Marc Sacco, Associate of Science in Nursing, 2008

Marc Sacco of Reading, Vermont, earned an Associate of Science in Nursing in 2008. Sacco is a nursing graduate, clinical nurse hypnotist, and recently published his latest book, A Man & A Machine: How a Human and an AI Built Two Films and Learned to Trust Each Other. After a 2023 bicycle accident left him with a traumatic brain injury disrupting the cognitive and language abilities that had defined both his nursing career and his earlier book, Verbal Medicine: The Language of Healing, Marc returned to creative writing through an unexpected six-week collaboration with Anthropic鈥檚 AI system, Claude. The result: two complete, WGA-registered feature screenplays, Gray Ops and The Corner of Fast and Easy, both of which are now competing nationally, as well as a book documenting the entire process. A Man & A Machine is available now on Amazon.

From Insight to Action: Why AI Must Drive Decisions, Not Just Insights

Priyo Chatterjee, 精东影业’s chief analytics officer, published an article in CXOTech Magazine听titled “From Insight to Action: Why AI Must Drive Decisions, Not Insights.” In the piece, Chatterjee discusses methods for utilizing artificial intelligence in higher education to create meaningful outcomes for institutions and students. The article provides an overview of 精东影业’s AI-powered Student Intervention Recommender, or StIR platform, and its focus on supporting a student-centric higher education ecosystem.

精东影业听University听Celebrates 55th听Commencement听Ceremony听

Albany, N.Y.听鈥 精东影业 celebrated its 55th Commencement on Friday, July 10, at 11 a.m. at the MVP Arena in Albany, New York. The Commencement ceremony brought together graduates of 精东影业鈥檚 online programs to commemorate their achievements in-person with University faculty and staff, family, friends, and supporters.听

This year鈥檚 Commencement听ceremony听featured听remarks from graduate speaker听Kerry Treat Harrison, a Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare professional and mother of three, who shared the story of her journey to earn her Associate of Science in Nursing degree with the Class of 2026.听听

The event closed with the ceremonial passing of the 精东影业 Alumni Torch from 精东影业 Alumni Leadership Council听(ALC)听president Ruth Lown Turman and ALC member听Jason DeLonais听to听graduate speaker听Harrison.听DeLonais was the first graduate to receive the Alumni Torch when 精东影业 began this unique tradition in 2023.听

The Class of 2026听includes听3,735听graduates from across the world. The graduates听represent听all 50听U.S.听states,听the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico, as well as听11听other nations听spanning听five听continents.听A total of听1,0577听graduates听are听from New York state, including听129听from the Capital Region.听The听graduates听range in age from 14听to 80, and the average age of the Class of 2026听is听36听years old.听38% of graduates are听active-duty听service听members听or veterans听of the U.S. military, and听22听students earned more than one degree during the academic year.听For more facts about 精东影业鈥檚 Class of 2026,听view the Graduates听at a Glance听document.

“Commencement is an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of 精东影业鈥檚 remarkable graduates. The Class of 2026 represents a wide range of learners from around the globe, and they share the common values that define 精东影业 students: determination, resilience, and a passion for lifelong learning,” said David Schejbal, president of 精东影业. “For many graduates, earning this degree required balancing work, family, and service. They join more than 200,000 精东影业 alumni carrying their education forward into positive action in communities around the world.”听

The event听was听livestreamed听for those unable to attend. The听video听and all Commencement information听is available at听excelsior.edu/commencement.听

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ABOUT EXCELSIOR UNIVERSITY听听
精东影业听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

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鈥痑dditional鈥痩icensing for Florida-based programs.鈥

Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928).鈥疉dditional鈥痠nformation鈥痳egarding鈥痶his 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.

What Is Public Health?

Health sciences is a diverse field that offers numerous opportunities for specialization, among them public health. This branch of health sciences is focused on protecting and promoting the health of entire communities rather than just individual patients. It鈥檚 a particularly far-reaching field, encompassing everything from infectious disease control and maternal health to nutrition, environmental safety, and health equity.

The scope of public health has expanded to include immunization programs, health statistics, health education, health promotion initiatives, and community-based programs that support underserved and low-income populations. This means that the primary focus of public health is not treating illness but rather addressing the conditions that cause people to become ill in the first place. Its efforts help create healthier communities and contribute to local, national, and global well‑being.

Why Is Public Health Important?

Public health plays an essential role in improving community health by preventing disease before it occurs. This scientific pursuit has played a major role in increasing life expectancy through , , and that have significantly improved community health. Through initiatives such as vaccination programs, , and , trained professionals help protect communities from health threats and improve the quality of life.

Public health intersects with various health care disciplines. For instance, physicians use epidemiological data to understand disease trends. Nursing professionals incorporate health promotion and patient education activities into their practice. Health care administrators rely on data-driven frameworks to allocate resources effectively.

Given its broad scope, public health offers health care professionals the opportunity to make a significant impact at both the individual and community levels. Together, these multidisciplinary approaches strengthen the health care system and improve health outcomes for entire communities.

A crucial point to highlight is that public health helps promote . Unfortunately, many communities experience health disparities due to factors known as the social determinants of health. Since not everyone in a community has access to the same resources and opportunities, factors such as income, education, housing, health care access, and transportation can significantly affect health outcomes. Addressing these challenges is vital in ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to achieve optimal health.

Is Public Health the Right Field for You?

As the health care industry continues to emphasize disease prevention, health equity, and population health management, demand for professionals in those areas is expected to grow. A career in public health is an excellent choice for individuals passionate about helping others and improving community well-being on a large scale. The field attracts those motivated by systems thinking and social impact. It鈥檚 well suited for individuals interested in areas ranging from health-related data and advocacy to health policy. This branch of the health sciences is ideal for strong communicators who can translate research into concrete actions and who want their work to benefit entire populations.

Which Degree Do You Need for a Career in Public Health?

There are various educational paths that can prepare students for careers in public health. A bachelor鈥檚 degree in health sciences with a concentration in public health offers flexibility and provides a broad understanding of health care systems, policies, and community health practices. In contrast, a bachelor鈥檚 degree in public health often offers more specialized coursework in epidemiology, biostatistics, and population health, making it an excellent option for students interested in research or fieldwork. The right educational path ultimately depends on an individual鈥檚 career goals and interests, but either degree can open significant doors in the field.

Start Your Career in Public Health with 精东影业

If you鈥檙e ready to take the first step toward a career dedicated to protecting community health, 精东影业 can help you achieve your professional goals. 精东影业鈥檚 health sciences programs are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in today鈥檚 health care environment. The University offers a Public Health concentration for students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Public Health. Both programs are offered online and provide the flexibility students need to balance their education with personal and professional responsibilities while preparing for rewarding careers in public health.

What You Can Do with a DBA Degree:
Careers and Opportunities

Earning your Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) can take you beyond day-to-day management jobs into leadership roles with greater influence, responsibilities, and rewards. You might choose to start a business, help others as a consultant, or work in academia. When you have a DBA degree, the jobs available to you are reserved for people who can handle greater challenges and take on complex business problems, leading with confidence and credibility.

Organizational leadership takes more than experience and technical expertise. That鈥檚 where earning a DBA becomes invaluable. The program is designed for experienced professionals who want more from their business career, adding advanced business knowledge and real-world lessons to their credentials.

The Value of a DBA Program

Earning a Doctor of Business Administration prepares you for influence at the top of organizations, in entrepreneurial roles, and in consulting and teaching. Unlike some other doctoral programs, the DBA focuses on the practical. You鈥檒l learn how to interpret and use research and data, how to solve tough business problems, how to foster change and innovation, and how to lead and make effective decisions. It鈥檚 more than a credential; a DBA prepares you for a career with real impact.

How a DBA Degree Can Transform Your Career

Your reward for earning your DBA degree is a job that allows you to contribute to existing knowledge and not simply follow through on strategies created by others. If you want to generate new insights, map out innovative strategies, and lead an organization through change and fast growth, earning a DBA opens doors. You鈥檒l be networking with other business leaders and expanding your influence in an organization and an industry.

Career Transitions

One common DBA degree career move is advancing to roles with more responsibility and influence. You鈥檒l put research and data to use in solving tough business problems and planning for growth. Earning this degree prepares you to progress into decision-making executive roles, consulting, entrepreneurship, or academia.

Increased Salaries

A business career with greater responsibilities comes with greater financial rewards. If you possess a DBA degree, jobs tend to be higher paying. When pursuing promotions, lucrative consulting engagements, and leadership roles, you have a competitive advantage and the ability to command a and generous benefits.

Entering the Workforce with Your DBA Degree: Job Opportunities

Rewarding postdoctoral careers aren鈥檛 limited to top executive positions. You have a wide array of roles and industries to choose from. You鈥檒l develop competencies in leadership, managing complex operations, big-picture thinking and decision-making, advanced information processing and synthesis abilities, interpersonal skills, and understanding cultural nuances and working effectively within them. Your earning potential varies widely by role, industry, geography, and organization; however, below are some benchmarks.

Chief Executive Officer

Top leadership at large and fast-growing companies is a common DBA degree career path. You鈥檒l have tremendous influence and significant responsibility in these roles. Competition is fierce; earning this degree gives you an edge. The pegs the median wage at $206,420.

Business Consultant

In this role, you鈥檒l help organizations understand and solve problems, boost performance, and find growth opportunities. Your DBA gives you a competitive advantage and high earning potential. reports that total pay (salary, bonus, profit sharing, and commission) estimates for business consultants can be as high as $153,000 per year.

Business Professor

A DBA prepares you for leadership, research, and teaching roles at universities and colleges. The degree gives you the credentials you need to thrive in the field across specialization, from management to finance, accounting, marketing, logistics, and more. Job security is a plus in academia. The pegs the median annual salary for postsecondary business teachers at $113,240.

Business Analyst

A business analyst is a research- and data-intensive role. You鈥檒l use advanced statistics and analytical tools to uncover insights and advise organizational leadership on efficiency improvements, advantages to operational changes, and new opportunities. According to the, the median annual salary in this role is $101,190.

Entrepreneur

The sky is the limit when it comes to earning potential in launching and growing new businesses. While achieving billionaire status is exceedingly rare, an entrepreneur role for someone with a DBA degree is a job with high earning potential. Salaries range from zero with sweat equity ownership to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Business owners with employees earn a median annual income of.

精东影业鈥檚 DBA Program

If you鈥檙e ready to move beyond your current role, the 精东影业 DBA program will help you reach new levels. We have designed a program specifically for senior leaders, entrepreneurs, and consultants who want to pair their experience with advanced skills and abilities to take on tougher business challenges.

You can pursue the 60-credit program mostly online so you can continue working as you earn your degree. The flexible learning format, combined with individualized support, gives you all you need to succeed.

You鈥檒l enjoy two in-person residencies, online coursework, and meaningful interaction with faculty and peers. Tailor your studies with concentrations like Data Analytics, Cybersecurity Operations, Enterprise Risk Management, Finance and Accounting, Healthcare Management, Organizational Leadership, and Strategic Sustainability.

You complete your degree with a dissertation that either solves a real organizational challenge or requires three interconnected papers on a specific aspect of your research focus. You have the support of faculty mentors, dissertation chairs, and committee members providing you with guidance from start to finish.

From greater influence to exciting new opportunities, the next chapter of your career is waiting to be written in 精东影业鈥檚 DBA program.

Rico Nelson, Bachelor of Science in Business, 2022

Rico Nelson of Columbus, Georgia, earned a Bachelor of Science in Business in 2022. He shares, 鈥淢y story is a typical one, characterized by aspirations of selfless service. A value that has been a cornerstone of my life for as long as I can remember.

I firmly believe in having a purpose. Occasionally, that purpose is to selflessly give of oneself. My purpose was the well-being of my family and the defense of my country. After 20 years of service, I found it challenging to rediscover that purpose. Although retirement was well earned and relaxing, it wasn鈥檛 quite for me just yet.

After a brief hiatus of approximately four months, I revisited my Army tough box and retrieved my 鈥淚 Love Me鈥 book. I meticulously reviewed my documents to identify the most distinguished awards and citations with the intent to translate the military jargon into more comprehensible terms for future employment in the civilian sector.

Upon reviewing my documents and evaluations, I finalized my curriculum vitae (CV), which effectively conveyed high executive-level performance.

I successfully managed personnel, time, and government funds, all while minimizing equipment costs. I met all annual training requirements and managed resiliency programs. I maintained comprehensive company records, ensuring no accounts incurred delinquency. Furthermore, I cultivated a positive work environment devoid of discriminatory practices by implementing unique equal opportunity standards.

I utilized effective communication skills to narrow language barriers between foreign partners while serving abroad, which optimized workforce performance, resulting in shared goals being set and achieved. All of this during a career that spanned two decades, across three continents, and in some of the most austere living conditions.

This is the resume I submitted through USA Jobs. It took some time, but I was offered a position back in government service. Not on the front lines, or anything that required me to brandish a weapon. That skillset was not listed, and for good reason. Tinnitus has consistently hummed in my ear for several years now.

The interview with the agency went well. Once I accepted the job offer, I鈥檝e received the best training from the best-qualified instructors, and this position kind of places me back on the front lines in a sense.

Upon successfully completing the requisite training and obtaining the necessary certifications, I was officially sworn in as a federal agent. I still find it to have been an honor to be sworn in as a federal officer, particularly considering the extensive time I dedicated on the enlisted side. I would often jest with my lieutenants about their age and lack of facial hair, remarking, ‘You cannot spell lost without the “L.T.”‘

I am not a United States Army officer; rather, I am an officer serving with the Transportation Security Administration.

As a Transportation Security Officer (TSO), I find myself in a unique position, dedicating myself to a cause that prioritizes the safety of the nation鈥檚 transportation system, passengers, and commerce.鈥

Marvin Williams, Master of Science in Liberal Arts, 2005

Marvin Williams of Pooler, Georgia, earned a Master of Science in Liberal Arts in 2005. He shares, 鈥淚 completed my dissertation, 鈥淒o You See What I Hear?: The Effects of Musical Harmony on Cultural Perception and Recognition,鈥 for my PhD from the Graduate School of Leadership and Change of Antioch University.

I currently serve as a member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, the largest volunteer service and supplemental force to the Coast Guard. In my role as an auxiliarist, I have previously served as the flotilla and division diversity officer, attaining the National Commodore (NACO) 3-Star Award multiple times. For fun, I am also pursuing a civilian helicopter pilot license to further support the humanitarian objectives of the USCG. In addition, I am completing studies in law in pursuit of a Juris Doctor, with the goal to serve as an immigration, human rights, and tribal law advocate.

Whether as an author, lawyer, lecturer, or musician, to become as complete an advocate for the underrepresented and those who are struggling to find their place is the ultimate vision for my pursuits.鈥

 

 

Edward Samaro, Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts, 1991

Edward Samaro of Winter Haven, Florida, earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in 1991. He shares, 鈥淚鈥檓 pleased to announce the publishing of my book, The Things I Teach My Patients. After graduating from 精东影业, I went on to complete a master’s degree in counseling psychology and have been practicing for 30 years in the state of Florida.鈥

Deljina Weber, Associate in Applied Science in Nursing, 2026

Deljina Weber of New Milford, Connecticut, earned an Associates in Applied Science in Nursing in 2026. She shares, 鈥淢y experience at 精东影业 was shaped by an extraordinary level of understanding and compassion. As a wife, a mom with young children, a working nurse, and a person navigating the realities of life and mental health, I felt genuinely seen, supported, and valued. Every instructor I encountered left a meaningful impact on me, and I will carry the lessons they taught into the world with pride and purpose. 精东影业鈥檚 flexibility allowed me to pursue my degree without sacrificing my family, and for that I am profoundly grateful. My two sons watched me grind, struggle, and refuse to give up, and this achievement has reshaped the future of our family in ways that will be felt for generations. I wholeheartedly recommend 精东影业. If you are on the fence, just take the step 鈥 your future self will thank you.鈥

John Hill, Associate in Applied Science in Nursing, 2014

John Hill of Sparta, New Jersey, earned an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing in 2014. He shares, 鈥淚 bring extensive qualifications and experience that make me a strong asset in nursing, particularly in long-term care. I hold a master鈥檚 degree in nursing with a concentration in executive leadership, as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) focused on healthcare leadership. My advanced education reflects not only my commitment to personal and professional growth, but also my dedication to improving the quality of care provided to vulnerable populations. I am driven to ensure that long-term care organizations have the leadership necessary to adapt and thrive in an increasingly complex healthcare environment.

My managerial journey began in 2014 after earning my associate degree through 精东影业. Since then, I have consistently taken on leadership roles that emphasize operational excellence and regulatory compliance. My tenure as director of nursing in skilled nursing facilities provided a strong foundation for my subsequent roles as corporate director of nursing at Polaris Healthcare and now as part of Knights Care鈥檚 executive team. This progression has strengthened my understanding of organizational dynamics and prepared me to navigate the complexities of today鈥檚 healthcare systems.

One of my key achievements was at Vista On 5th, where I led a comprehensive analysis and implemented a strategic execution plan that revitalized facility operations. Successfully integrating this plan into daily practice demonstrated my ability to create and sustain meaningful improvements in both patient care and organizational performance. My work reflects expertise in organizational structure, policy development, and long-term sustainability strategies鈥攕kills that are essential in today鈥檚 healthcare landscape.

Beyond my leadership roles, I am deeply committed to promoting healthy aging in safe and supportive environments. I recognize the growing demand for long-term care services and the importance of strengthening these systems to meet future needs. Through my work, I strive to enhance not only individual patient outcomes but also the overall health and well-being of the communities I serve.鈥