecurity remain essential technical foundations. Yet the professionals who make the greatest impact are often those who combine technical expertise with communication, collaboration, ethical judgment, and a commitment to continuous learning.

The technologies students will work with a decade from now may not even exist today. The specific programming languages, tools, and platforms will change. What will remain valuable is the ability to learn, think critically, solve problems, work with others, and make thoughtful decisions about how technology should be used.

Beyond teaching technical skills, preparing students for the future is about helping them develop the judgment, adaptability, and sense of responsibility needed to thrive in a world where computer technology increasingly shapes how we live, work, and interact with one another.

Start Your Career with a Computer Science Degree from 精东影业

A computer science education should indeed prepare students for their first jobs. But also the one that follows. And the one after that鈥攑reparing them for a lifetime of learning, growth, leadership, and meaningful contribution in a technological world. That is the guiding principle of 精东影业鈥檚 Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program.

精东影业鈥檚 flexible online format is designed for working adults balancing work, family, or other life commitments. Our student-centered approach includes robust support resources as well as Career Readiness to help graduates enter or reenter the workforce with intention. And with a choice of concentrations like Artificial Intelligence, Networking and Cloud Computing, Software Development, and Data Science, you can tailor the program to fit your career goals.

At 精东影业, you will build these 10 critical computer science skills while earning your computer science degree, but more than that, you鈥檒l receive a well-rounded education that serves you over a lifetime.

Lake Forest Center for Leadership Joins 精东影业听

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

LAKE FOREST, Ill. 鈥� 精东影业听and the听听today announced an agreement that brings the Center for Leadership鈥檚 nationally respected leadership development programs into 精东影业鈥檚 academic degree pathways. The move is part of a broader agreement with the recently closed听听to create new opportunities for learners while ensuring continuity for leadership development programs, students, alumni, and employer partners. The addition of the Center for Leadership听represents听an early, defining step in 精东影业鈥檚 Constellation鈩犔齭trategy, a student-centric ecosystem of institutions, employers, and learning providers designed to expand access and remove barriers to opportunity for working adults.听

The Lake Forest Center for Leadership will continue to听operate听at 精东影业, preserving the practitioner-led faculty model and curriculum, including its Pathway Programs, skill-building courses, and comprehensive leadership development offerings, that have defined the organization for more than 35 years. As part of 精东影业,听Center听for Leadership programs will give participants and client organizations a fuller continuum of learning, from leadership development through degree and certificate pathways.听

The Lake Forest Center for Leadership moves to 精东影业 following the June 30 closure of the Lake Forest Graduate School of Management. 精东影业 also served as the preferred teach-out partner for students in the Lake Forest Graduate School of Management MBA program, offering a soft landing for learners to complete their studies at 精东影业鈥檚 School of Business and continued access to professional development opportunities through the Lake Forest Center for Leadership.听听

鈥溇耙� and the Lake Forest Center for Leadership share a common goal: to provide education and training that is designed for practical application and delivered by those with real-world experience,鈥� said David Schejbal, president of 精东影业. 鈥淏y welcoming Lake Forest MBA students to 精东影业 and bringing the Center for Leadership into the University, we are continuing its legacy. Together, we expand access to professional and executive leadership development for individuals and organizations.鈥�听

鈥淟eadership requires the courage to look ahead and make decisions that position an organization for what comes next. While we close this chapter of our MBA program with deep respect for our community, the Lake Forest Center for Leadership has joined 精东影业鈥痶o鈥痜ocus on practical, timely leadership development鈥痑nd continue serving individuals and organizations with the relevance and impact they need today,鈥� said Carrie Buchwald, former president of Lake Forest Graduate School of Management.听听

For 精东影业, the addition of the Center for Leadership expands its portfolio with live, in-person, and hybrid program delivery to complement its established national online model and strengthens its presence in the Chicago-Milwaukee metropolitan area. For the Center for Leadership, joining 精东影业 provides a sustainable foundation for future growth and broad reach through the University鈥檚 national platform.听听

#听#听#听

Media Contact 精东影业:听
Jason Bonafide,听jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446听听听

精东影业 精东影业听

精东影业 is an accredited, not-for-profit online institution focused on helping adults 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, 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.听听听

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. 精东影业鈥檚 academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, with听additional听licensing for Florida-based programs.听听听

Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928).听Additional听information听regarding听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

精东影业 the Lake Forest Center for Leadership听

The Lake Forest Center for Leadership provides practitioner-led leadership and professional development programs to executives and organizations across the Chicago metropolitan region. Built around a faculty model of experienced C-suite practitioners, the Center for Leadership offers Pathway Programs, skill-building courses, and comprehensive leadership development offerings designed for immediate, practical application.听

Pub101 for Authors: Reflections on Our Inaugural Series

Posted on by Melissa Chim

Melissa Chim, 精东影业’s scholarly communications librarian, co-presented at the Open Educational Network (OEN) Engage Conference on July 22, 2026. The presentation, titled 鈥淧ub101 for Authors: Reflections on Our Inaugural Series,鈥� provides an overview of Pub101, a series of learning sessions designed to serve as an orientation to open textbook publishing.

 

Ghost Student Busters: Mitigating Fraudulent Application Risk

Posted on by Sarah Egerton

Fraudulent 鈥済host students鈥� are increasingly exploiting admissions and financial aid processes and creating financial, operational, and reputational risk for higher education institutions. As application volumes rise and access expands, institutions need effective ways to detect and prevent this evolving threat without creating barriers for legitimate students. Lizz Petroski, executive director of student financial services, and Sarah Egerton, director of risk management and internal audit, presented with the University Risk Management and Insurance Association (URMIA) to examine the risk landscape of ghost student activity and share how cross-functional mitigation strategies can strengthen controls and reduce application fraud risk in higher education.

View slides from the presentation here.

 

精东影业 Launches the Largest Capital Campaign in Its History

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

ALBANY, N.Y. 鈥� 精东影业 has launched the public phase of the largest capital fundraising campaign in its 55-year history. The听Empower with Purpose听campaign has already raised more than 80% of its $5 million goal, with听$4.1 million听secured.

The public phase of the campaign听launched听with a听dinner听at the听Renaissance Albany Hotel鈥檚 Dewitt Ballroom听on July 8, bringing听together听alumni, donors,听faculty, staff,听and community partners from around the country听ahead of 精东影业鈥檚 Commencement ceremony.听Funds raised through the听campaign听will support 精东影业鈥檚听promise to听meet students where they听are,听especially those听historically underrepresented in higher education.

鈥淭he Empower听with听Purpose campaign听is听a continued commitment to 精东影业鈥檚 mission听to听expand听access,听create听opportunities, and听transform听lives through education,鈥� said 精东影业 President David Schejbal.听“Strengthening听the听support听systems that听help听learners begin,听persist, and complete their听academic听journeys听contributes听directly听to听student success.听Together, we can听empower听future generations to achieve their goals听through higher education.鈥�

Empower with Purpose听campaign highlights听to听date听include听a听$1 million legacy gift from renowned nursing educator and 精东影业 emeritus professor Larry Purnell,听the听largest individual听donation in the听institution鈥檚听history;听a听transformational听estate听gift听to support the College of Nursing and Health Sciences听from听Mary听Beth听Hanner; the establishment of 15 new endowed scholarships; immediate use funds from Arrow Financial Corporation, Broadview Federal Credit Union, CDPHP, High Blue Shield of Northeastern New York, J.O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation, KeyBank, the Massry Family, M&T Bank, United Healthcare, Upstate Commercial Property Management, and more; and strong support from trustees and the 精东影业 staff, faculty, and alumni community. These gifts are already providing support for new student scholarships, career readiness programs, military and veteran services, nursing workforce development including clinical partnerships, and engineering and technology program enhancements.

Learn more at www.excelsior.edu/empowerwithpurpose.听

ABOUT EXCELSIOR UNIVERSITY

精东影业 is an accredited, not-for-profit听higher education听institution focused on helping听learners听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.

精东影业 is a听not-for-profit university听with a main campus in Albany, New听York,听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听additional听licensing for Florida-based programs.

Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928).听Additional听information听regarding听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.

Sarah Stone, Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology, 2024

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

Sarah Stone of St. James, Missouri, earned a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology in 2024. She shares, 鈥淯pon completion of my degree, I accepted a position as the Missouri University of Science and Technology health physicist in the Environmental Health & Safety department.

Within two years of working in academia, I have become an active member within the Health Physics Society and volunteer in two groups: Public Information Committee and Women in Radiation Protection. I am also an atomic ambassador for Generation Atomic, where nuclear advocacy is a big focus. One of my advocacy avenues involves public postings on LinkedIn and Facebook. I have the nickname Your Friendly Neighborhood Health Physicist and am gaining followers each week.

I am still in the 鈥榚arly career鈥� phase, but I have many goals that I am chasing after, including certifications! Senior HP is a goal among many!鈥�