Excelsior鈥檚 DBA Leadership Team: Dr. Leah Sciabarrasi

Publicado el por Jenna Kerwin

Leah Sciabarrasi, PhD, is the associate dean of business at 91吃瓜, where she helps develop curricula for business and public service programs, oversees academic quality, and keeps an eye on faculty leadership. Her background is grounded in a blend of creativity, technology, leadership, strategic planning, accreditation, and more. With her broad experience, she has played a central role in shaping some of Excelsior鈥檚 more significant recent developments, like redesigning the MBA curriculum, developing new concentrations, and helping to launch the University鈥檚 first doctoral听program.

Here, Sciabarrasi describes the student experience in Excelsior鈥檚 new Doctor of Business Administration听program.

How has your experience shaped your approach toward Excelsior鈥檚 Doctor of Business Administration program?

Sciabarrasi: I鈥檝e spent my career building programs that connect strategy, learning design, and real-world applications. Excelsior鈥檚 Doctor of Business Administration program reflects that integration. My background in institutional effectiveness and accreditation keeps focus on rigor, outcomes, and alignment across the full student journey, and my work in talent management and workforce development reinforces that doctoral education should produce leaders who can apply research, not just underst补苍诲听it.

Furthermore, my experience across multiple institutions has taught me the value of clarity, structure, and strong scaffolding. Doctoral students shouldn鈥檛 have to guess how to succeed. At Excelsior, we鈥檙e focusing on straightforward design and robust听guidance.

Starting a doctoral program can feel overwhelming. How do you help students navigate those early stages with confidence?

Sciabarrasi: The early stages of any program can be the toughest. We help DBA students through this critical time in several听ways:

  • We remove ambiguity early with straightforward pathways. The DBA faculty have been intentional about the design; students see how each course connects to their dissertation from the听start.
  • The program is intentionally scaffolded with research, writing, and analysis听skills.
  • Students begin their dissertation journey early, and they receive substantial guidance (templates, visuals) to help guide their next move to听completion.

For someone balancing work, life, and school, how does Excelsior help make that experience manageable? What kind of support can students expect throughout the DBA program?

Sciabarrasi: Excelsior鈥檚 Doctor of Business Administration program is designed for working professionals and offers a predictable structure, clear timelines, and manageable pacing. Courses are organized in a way that allows students to plan and integrate school into their existing routines. The assignments are purposeful and connected and help students build toward their dissertation throughout the听program.

What does mentorship look like in Excelsior鈥檚 DBA program?

Sciabarrasi: Mentorship is fundamental to our DBA program. Students are assigned to a faculty mentor, whom they meet with regularly to ask questions, check in, and stay on track. In addition, DBA students regularly meet with a dissertation committee to help guide their journey all the way up until they present their听dissertation.

What would you say to someone who is interested in earning their DBA but is unsure whether they can take on the course load and dissertation?

Sciabarrasi: This program isn鈥檛 for everyone. This isn鈥檛 about simply doing more work; it鈥檚 about doing focused, connected work that builds over听time.

That said, you don鈥檛 need to have everything figured out at the start. Excelsior鈥檚 DBA program is built to help get you to the finish line. If you can commit to consistency and engagement, our program will meet you with the structure you听need.

Don鈥檛 ask yourself, 鈥淐an I do this?鈥� Ask yourself, 鈥淎m I ready to invest in becoming a more strategic, research-driven听leader?鈥�

Strong Start: Helping Excelsior Students Succeed from Day 1

Publicado el por Jenna Kerwin

91吃瓜 ensures that students are prepared for success the moment their first term begins. The Strong Start Project is guided by the idea that every student who starts with Excelsior鈥攚hether they are completing the necessary general education courses, switching majors, or returning to finish a degree鈥攕hould have the skills, support, and confidence needed to reach听graduation.

Most Excelsior students are adults studying online while balancing careers, families, military service, and/or community commitments. Recognizing the unique barriers that these learners face, faculty and staff developed a series of targeted interventions designed to increase preparation, encourage early engagement, and build a sense of belonging, all from day one. The Strong Start Project helps students who are beginning their coursework, where early confidence and engagement often set the stage for the rest of their college听career.

A Multilayered Approach to Student听Orientation

91吃瓜鈥檚 Strong Start Project includes eight interventions that range from large projects to what Mary Berkery, the associate dean of liberal arts, calls small but meaningful nudges. 鈥淭hree of our interventions have focused on increasing incoming students鈥� confidence and preparation for their first term. We launched three orientation experiences this year: a live New Student Orientation Zoom session held on the Lunes evening of each eight-week term start; an optional, self-paced New Student Orientation course in Canvas (NSO 010); and live Cornerstone Check-in Zoom sessions held during Week 1 and Week 6 of each听term.鈥�

These interventions help students when they need support most. According to Tracy Caldwell, director of the Strong Start Project, the live New Student Orientation and first Cornerstone Check-in take place during the first week of classes鈥攚hen students are often looking for immediate help with accessing course materials, navigating Canvas, and understanding available support resources. Later, in Week 6, a second Cornerstone Check-in offers another opportunity for students to reflect on their progress, ask questions, and ensure that they are on track with remaining assignments. 鈥淭his opportunity allows students to check in on how they are doing and makes sure they understand the remaining assignments in the Cornerstone,鈥� Caldwell听says.

Strong Start sessions provide just-in-time guidance while reinforcing the availability of on-demand resources. They also create a sense of connection early in the student experience. Through collaboration between the New Student Orientation team, advisors, and instructors, students encounter supportive, familiar faces who help foster confidence and reduce uncertainty at critical moments in the听term.

The orientation course was intentionally designed around competencies relevant to adult learners. Instead of residential life topics often covered at other colleges, Excelsior emphasizes foundational research and writing skills, self-regulated learning, 鈥済rit鈥濃�攁s Berkery puts it鈥攁nd a growth mindset. Students learn how to balance schoolwork with their job and family responsibilities, plan their study schedules, and learn how to ask for help when they need it. The goal is to replace uncertainty with practical, everyday听solutions.

The Institutional Impact of听Excelsior鈥檚 Strong听Start听Project

Cornerstone instructors play a critical role. They are the 鈥渇irst responders,鈥� providing outreach to missing or struggling students and bringing any concerns to Excelsior鈥檚 Academic Advising and Student Support teams. This relationship between faculty and students has proven so effective that the outreach model has expanded to other courses. Near the end of each term, faculty also send reminders encouraging students to register for their next courses. 鈥淲e see this investment pay off, as well, with a demonstrated increase in registration rates,鈥� Berkery听says.

Caldwell notes that many new students arrive with understandable concerns. 鈥淥ne of the barriers for our new students is anxiety over coming back to school after an absence,鈥� she says. 鈥淚n my experience, they also may struggle with technology, time management, and task prioritization.鈥� Elements of the Strong Start initiatives are designed to directly address these challenges. Within the Cornerstone course, students assess their own learning styles and habits and complete a Self-Regulated Learning assessment that offers personalized strategies for听improvement.

That reflection becomes part of a larger journey. By the end of the course, students 鈥減ay it forward鈥� by creating a video for future Excelsior students, sharing what helped them succeed. The assignment creates a full-circle moment: Students who may have started with uncertainty and unanswered questions gain the confidence to guide others. In doing so, they not only build skills but also begin to see themselves as capable, connected members of the Excelsior听community.

Berkery did extensive research before initiating Excelsior鈥檚 Strong Start Project. 鈥淥ur interventions are specific to Excelsior鈥檚 students and their needs,鈥� she says, 鈥渂ut they can provide lessons for institutions with similar student bodies and enrich the broader higher education community by adding this understudied population to the literature 补苍诲听conversations.鈥�

Excelsior is showing other institutions that the right beginning can change the entire trajectory of an adult learner. By meeting students where they are and offering preparation that matters, the University is creating a pathway that carries students from their first login through their final听course.

Early Results and Student Response

Although the project is still in its early days, having fully launched in early 2024, the data is encouraging. Students who participate in the New Student Orientation session engage earlier in their courses. The numbers suggest that when students feel prepared before the first assignment, they are more likely to log in, contribute to discussions, and complete a course. Subsequently, Excelsior has seen a significant decline in failing grades and withdrawals in first courses, as well as a substantial increase in first-time students returning for their second听term.

Student feedback reinforces these findings. Many comments emphasize gratitude for the encouragement and community. One student said, 鈥淚 found out I wasn鈥檛 alone.鈥� Berkery says that captures a large part of the Strong Start Project, 鈥渃onsciously reminding students to stick with it in those hard moments and to remember that you鈥檙e not on your educational journey alone; we are always here alongside you to听help.鈥�

According to Berkery, the lesson can be summed up by paraphrasing the famous line from the movie Field of Dreams: 鈥淚f you build it, they will come.鈥� Without any requirement, approximately 2,000 students have completed NSO 010 since its launch in Agosto 2025, and attendance at live Zoom sessions has 鈥渁stounded鈥� organizers. As Berkery says, 鈥淪tudents vote with their (virtual) feet, and you can see one measure of the effectiveness of an intervention by the numbers of students choosing to spend their precious, limited time engaging with the [Strong Start]听activities.鈥�

Leading Through Change: Business, Education and Innovation with Dr. Brian Allen

Publicado el por Brian Allen

Brian Allen, dean of 91吃瓜鈥檚 School of Business, was interviewed on the Business RoundUp podcast with host Melissa Bill. In this conversation, Allen shares leadership lessons from his own professional and educational journey, discusses the evolving future of business education, and describes how Excelsior鈥檚 scholar-practitioner approach aligns programs like with real-world industry needs.

.

Why We Study the Humanities in College

Publicado el by Laura Eklund

By studying the humanities in college, both students and their teachers become engaged in areas that are not easily accessible in other academic disciplines. The humanities offer us a vital and essential experience and exploration into our own humanity. Courses in this arena invite us to take on the major questions that any thoughtful and ethical citizen must听confront.

Why study humanities? Because doing so invites learners to take on the vital work necessary for a full life at all levels. What does it mean to be a human being? What are the moral, ethical, social, and spiritual values that must be adopted and acted upon to cultivate and preserve humanity at its highest听levels?

In many ways, a college course in the humanities asks us to consider how we will guide and govern ourselves in an ever-widening and challenging social landscape. Engaging in the humanities helps us learn more about ourselves and our place in the world, leading to a more meaningful and purposeful life. Studying humanities at the college level encourages us to think critically and helps us become better听communicators.

The Importance of the Liberal Arts in College

Life in the new century, more than ever before, is a relativistic frontier in which the crucial values (What is 鈥済ood鈥�? What is justice? What is truth or beauty?) are constantly up for argument and debate. Where and how are we to learn and acquire the skills and materials that will enable us to answer the central questions? As so much of our contemporary undergraduate curriculum swings toward preparation for careers and professions, the task of educating us as ethical, noble, decent, and even heroic citizens is left to courses in the听humanities.

Where are we to learn our manners, and how will we develop aesthetic taste? How are we to become fully thriving individuals ready to contribute to a struggling world? Such dispositions do not exactly come naturally. They must be听learned.

But essentially, we do not learn our humanity through the STEM curriculum. Rather it is through the humanities that we learn how to be truly听human.

The Profound Benefits of Studying Humanities

College humanities courses help students develop empathy, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of what it means to be human. Humanities courses help听us:

  • Develop into well-rounded individuals who can .
  • Navigate the world鈥檚听complexities.
  • Become more听compassionate.
  • 痴补濒耻别听诲颈惫别谤蝉颈迟测.
  • Work for social justice and the common听good.
  • Think critically about our place in the听world.

How can we make tomorrow better for others? This is the kind of big-picture question that the humanities, at the college level especially, encourage us to ask听ourselves.

Why Humanities Matter in the Modern World

It鈥檚 not an exaggeration to propose that, especially in these times, it鈥檚 essential that learning institutions stress the importance of the liberal arts experience, which includes generous exposure to the humanities. How can we use this newfound compassion and understanding to make change in our own communities? Let us contribute toward a more just and equitable future听together.

Suggesting that humanity, in its myriad dimensions, depends on studies in the humanities is not an outrageous claim. Indeed, without a strong foundation in the humanities, we will struggle to understand and address complex issues facing the world听today.

The Value of Humanities Courses at 91吃瓜

I encourage you to consider the humanities courses at 91吃瓜. Our thoughtful and diverse curricula will help you fully embrace the power of the liberal arts to drive positive change in our communities and beyond, communicating across differences and manifesting a better future that is inclusive and equitable for听all.

There are practical reasons why you should study the humanities at Excelsior. The developed sense of innovation, creativity, and resilience in thinking delivers long-term career success and adaptability. Humanities graduates are commonly seen in executive positions and have acquired skills that AI cannot replicate. Empathy, creativity, and critical thinking are all soft skills that are more difficult to train but are necessary and cultivated through the听humanities.

My experience as an art history instructor has taught me much about myself and the world. A background in the arts and humanities has been essential in helping me to become a well-rounded and cultivated human being, eager and unafraid to make a difference. I find myself ever more able to find my way in this diverse and challenging听reality.

Consider taking an art history course. Today is the perfect day to start exploring the possibilities that await听you!

Excelsior鈥檚 DBA Leadership Team: Dr. Brian Allen

Publicado el por Jenna Kerwin

Brian Allen鈥檚 work has taken him across 48 U.S. states and 38 countries. With a Doctor of Business Administration in technology entrepreneurship, a Master of Business Administration, and a Master of Project Management, Allen has built a career leading projects, operations, and technology initiatives in industries from IT and e-commerce to renewable energy, telecommunications, and international business. He has taught business at Southern New Hampshire University, Brigham Young University-Idaho, Northcentral University, and National University, and he now brings his boardroom experience and real-world perspective to his role as dean of 91吃瓜鈥檚 School of听Business.

Here, Allen reveals his vision for Excelsior鈥檚 new Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program, including how students can expect their careers to change upon听graduation.

What is your vision for Excelsior鈥檚 DBA program? What sets it apart?

Allen: The vision for the DBA program is rooted in who 91吃瓜 is and has been historically. Excelsior has been a leader in accepting transfer credits in service of adult learners, with deep roots in meeting workforce needs with applied learning. Students coming from diverse backgrounds and with credits from several institutions have enrolled with Excelsior to enhance their credentials and complete up to the master鈥檚听level.

The DBA is the expansion of Excelsior鈥檚 mission, as it will allow those who have completed a graduate degree to take their diverse experience and hone those skills to become a scholar-practitioner. The person seeking to be a scholar-practitioner is someone who has developed business work and educational skills and now wants to merge those with rigorous scholarly research, data analysis, and refined real-world听problem-solving.

What sets 91吃瓜鈥檚 Doctor of Business Administration program apart from other DBA programs is that we have documented and proven experience of working with applied learning, which is in line with what a DBA is all about. We don鈥檛 have to speak about the theoretical or aspirational impact of our educational philosophy; our graduates are already change agents solving real-world problems. The DBA is an extension of that history being projected into a promising听future.

How has your experience shaped the way you lead this program?

Allen: Experience is a funny thing. You get experience by being willing to take chances and extending yourself. Sometimes, you fail in what you try, but if you keep at it, you can ultimately听succeed.

I chose to complete a DBA because I wanted to solve real-world problems, period. Although I love theory and see the value in assessing different ideas, the DBA offered me what I wanted most. I wanted to be a thought leader, merging scholarly research with practice, policy, and applied knowledge to solve problems. That outlook informs how we are shaping the DBA program here at听Excelsior.

We have a strong leadership team dedicated to and focused on those objectives with a unified voice. Leading Excelsior鈥檚 DBA program is about empowering our students to find their own reasons for solving real-world problems by becoming听scholar-practitioners.

What does a successful DBA student look like?

Allen: There is no one single image or profile that defines a successful DBA student. However, there are some foundations and behaviors that are strong indicators of听success.

Foundationally, DBA students need experience working in business. This can be in myriad areas, including but not limited to organizational leadership, management, logistics, accounting, and entrepreneurship. A student鈥檚 undergraduate and graduate degrees do not necessarily need to be in business, but it does help. Beyond academics, students need personal experience in business leadership, management, and/or project management where they utilize and live business language 补苍诲听concepts.

The behaviors of a successful DBA student are far more important than a business background. Success in a DBA (or any doctoral) program isn鈥檛 about raw intelligence. More than anything else, success is about consistency and discipline over a long period of time. The students who finish鈥攁nd finish strong鈥攖end to operate very differently than those who stall out. The core behaviors that actually predict success are discipline over inspiration (research and write at a regular cadence), progress over perfection (embrace the ugly draft and revise as needed), resilience over comfort (self-regulate under pressure), and the ability to receive feedback without ego (accept that ideas and writing can be challenged without it being a reflection of听character).

What would you say to someone wondering whether Excelsior鈥檚 DBA program is the right investment for their future?

Allen: A Doctor of Business Administration is not an immediate, guaranteed salary multiplier; a fast career shortcut; or a casual extension of an MBA. Investing your time to complete a DBA is a multiyear commitment in disciplined thinking and action. It will require a transformation in how you approach problems. A DBA is a credential that signals you can operate at the highest level of applied rigor wearing the hats of both a scholar and a practitioner. If you鈥檙e looking for an immediate ROI, there are often faster, cheaper听paths.

However, if you鈥檙e looking for long-term positioning and an identity shift for yourself, then the calculus changes. A DBA is the right choice if you can say any of the following about听yourself:

  • 鈥淚 want to operate at a higher level of thinking, not just听doing.鈥�
  • 鈥淚鈥檓 willing to commit consistent time for several听years.鈥�
  • 鈥淚 care about contributing something meaningful to my听field.鈥�
  • 鈥淚 can leverage this degree in my current or next role and not just听someday.鈥�

The bottom line is that a DBA is not a transactional investment; it鈥檚 a transformational one. Generally, it doesn鈥檛 just change what you know; it changes how you think, lead, and contribute. For the right person, at the right stage, and with the right intent, a DBA is one of the most powerful professional investments available. This degree will help you take your existing business and leadership skills and multiply their effectiveness by adding the development of rigorous academic research skills. This is what it means to be a听scholar-practitioner.

Making a personal investment by earning your DBA can open opportunities for having greater career options and earning more. However, if you disagree with any of the reasons noted above, a DBA just becomes an expensive听distraction.

What can graduates of 91吃瓜鈥檚 DBA program look forward to in their careers?

Allen: An Excelsior DBA graduate can truly look forward to a shift in professional identity, moving from operator to strategist and from experience-based decisions to becoming an evidence-based decision-maker. Program alumni will move from being consumers听of knowledge to being contributors听of knowledge, solving real-world听problems.

The results of that transformation could include advancement into high-level leadership roles, increased credibility and influence, and expanded career pathways (not just promotions). Excelsior DBA graduates prepare themselves to move from execution to greater involvement in strategy. Our program strengthens students鈥� ability to operate at the why and how level of business, not just the what. Consequently, graduates become career and opportunity creators who develop their own career听paths.

Why Networking Is Important for Your Career

Publicado el by Camille Dumont

You鈥檝e probably heard that networking matters, but many people early in their careers aren鈥檛 exactly sure why. So, why is networking important? At its core, networking is about building relationships that give you access to information, perspective, and opportunities over听time.

Just as important is understanding what networking is not. It鈥檚 not asking someone for a job or expecting immediate results from a single conversation. Effective networking is built on consistency, curiosity, and mutual value, not quick transactions. It鈥檚 also important to recognize that you likely already have a network. This includes classmates, colleagues, friends, and family connections. Many opportunities come through these existing relationships or introductions, one or two steps听removed.

For anyone pursuing a business career, networking plays a direct role in how you learn about industries, develop professional skills, and move forward. It鈥檚 one of the most practical ways to understand how work actually happens beyond the听classroom.

What Are the Benefits of Networking?

Networking supports your career in ways that go beyond job searching. It helps you build relationships, gain insight, and position yourself more effectively over time. These benefits are especially important in business, where relationships often influence opportunities 补苍诲听outcomes.

Strengthen Your Connections

Networking allows you to build professional relationships with classmates, colleagues, faculty, and industry professionals. These connections often become long-term contacts you can return to for insight, referrals, or collaboration. Over time, staying in touch through brief check-ins or follow-up conversations helps keep these relationships active 补苍诲听meaningful.

In business, relationships are often tied directly to results. For example, someone starting or managing a small business may rely on their network to find vendors, partners, or early customers. Strong connections aren鈥檛 just helpful; they鈥檙e part of how business听operates.

Grow Your Brand

Every interaction contributes to how others perceive you. Over time, your communication style, reliability, and knowledge shape your professional听reputation.

Networking can also help you build your brand online. For example, activity on LinkedIn can show what you know and what you鈥檙e interested in. Commenting thoughtfully on posts, sharing relevant articles, posting about industry topics, or responding to trends can help others see your professional interests and perspective. In business settings, and especially in a small business, your reputation can influence whether people choose to work with you, recommend you, or trust your听services.

Open More Job Opportunities

Many opportunities are shared through conversations rather than job postings. Networking increases the likelihood that someone will think of you when a role, project, or need听arises.

Organizations like the emphasize the importance of building professional connections as part of career readiness, recognizing that relationships play a significant role in how opportunities are听discovered.

This applies beyond traditional employment. In business roles, networking can lead to partnerships, client relationships, or contract work. For small businesses, a single connection can lead to ongoing work or听referrals.

Receive Career Support and Advice

One of the most valuable outcomes of networking is access to guidance. Through conversations, you can connect with people who have more experience and are willing to share what they鈥檝e听learned.

Over time, some of these relationships may develop into mentorship. A mentor can help you think through decisions, avoid common mistakes, and better understand your career direction. One way to start these conversations is through informational interviews where you talk with someone about their career path, role, or industry without the expectation of asking for a job. These conversations can also help you better understand what to expect in a role before you pursue听it.

Build Confidence

Networking helps you become more comfortable introducing yourself, asking thoughtful questions, and engaging in professional conversations. These are skills that improve with听practice.

That confidence carries into business situations such as presenting ideas, speaking with clients, or explaining your value. The more you engage, the more natural these interactions听become.

What You Should Say When Networking

One of the biggest barriers to networking is not knowing what to say. Most networking conversations are simple and conversational, but it helps to have a short introduction听ready.

Often called an , this introduction can be used in both planned and unexpected situations. You may meet someone while waiting in line, traveling, attending a webinar, or having a casual听conversation.

A strong introduction should briefly explain who you are, what you鈥檙e interested in, and what you鈥檙e working听toward.

For example, 鈥淚鈥檓 currently finishing a business degree and focusing on operations. I鈥檓 interested in how companies improve efficiency, and I鈥檓 exploring roles where I can work on process听improvement.鈥�

That kind of preparation makes it easier to take advantage of opportunities when they happen听naturally.

Where Can You Network?

Networking doesn鈥檛 happen in just one place, and it doesn鈥檛 require formal events to be effective. In addition to in-person interactions, digital spaces like LinkedIn have made it easier to connect with professionals across听industries.

Common ways to network听include:

  • Industry events, conferences, or virtual听panels
  • Professional platforms like听LinkedIn
  • 颁辞尘尘耻苍颈迟测听别惫别苍迟蝉
  • 颁濒颈别苍迟听颈苍迟别谤补肠迟颈辞苍蝉
  • Local business听groups

Additionally, networking opportunities for students听include:

  • Class discussions and group听projects
  • Conversations with faculty or guest听speakers
  • Alumni events and university-sponsored听webinars

The key is consistency, building relationships over time rather than treating networking as a one-time听activity.

Extend Your Network听Through Excelsior听University

If you鈥檙e looking to build your network, your college experience is one of the most practical places to start. You鈥檙e surrounded by peers, faculty, alumni, and industry professionals who can become part of your long-term professional听circle.

At 91吃瓜, students in the business degree program gain more than academic knowledge. They also have access to Career Readiness resources, employer events, and opportunities to connect with alumni and professionals in their field. These experiences provide structured ways to network, whether through virtual events, webinars, or conversations with industry听professionals.

For working adults, the flexibility of online learning makes it possible to build these connections while managing other responsibilities. As you develop your skills, you鈥檙e also building relationships that can support your next step, whether that鈥檚 advancing in your role, changing careers, or growing a听business.

If you鈥檙e ready to strengthen your skills and your network, consider exploring Excelsior鈥檚 BS in Business听program.

Is IT Still a Good Career in the Age听of听AI?

Publicado el por Ivan Gappy

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing how work gets done across nearly every industry. From tools that generate code to systems that automate workflows, AI is becoming part of the everyday technology landscape. This shift has led many to ask an important question: Is information technology still a good career in the age of听AI?

The answer is yes, but with an important clarification. IT is still a strong and stable career path, but the type of work that will be most valuable is evolving. AI is not replacing IT careers; it is raising expectations and shifting demand toward roles that require deeper understanding, adaptability, 补苍诲听problem-solving.

A career in information technology remains one of the most resilient and future-ready paths available today. The key is understanding how the field is changing and how to position yourself within听it.

How AI Is Reshaping the IT Field

AI is best understood not as a replacement for IT professionals, but as a shift in how work is performed. Many routine and repetitive tasks are now being automated, allowing professionals to focus on higher-level system design, analysis, 补苍诲听decision-making.

Technologies such as are already being used to assist with writing code, summarizing information, and automating workflows. These tools can increase productivity, but they still rely on human input, oversight, 补苍诲听interpretation.

This reflects a broader shift in the field. IT professionals are moving away from task execution and toward managing systems, validating outputs, and solving complex problems that automation alone cannot听handle.

Demand for IT Professionals Is Still Growing

Even with the rise of AI, organizations continue to depend heavily on IT professionals to build and maintain their digital environments. As systems become more advanced, they also become more complex and require more听oversight.

The continued growth of areas such as and highlights how essential these roles remain. Businesses are not reducing their reliance on technology鈥攖hey are expanding听it.

At the same time, AI introduces new layers of infrastructure, data management, and risk. This increases the need for professionals who can design, secure, and manage these systems听effectively.

Automation vs. Augmentation: What AI Really Does

To understand AI鈥檚 impact, it helps to distinguish between automation 补苍诲听augmentation.

  • Automation replaces specific tasks, especially those that are repetitive or听predictable.
  • Augmentation enhances human work by improving speed, accuracy, 补苍诲听efficiency.

In IT, AI is doing both. Some tasks are becoming automated, but many roles are being enhanced rather than听eliminated.

For example:

  • Entry-level support tasks and repetitive scripting may become more听automated.
  • Software developers are spending less time writing basic code and more time designing systems and reviewing听outputs.
  • Cybersecurity professionals are using AI to detect threats faster but are still making critical decisions about response 补苍诲听risk.

This shift means that IT roles are not disappearing. They are becoming more strategic and more听impactful.

The Skills That Matter More Than Ever

As AI becomes more integrated into technology workflows, the most valuable IT professionals are those who understand how systems work beyond just using听tools.

Key skills听include:

  • Programming fundamentals 补苍诲听problem-solving
  • Systems thinking and architecture听design
  • Data analysis 补苍诲听interpretation
  • Cybersecurity awareness and risk听management
  • Cloud infrastructure 补苍诲听virtualization
  • Communication 补苍诲听collaboration
  • Ethical decision-making in听technology

Concepts such as and are becoming increasingly important as organizations rely more on automated systems.

AI tools can assist with execution, but they cannot replace human judgment, context, or accountability. These are the skills that define long-term success in听IT.

AI Is Creating New Opportunities, Not Just Risks

While much of the conversation around artificial intelligence focuses on job loss, it is equally important to recognize the opportunities AI听creates.

New and evolving roles听include:

  • AI and machine learning听engineers
  • Data engineers 补苍诲听analysts
  • 颁濒辞耻诲听补谤肠丑颈迟别肠迟蝉
  • 颁测产别谤蝉别肠耻谤颈迟测听蝉辫别肠颈补濒颈蝉迟蝉
  • AI governance and ethics听professionals

The rise of and intelligent systems has created entirely new areas of specialization within听IT.

At the same time, organizations are not just looking for specialists. They need professionals who understand how systems connect, how decisions are made within those systems, and how technology impacts real-world听outcomes.

Who Should Consider an IT Career in the Age of AI

One of the most important questions is not just whether IT is a good career, but whether it鈥檚 the right fit for听you.

An IT career is a strong fit if听you:

  • Enjoy problem-solving and figuring out how systems听work
  • Are comfortable learning new technologies over听time
  • Like working through complex challenges rather than repetitive听tasks
  • Are interested in how technology impacts businesses 补苍诲听people

On the other hand, IT may be less appealing if you鈥檙e looking听for:

  • Work that stays the same over听time
  • Roles that rely heavily on repetition rather than听adaptation
  • A field where ongoing learning is not听required

AI is accelerating change in the field. This makes IT more rewarding for those who are adaptable but more challenging for those who prefer static听roles.

How to Position Yourself for an AI-Driven IT Career

If you鈥檙e considering a career in IT, the goal is not to compete with AI but to learn how to work alongside听it.

罢丑颈蝉听尘别补苍蝉:

  • Building a strong foundation in core IT听concepts
  • Focusing on understanding systems rather than just听tools
  • Developing the ability to learn and adapt听quickly
  • Strengthening critical thinking and decision-making听skills

The professionals who succeed will not be the ones who rely on a single tool or skill. They will be the ones who can evolve as technology听changes.

The Bottom Line: Is IT Still a Good Career?

Information technology continues to be one of the most stable and forward-looking career paths available today. AI is not reducing the importance of expertise; it鈥檚 expanding it. The growing reliance on digital infrastructure across every industry reinforces the need for skilled IT professionals who can design, manage, and improve complex听systems.

AI is not closing the door on IT careers. It鈥檚 raising the bar and expanding the opportunity for those who are听prepared.

For students and career changers alike, this is not a reason to avoid IT. It鈥檚 a reason to approach it with a long-term mindset, a willingness to adapt, and a focus on building skills that will remain valuable as technology continues to听evolve.

For those looking to build that foundation, 91吃瓜鈥檚 Bachelor of Science in Information Technology program provides a flexible, fully online pathway designed for both new students and working professionals. The curriculum focuses on practical skills, systems thinking, and real-world application, preparing graduates to succeed in a rapidly changing technology听landscape.

Why Choose the DBA Program at Excelsior

Publicado el por Leah Sciabarrasi

A Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is a commitment to leading at the highest level. DBA programs are grounded in research and real-world impact, creating a strong foundation for those looking to move from executing strategy to shaping it. The right DBA program should meet you where you are, respect your experience, fit your schedule, and offer you a unique, supportive experience. Here鈥檚 why 91吃瓜鈥檚 DBA program might be the perfect fit for where you want to be.

What You Can Expect from Excelsior鈥檚 DBA Program

Excelsior鈥檚 DBA program is built for working professionals who are ready to lead at the highest level: executives, consultants, industry specialists, and military leaders who bring years of experience and want to sharpen it into something more. The 60-credit program blends eight-week courses, which are primarily online, with two immersive in-person residencies held in , and/or . Students choose two concentrations from seven options, including Data Analytics, Cybersecurity Operations, Healthcare Management, Enterprise Risk Management, Finance and Accounting, Organizational Leadership, and Strategic Sustainability, and have the option of completing either an applied organizational dissertation or a three-paper research model. With three start dates per year and the flexibility to take one or two courses per term, you can finish in as little as two years without putting your career on hold.

Benefits of Excelsior鈥檚 DBA Program

Excelsior鈥檚 Doctor of Business Administration program is designed to support students all the way through to successful completion. From flexible course scheduling to hands-on residency experiences, here鈥檚 what sets this program apart.

Designed for Senior Managers and Executives

With eight-week online courses, three start dates per year, and the option to take one or two courses per term, Excelsior鈥檚 DBA program fits around your schedule rather than demanding you fit around it. A dedicated faculty mentor and academic advisor are assigned from day one, ensuring you have the guidance and support to balance your professional, academic, and personal commitments throughout the entire program.

Dedicated Dissertation Support from Faculty Mentors

Dissertation support at Excelsior begins on the first day of the program, when you鈥檙e assigned a faculty mentor who provides research guidance, helps develop your dissertation focus, and often transitions into the role of your dissertation chair. As you progress, a full dissertation committee, including a chair and two additional members, meet with you regularly to keep your research on track. This layered, sustained support system means you鈥檙e never navigating the hardest parts of doctoral work alone.

Industry-Relevant Curriculum

Core courses like Contemporary Business Theory and Application, Strategic Foresight and Strategy Formation, and Marketing for Competitive Advantage give students a rigorous, forward-looking foundation in the disciplines that drive organizational decision-making. Beyond the core, seven concentration options, including Cybersecurity Operations, Data Analytics, Enterprise Risk Management, Finance and Accounting, Healthcare Management, Organizational Leadership, and Strategic Sustainability, allow students to go deep into the areas most relevant to their industries and career goals. This combination ensures graduates are equipped to anticipate and shape what comes next.

High-Impact, Immersive Residencies

The two in-person residencies are among the most distinctive features of Excelsior鈥檚 DBA program. Held in Albany and/or St. Petersburg, each residency is a multiday, structured experience designed to deepen your research skills, advance your dissertation work, and connect you with faculty, peers, and industry leaders. Residency 1 focuses on building your research foundation: developing your problem statement, refining your methodology, and exploring concentration paper strategies. Residency 2 shifts toward execution and defense preparation, with sessions on data analysis, dissertation writing, and presenting your findings with confidence. Both residencies also include networking events, expert speakers, and field experiences that bring your academic work into direct contact with the professional world.

Flexible, Transparent Degree Pathway

Excelsior鈥檚 DBA program is designed to give you control over your journey. You can progress at your own pace, taking one or two courses per term, and can transfer in up to 30 credits, reducing time and cost if you have relevant prior graduate work. The fully online course format means you can engage with your studies from anywhere, while residency scheduling offers options across multiple locations and tracks. Concentration choices, dissertation formats, and start dates can all be tailored to your professional goals, and a clear program map ensures you always know exactly where you are and what comes next.

How to Get Started at Excelsior

Getting started begins with meeting a few key requirements: a master鈥檚 degree from an accredited institution, five or more years of professional experience, and a background managing people or projects. Applicants will also submit a CV/resume, a letter of intent, two letters of recommendation, and a short portfolio of professional writing samples.

Choosing a doctoral program is one of the most significant professional decisions you鈥檒l make. 91吃瓜鈥檚 is built for people who take that decision seriously, experienced leaders who want a program that matches their ambition, respects their time, and delivers real results. If that sounds like you, Excelsior is ready when you are.

Education Revolution: Dr. Brian Allen of 91吃瓜 on Innovative Approaches That Are Transforming Education

Publicado el por Brian Allen

Brian Allen, dean of 91吃瓜鈥檚 School of Business, was interviewed by Authority Magazine for an article titled 鈥淓ducation Revolution: Dr. Brian Allen of 91吃瓜 on Innovative Approaches That Are Transforming Education.鈥� In the article, Allen discusses his academic and professional journey, Excelsior鈥檚 innovative approach to higher education, and the opportunities available to students through Excelsior鈥檚 School of Business, including the new Doctor of Business Education (DBA) program.

.

Career Spotlight: Cybersecurity Analyst

Publicado el por Personal de Excelsior

What Is a Cybersecurity Analyst?

A cybersecurity analyst protects organizations鈥� computers, digital networks, and data from a variety of threats. They watch out for anything unusual that could signal a security breach, investigate suspicious activity, and put protections in place. Cybersecurity analysts look for vulnerabilities, make sure threat detection security protocols are up to date, and educate others on safe practices. They are indispensable in protecting confidential information, maintaining data integrity, and reducing cyberthreat听risks.

What Does a Cybersecurity Analyst Do?

The skills you need to thrive in cybersecurity combine technical expertise with trained vigilance and a commitment to staying ahead of threat actors and their methods. You will be working with basic programming, networks, operating systems, firewalls, encryption technologies, and emerging AI cybersecurity tools. Cloud security is a growing area for cybersecurity analyst positions, and analytical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to handle pressure are highly valued听traits.

In this role, you鈥檒l typically be responsible听for:

  • Watching for unusual听activity
  • Responding and documenting suspicious听activity
  • Investigating security听incidents
  • Putting protections in place to stop听attacks
  • Contributing to the maintenance of cybersecurity听frameworks
  • Pen testing systems to find weaknesses before attackers can take advantage of听them
  • Updating security threat detection and prevention software 补苍诲听protocols
  • Creating reports and recommending听improvements
  • Teaching employees how to follow safe security听practices
  • Staying up to date on the latest threats, technologies, 补苍诲听frameworks

What Is the Job Outlook for Cybersecurity Analysts?

Employment in this field is growing faster than in many other career paths. to be around 29% between 2024 and 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. There to meet the demand, making high-paying jobs more common. The BLS puts the median annual salary in this job category at just under $125,000 a听year.

Earn Your Cybersecurity Degree at Excelsior

Getting a start as a cybersecurity analyst and advancing your career in the field requires the right education. A good program will give you the foundation you need in technology, networks, systems, and threat听detection.

Yet, it isn鈥檛 just about getting a degree. It鈥檚 about earning one that signals to employers that you have the right training to perform at the highest听level.

91吃瓜 is recognized as a . Excelsior鈥檚 BS in Cybersecurity program meets the rigorous academic requirements set by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security in preparing you to protect systems, data, 补苍诲听communications.

The degree is offered fully online so that you can manage your education along with your job and other听responsibilities.

Florida residents have the option of taking advantage of our hybrid program at our location in St. Petersburg, Florida. St. Petersburg is a rapidly growing center for cybersecurity innovation and employment, near some of our nation鈥檚 most sensitive military intelligence sites, leading technology firms, and health care organizations. In this format, you鈥檒l receive hands-on training, in-person experiences, and realistic labs, in addition to the online component that has long been the heart of this degree听program.

Whether you choose the 100% online option or the hybrid format, we support you with extensive career services. From career planning, job search tools, and recruiting events to professional development opportunities, Excelsior delivers exceptional value beyond your degree. The bachelor鈥檚 program is also an ideal start if you eventually want to pursue your master鈥檚 degree in听cybersecurity.

Exciting employment pathways and well-paying work make a career as a cybersecurity analyst an attractive one. And with its flexible learning options and curriculum, Excelsior鈥檚 BS in Cybersecurity program prepares you to start work in this role with confidence and opportunities for听advancement.

How to Optimize Your Cover Letter and Resume with Keywords

Publicado el by Camille Dumont

Keywords are often treated as a technical requirement, but they serve a practical purpose. They are the terms employers use to define roles and evaluate candidates across job descriptions and hiring systems. If your resume and cover letter do not reflect that language clearly, your experience can be overlooked. Using resume keywords effectively is not about adding more words. It鈥檚 about choosing the right words to describe your experience so employers can quickly understand your fit during a job听search.

Cover Letter and Resume Keywords

Your resume and cover letter serve different purposes, but both rely on the same underlying language. Resume keywords are specific words or phrases that describe the skills, tools, and responsibilities required for a role. Employers use these terms to define expectations, and applicant tracking systems use them to sort and rank applications before a recruiter reviews听them.

For example, a business role may include 鈥渄ata analysis,鈥� 鈥渞eporting,鈥� and 鈥減rocess improvement,鈥� whereas a health care role may include 鈥減atient care,鈥� 鈥渃linical documentation,鈥� and 鈥渃are coordination.鈥� These keywords reflect how work is performed in that field and signal what employers expect from听candidates.

Resume keywords matter because they help applicant tracking systems identify relevant candidates and allow hiring managers to quickly assess alignment. Your cover letter should reinforce those keywords by showing how you have applied them in a specific situation. If a keyword is not supported with clear evidence from your experience, it creates a gap between what you claim and what you can听demonstrate.

Optimizing with the Best Keywords

Optimizing your resume and cover letter starts with identifying keywords that reflect your target role and then confirming they match your听experience.

Review multiple job postings within the same听occupation:

  • Similar roles use similar resume听keywords.
  • For example, project coordinator roles often include 鈥渟cheduling,鈥� 鈥渂udget tracking,鈥� and 鈥渟takeholder听communication.鈥�
  • These patterns show how employers define the听role.

Keep a running list of听keywords:

  • Save commonly used terms across roles in your听field.
  • Group them into categories such as technical skills and interpersonal听skills.
  • This saves time and creates consistency across your job听search.

Understand the difference between keyword听types:

  • Hard skills are technical and measurable, such as 鈥渄ata analysis,鈥� 鈥淓xcel,鈥� or 鈥減atient听documentation.鈥�
  • Soft skills describe how you work, such as 鈥渃ommunication,鈥� 鈥渢eam collaboration,鈥� or 鈥減roblem听solving.鈥�

Validate keywords before using听them:

  • Only include resume keywords that accurately reflect your听experience.
  • Use the same language as the job description when it accurately reflects your听experience.
  • Avoid substituting similar terms, as different wording may not be interpreted the same听way.
  • Be prepared to explain each keyword with a specific听example.

Use resume keywords with听context:

  • Do not list keywords without showing how they were听applied.
  • Pair each keyword with a specific action or听outcome.
  • Example: 鈥淎nalyzed monthly sales data to identify trends and improve forecasting听accuracy.鈥�

This demonstrates the keyword 鈥渄ata analysis鈥� by showing how it was applied rather than simply stating听it.

Use your cover letter to reinforce听keywords:

  • Select one or two key terms and explain how you applied them in a specific听situation.
  • Focus on why the experience matters and how it connects to the听role.
  • Use the same language as your resume but provide additional detail rather than repeat听it.

Strong resume keywords improve visibility, but accuracy and clarity are what make them effective. When your resume demonstrates the skill and your cover letter explains how it applies to the role, your application becomes clearer and more credible during a job听search.

6 tips for how to use resume keywords in your job search

Level Up the Education Section of Your Resume with Excelsior

Your education section can do more than list a degree. It can reinforce your experience by highlighting relevant coursework, certifications, and applied learning that connect to your target听role.

When structured intentionally, this section reinforces the skills and knowledge already presented throughout your resume. For example, coursework in data analytics, project management, or health care systems can strengthen how you present your experience when it is clearly tied to what you have done or are prepared to听do.

91吃瓜鈥檚 career-focused programs are designed with workforce relevance in mind. That makes it easier to translate what you have learned into language that aligns with employer听expectations.

Excelsior also offers Career Readiness resources to help you refine your resume, strengthen your cover letter, and approach your job search with a clear and focused听strategy.

La donaci贸n de la familia Massry apoya a los estudiantes de enfermer铆a de la Universidad Excelsior que prestan servicio a la comunidad de la regi贸n de la capital

Publicado el por Jason Bonafide

ALBANY, N.Y. 鈥� Con motivo de comienza la Semana Nacional de las Enfermeras听, la Universidad de Excelsior se enorgullece de anunciar una importante donaci贸n de la familia Massry destinada a apoyar a los estudiantes de enfermer铆a de la Regi贸n Capital que prestan servicio a la comunidad.听La donaci贸n de 25 000 d贸lares de los Massry financiar谩 becas para los estudiantes de enfermer铆a de Excelsior que est茅n completando su formaci贸n cl铆nica presencial en el Albany Med Health System. Las becas est谩n disponibles para su uso inmediato por parte de los estudiantes de Excelsior que residan en la Regi贸n de la Capital.听听

芦Estamos encantados de apoyar el programa de enfermer铆a de la Universidad Excelsior, y la relaci贸n con el Albany Medical Center ha reforzado nuestro inter茅s por respaldar esta iniciativa en particular禄, afirm贸 Julie Massry Knox. 芦Esta colaboraci贸n refleja nuestro compromiso de ampliar el acceso a la educaci贸n y garantizar que las enfermeras con talento est茅n preparadas 鈥攅 inspiradas鈥� para desarrollar sus carreras aqu铆, en Albany禄.听听听

芦La Universidad de Excelsior ha sido un socio muy valioso en la formaci贸n de la pr贸xima generaci贸n de enfermeros, y nos enorgullece colaborar con ellos para reforzar el personal de enfermer铆a. El apoyo de la familia Massry supone una inversi贸n significativa en nuestros estudiantes de enfermer铆a y contribuye a eliminar obst谩culos a medida que completan su formaci贸n cl铆nica en el Albany Med Health System禄, afirm贸 Megan Keenan, DNP, MSN, RN, CPHQ, vicepresidenta y directora de enfermer铆a del Albany Medical Center.听芦Siempre nos ha impresionado la dedicaci贸n, la profesionalidad y la preparaci贸n de los graduados en enfermer铆a de Excelsior, y muchos de ellos han llegado a realizar importantes contribuciones en toda nuestra organizaci贸n. En conjunto, colaboraciones como esta ayudan a respaldar nuestra visi贸n de ser la primera opci贸n en cuanto a la experiencia del paciente, la calidad y la excelencia cl铆nica禄.听

芦La generosa contribuci贸n de la familia Massry elimina las barreras para los estudiantes locales que est谩n preparados para servir a nuestra comunidad en gratificantes carreras de enfermer铆a禄, afirm贸 Robin Goodrich, doctora en Educaci贸n (EdD) y enfermera titulada (RN), decana ejecutiva Purnell de la Facultad de 贰苍蹿别谤尘别谤铆补 y Ciencias de la Salud de Excelsior. 芦La Universidad de Excelsior agradece la colaboraci贸n de la familia Massry y del Sistema de Salud Albany Med, con quienes trabajamos juntos para formar a los l铆deres sanitarios del ma帽ana de la Regi贸n de la Capital禄.听

Con m谩s de 500 estudiantes del Grado Asociado en 贰苍蹿别谤尘别谤铆补 que aprobar谩n el Examen de Licencia del Consejo Nacional (NCLEX) para convertirse en enfermeros titulados en 2025, la Universidad de Excelsior est谩 incorporando al mercado laboral del estado de Nueva York m谩s enfermeros cada a帽o que cualquier otra instituci贸n.听听

Para obtener m谩s informaci贸n sobre la Universidad Excelsior, visite听.听

# # #

Contacto con los medios de comunicaci贸n Universidad Excelsior:
Jason Bonafide jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446

ACERCA DE LA UNIVERSIDAD EXCELSIOR听听听
La Universidad Excelsior es una instituci贸n en l铆nea acreditada y sin 谩nimo de lucro dedicada a ayudar a los adultos a completar sus estudios universitarios y a avanzar en sus carreras profesionales. Excelsior contribuye al desarrollo de una sociedad diversa, formada y preparada para el mundo laboral, valorando el aprendizaje permanente y haciendo hincapi茅 en atender a personas que hist贸ricamente han estado infrarrepresentadas en la educaci贸n superior. Fundada en 1971, Excelsior se adapta a las circunstancias de los estudiantes 鈥攖anto acad茅micas como geogr谩ficas鈥� eliminando los obst谩culos que impiden alcanzar los objetivos educativos de los adultos que desean continuar su formaci贸n y completar sus estudios. Nuestros pilares son la innovaci贸n, la flexibilidad, la excelencia acad茅mica y la integridad.听听听听

Excelsior es una universidad sin 谩nimo de lucro con un campus principal en Albany, Nueva York, y un centro educativo en San Petersburgo, Florida. Los programas acad茅micos de la Universidad de Excelsior est谩n registrados por el Departamento de Educaci贸n del Estado de Nueva York, y cuentan con una autorizaci贸n adicional para los programas impartidos en Florida.听听听听

Autorizada por la Comisi贸n de Educaci贸n Independiente del Departamento de Educaci贸n de Florida (n.潞 de licencia 12928).听Para obtener m谩s informaci贸n sobre esta instituci贸n, comun铆quese con la Comisi贸n en 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, n煤mero gratuito: (888)-224-6684.听