91吃瓜 President David Schejbal spoke with Jay Halfond of Boston University’s Wheelock College of Education and Human Development as part of the Collegial Conversations series of interviews exploring the American academic landscape. In the interview, President Schejbal discusses the history of 91吃瓜 and how higher education can best serve adult learners.
91吃瓜 Partners with Paul Smith鈥檚 College for Immersive Summer Course
ALBANY, N.Y. 鈥� 91吃瓜 has partnered with to offer an innovative new summer course, 鈥淗umans, Health, and the Environment: A One Health Approach,鈥� focused on teaching sustainability concepts through an immersive outdoor learning experience at Paul Smith鈥檚 campus in the Adirondack Mountains. The course explores 鈥� an approach recognizing the interconnected health of humans, animals, and the environment they share 鈥� with a hybrid educational program combining online coursework with a week of on-location learning in the Adirondacks.听
The core of the course is a field residency at Paul Smith鈥檚 College from August 3-9, 2025, where students will connect their studies with practical applications in nature. Participants will gain hands-on experience in understanding how domestic, agricultural, and wild animal populations intersect with human communities through guided field studies and expert-led thematic campfire discussions. Topics explored during the field residency include plant identification, zoonotic and vector-borne diseases, pollinators and food security, water and human health, sustainable agriculture, and the impact of the outdoors on physical and mental health.鈥�听
鈥淭his collaboration with Paul Smith鈥檚 College reflects 91吃瓜鈥檚 commitment to building community and providing unique experiential learning opportunities for our students,鈥� said David Schejbal, 91吃瓜 president. 鈥淭hrough partnerships like this, Excelsior is creating a seamless environment for learners to enhance their online education with unforgettable in-person experiences and practical skills that will serve them throughout their lives.鈥�听
鈥淥ur partnership with 91吃瓜 underscores Paul Smith鈥檚 College鈥檚 commitment to expanding access to hands-on, immersive education,鈥� said Dan Kelting, President of Paul Smith鈥檚 College. 鈥淏y combining our distinctive strengths with Excelsior鈥檚 expertise in online learning, we鈥檙e enabling students to enrich their virtual studies with impactful, real-world experiences. Situated in the heart of the Adirondacks, Paul Smith鈥檚 offers unparalleled access to one of the nation鈥檚 most vibrant natural classrooms, an ideal setting for this kind of collaboration. We鈥檙e excited to continue investing in partnerships that prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and agility to succeed in today鈥檚 rapidly changing world.鈥�
The 3-credit course is enrolling students now through June 27 for Excelsior鈥檚 Summer II term, beginning June 30. The course cost of $2,751 includes tuition, meals, and housing for the one-week residential field experience. The course is open to current Excelsior students, alumni, and the general public. 听
For more information, visit: /page/summer-course-with-paul-smiths-college.听听
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Media Contact 91吃瓜:
Jason Bonafide, jbonafide@excelsior.edu
听听
ABOUT EXCELSIOR UNIVERSITY听
91吃瓜 is an accredited, not-for-profit online institution focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971, Excelsior meets students where they are 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
ABOUT PAUL SMITH’S COLLEGE
At Paul Smith鈥檚 College, it鈥檚 about the experience. As the only four-year college located in the Adirondack Park in upstate New York, Paul Smith鈥檚 provides real-world, hands-on learning in fields such as business and hospitality, culinary management, forestry, environmental sciences and natural resources. We are able to draw on industries and resources available in our own backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. Our community of resourceful, enterprising, supportive and adventurous individuals collectively provide experiential education, student support in the classroom and beyond, and meaningful opportunities for our alumni. We pride ourselves on research and advocacy on issues that improve our planet and the lives of the people who inhabit it. Learn more at .
Bridging Online and In-Person Learning
91吃瓜 President David Schejbal spoke with Presidents Forum to highlight how 91吃瓜 is reimagining distance education through innovative hybrid programs that combine听 online learning with strategic in-person experiences.
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91吃瓜 Enrolling Students in New Executive MBA Program
ALBANY, N.Y. 听鈥� 91吃瓜 is currently enrolling students in a new Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) program. Excelsior鈥檚 EMBA offers an innovative hybrid learning experience designed for seasoned professionals seeking to become stronger, more resilient, forward-thinking leaders. Students will participate in immersive four-day on-location educational opportunities planned in the metropolitan areas of Albany, New York; Chicago, Illinois; and St. Petersburg, Florida, while completing the rest of their coursework online. Students will graduate from the EMBA program in just one year with the leadership skills they need to move ahead in their careers. 听
Information sessions for the program will be offered online on May 20 and June 5. Interested students can join these free sessions to find out about admissions requirements and application deadlines, speak with an admissions counselor, and to prepare to start with the first program cohort in September.听
- May 20: 听
- June 5: 听听
鈥淭he EMBA program is a bold step forward for 91吃瓜, embracing new methods of learning in the evolution of our mission to help adult students succeed professionally through education,鈥� said Leah Sciabarrasi, associate dean of the 91吃瓜 School of Business. 鈥淭hrough this intensive, hybrid program format, students get the best of both worlds: the flexible world-class online education Excelsior is known for, and lasting in-person relationships, insights, and opportunities. We look forward to welcoming Excelsior’s first EMBA class to this exciting new program this fall.鈥�听
Excelsior鈥檚 EMBA program empowers students to excel in executive business leadership roles through a combination of flexible online learning and hands-on, in-person experiences. The program goes beyond the traditional online classroom by offering unique opportunities for students to develop professional skills and relationships through immersive cohort studies with industry experts and corporate partners in each of the three cities. Each location will host distinctive projects and experiential learning programs designed to build a student鈥檚 network and leadership experience. Each experience is curated, unique, and exclusive to this program. Excelsior EMBA students will graduate as leaders with a holistic view of today鈥檚 dynamic, socially conscious business environment.听听
Eligible EMBA students will have a bachelor鈥檚 degree and more than five years of professional experience and management of people and projects.听听
For more information on the 91吃瓜 EMBA program and enrollment materials, visit听www.excelsior.edu/program/executive-mba.听
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Media Contact 91吃瓜:
Jason Bonafide, jbonafide@excelsior.edu
听听
ABOUT EXCELSIOR UNIVERSITY听
91吃瓜 is an accredited, not-for-profit online institution focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971, Excelsior meets students where they are 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
91吃瓜 Welcomes Benjamin Bryant as 2025 Commencement Speaker
91吃瓜’s 2025 Commencement speaker, Benjamin Bryant.听
ALBANY, N.Y. 听鈥� Emmy-nominated broadcaster, writer, and public servant Benjamin Bryant will address 91吃瓜鈥檚 Class of 2025 at its Commencement ceremony on July 11 at the MVP Arena in Albany, New York. A 2006 Excelsior graduate, Bryant’s distinguished career in media, communications, and government service includes senior roles on high-profile task forces and commissions for the Department of Defense and the President of the United States, and the facilitation of emergency evacuations during the 2021 Afghan airlift. Bryant is a 2024 recipient of the Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service, the Department鈥檚 third highest non-career civilian award.
Like many Excelsior students, Bryant did not follow a traditional higher education path. After his studies were long delayed by professional opportunities and health issues, Bryant found Excelsior. Compiling credits from other institutions and completing coursework online, his Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies degree was the culmination of a 12-year undergraduate journey. He went on to earn a Master of Science in Organizational Development and Leadership and a Master of Arts in Applied Administration from the University of the Incarnate Word in 2015.听
鈥淓arning my degree from Excelsior while working full-time was a key accomplishment in my life, giving me confidence and momentum I would use to build a storied career that, like my educational journey, has been unconventional in the best ways,鈥� said Bryant. 鈥淚 am grateful for the invitation to speak to this year鈥檚 graduates, who know the challenges of balancing school, career, service, and life well, and look forward to sharing my experiences with them as they celebrate this special milestone.鈥�听
鈥淏enjamin Bryant鈥檚 remarkable story exemplifies how an Excelsior degree can empower students to achieve greater heights in their lives and careers,鈥� said 91吃瓜 President David Schejbal. 鈥淲e are delighted to count Benjamin among our impressive alumni community, and to welcome him to the stage to inspire 91吃瓜鈥檚 Class of 2025.鈥�听
Now the managing partner and president of Virginia-based communications company Bryant Zamberlan Group, Bryant began his career in 1996, working in on-air and management roles at a Texas radio station group. He later served as a print journalist and editor before transitioning into speechwriting and strategic communications for high-level corporate, military, and federal entities, across areas as diverse as technology, health care, and veterans鈥� affairs. Over a public service career spanning nearly three decades, Bryant held increasingly senior roles on high-level state and federal government task forces and commissions, including leading writing and support teams for the Fort Hood Shooting Task Force and serving as executive director for pandemic influenza preparation efforts.听
In 2021, Bryant played a key role in the emergency evacuation of American citizens and allies from Afghanistan, serving as a case worker and national spokesperson for the 鈥淒igital Dunkirk鈥� coalition of current and former military, diplomatic, and defense civilians. In 2022, he joined the U.S. Vietnam War Commemoration as Chief of Staff, Task Force 23, planning 鈥淥peration Welcome Home,鈥� a multi-day exposition honoring Vietnam veterans and their families, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. He later launched a touring version to bring the 鈥淲elcome Home鈥� celebration to local communities nationwide. His work on the 鈥淲elcome Home! Honoring Your Legacy鈥� Vietnam veteran tribute special was nominated for a 2023 Capital Emmy Award.听
As a broadcaster and media figure, Bryant hosted the series 鈥淭he Brink with Benjamin Bryant,鈥� and has produced and directed award-winning films, documentaries, podcasts, and live programs. His creative credits include notable and varied feature film, television, and stage roles as writer, director, and actor, earning recognition from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Broadway World, Indie Series Awards, and Filmhaus Berlin, among others. He regularly performs voicework for audio series, children鈥檚 programs, documentaries, and public service announcements for military families and veterans.听
A member of a multigenerational military family, Bryant remains committed to a tradition of public and community service. He has served as an auxiliarist and flotilla staff officer in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary for more than a decade, continues to advocate for military families and veterans, and serves as a mentor-in-residence at Caroline Community Theatre in Virginia, where he sits on the board of directors.听
91吃瓜鈥檚 54th annual Commencement ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 11 at the MVP Arena in Albany, New York. For more information on 91吃瓜鈥檚 2025 Commencement ceremony, visit: www.excelsior.edu/commencement.听
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Media Contact 91吃瓜:
Jason Bonafide, jbonafide@excelsior.edu
ABOUT EXCELSIOR UNIVERSITY
91吃瓜 is an accredited, not-for-profit online institution focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971, Excelsior meets students where they are 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
Advocate to Support Training of Healthcare Workers Who Work With Refugees on Utilizing Culturally Congruent Care When Assessing for Grief
91吃瓜 School of Nursing department chair Brian Pervis presented at Sigma Theta Tau’s Global Advocacy Academy. The presentation, titled “Advocate to Support Training of Healthcare Workers Who Work With Refugees on Utilizing Culturally Congruent Care When Assessing for Grief,” addresses the need for culturally congruent grief assessment among refugee populations. Refugees often experience prolonged grief and trauma in ways that are deeply tied to cultural beliefs, yet such perspectives are frequently overlooked in Western clinical practice. .
Pain, Anger, and Aggression: A Complex Interplay of Symptoms, Social Factors, and Behaviors
91吃瓜 School of Nursing department chair Pervis co-authored an editorial in Pain Management Nursing titled 鈥淧ain, Anger, and Aggression: A Complex Interplay of Symptoms, Social Factors, and Behaviors.鈥� The piece explores the intersection of chronic pain, emotional dysregulation (especially anger), and patient aggression in health care settings. .
Detection of Brucella Ceti and Brucella-Associated Disease in Stranded Cetaceans in Hawaii, USA, 2000-24
91吃瓜 liberal arts faculty member Ilse Silva-Krott co-authored an article titled “Detection of Brucella Ceti and Brucella-Associated Disease in Stranded Cetaceans in Hawaii, USA, 2000-24” in the Journal of Wildlife Diseases. The article discusses the detection of infectious diseases in stranded marine mammals found in Hawaii. View the article here.
How to Advance in IT with an Executive MBA
Today鈥檚 corporations are not standing still鈥攁nd neither can executives! In the field of information technology, with shifting market demands and emerging technologies, executive leadership calls for the ability to pivot at business intersections within any company.听The higher you climb the executive ladder, the more crucial your decisions become.听How will you succeed and continue to advance?
Earning an executive MBA can help you meet the moment by equipping you with necessary skills like strategic thinking, improved business fluency, and digital leadership. An EMBA for IT professionals means thriving at the intersection of technology and enterprise.
What Are the Key Benefits of an EMBA for Technology Executives?
Earning a Master of Business Administration, executive or otherwise, demonstrates your broad grasp of management best practices and business fundamentals. An executive MBA, for IT professionals, means honing the skills you鈥檝e developed as an experienced technology executive in transformative ways, helping you to:
1. Think Strategically and Think Big
Technology executives need strategic foresight to manage both the day-to-day and longer-term strategic decisions in听data-driven environments.听The right EMBA program can provide the bigger picture by helping you develop skills to make connections and navigate through ambiguity so you can make confident decisions and achieve long-term business goals.
2. Develop and Strengthen Your Technology Business Acumen
As a C-suite influencer, you already know tech鈥攂ut how will you deepen and sharpen your financial literacy, market awareness, operational understanding, stakeholder insights, and ability to lead cross-functional teams? Earning your EMBA will equip you to align the organization with the right blend of business acumen and technology insights.
3. Innovate Through Digital Fluency That Drives Tech-Business Integration
Executive leaders who understand artificial intelligence and how to leverage AI to solve real business problems can better lead change.听For IT executives, an EMBA can help deepen the understanding of digital transformation, allowing you to lead with confidence.
As an experienced tech leader, you know you have two options: move forward or stay behind. In today鈥檚 fast-moving environments, making decisions through traditional processes can cost time and money. An EMBA program will sharpen your ability to make decisions with insight and clarity in tech-centric environments that change constantly.
How Can an EMBA Help IT Professionals Transition into Leadership Roles?
To stay competitive, today鈥檚 leading businesses are leveraging advanced technology and digitization to create new value in their business models, elevate customer experiences, and strengthen core operations. Earning an EMBA can help you build and sharpen those skills so you can advance into higher-level IT leadership roles. With your degree, you will:
- Unlock the door to C-suite membership. For IT professionals, an EMBA sends a clear message: You are ready to move into roles like chief technology officer or chief information officer, leading the way to drive results.
- Expand leadership skills. Through coursework and experiential learning, you鈥檒l bridge the gap with skills like data-driven decision-making, digital transformation leadership, people management, strategic thinking, and the vision to anticipate trends and long-term goals.
- Build a powerful network. An EMBA program incorporating a cohort model connects you with colleagues across the industry. You鈥檒l gain insights, best practices, and fresh perspectives on organizational technology challenges and mentorship from a highly valued professional network.
How Can an EMBA Help IT Leaders Drive Digital Transformation?
Driving digital transformation goes beyond just adopting or adding new technology tools鈥攊t鈥檚 about delivering results faster and smarter, as well as better targeting the needs of the customer. The skills imparted by an executive MBA program, paired with extensive IT knowledge, will position you to deliver value, lead in a competitive industry, and use technology to make business work better through:
- Understanding the future of technology and preparing your organization to anticipate what鈥檚 next
- Competing in a digital landscape where agility, automation, and impacting markets requires the ability to stay ahead
- Broadening business perspectives by learning the language and insights to break down silos and partner across the organization
91吃瓜鈥檚 EMBA Program
The need for highly skilled executives is growing across organizations because of the exiting of a generational workforce, changing priorities, and the void brought on by Covid-19.听In the wake of the pandemic, the leadership gap is visible and requires forward-thinking executives鈥攅specially in technology-driven leadership. 91吃瓜鈥檚 Executive MBA program is designed to impart the skills needed by IT executives.
Graduates leave with strategic insight, leadership development, digital fluency, and management expertise鈥攁ll geared toward leading an organization and using technology to solve real problems and drive innovation.听And with a cohort model designed for professional relationships and a powerful network, graduates of Excelsior鈥檚 EMBA program will be equipped to navigate a fast-paced digital world.
Ready to lead with purpose, make technology work for business, and thrive in an executive role? about Excelsior鈥檚 EMBA program and apply today!
91吃瓜 Receives Historic Gift from Emeritus Professor Larry Purnell
Larry Purnell, 91吃瓜 emeritus professor and longtime supporter.
ALBANY, N.Y. 听鈥� On the first day of National Nurses Week, 91吃瓜 announced a landmark $1 million gift to its School of Nursing from Larry Purnell, an Excelsior emeritus professor and longtime supporter. This legacy contribution is the largest individual donation in the University鈥檚 history. In recognition of his impact on the future of the institution’s health care education, Excelsior has named the Purnell Executive Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences position in his honor.听听
Purnell, a renowned nursing educator and author, has significantly influenced the global health care field with his award-winning writing and Purnell Model for Cultural Competence. His close connection with Excelsior as a faculty member and subject matter expert spans 45 years. Excelsior awarded Purnell an honorary doctorate of humane letters in 2022 in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to nursing theory through development, scholarship, teaching, and service to the health care community. 听
鈥淚nvesting in the future of nursing education has always been close to my heart, and it is an honor to contribute to 91吃瓜’s School of Nursing,鈥� said Purnell. 鈥淭his legacy gift represents my unwavering commitment to advancing health care through education and leadership. The naming of the Purnell Executive Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences is a humbling tribute, and I hope it inspires others to join in shaping the next generation of health care professionals.鈥�听
Robin Goodrich, the inaugural Purnell Executive Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, said, 鈥淒r. Purnell’s remarkable contribution will enhance our ability to shape future leaders and create a lasting impact on health care education and innovation. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and Dr. Purnell’s unwavering commitment to advancing our mission.鈥�听
Purnell鈥檚 gift will enable 91吃瓜 to elevate its work as one of New York state鈥檚 leading nursing educators. Since its founding, Excelsior has graduated more than 5,500 nursing students from New York state. , Excelsior is bringing more nurses into the New York state workforce annually than any other institution.听听
Additionally, the gift will allow Excelsior to continue its transformative expansion of clinical partner sites for nursing students. The University has grown from eight clinical partners in April 2024 to 38 partners currently, primarily across New York state. These sites are strategically distributed throughout the state, allowing Excelsior to better meet students where they are.听These sites provide opportunities for experiential learning and networking that help get new nurses into the jobs where they are needed most.听
“Dr. Purnell’s extraordinary generosity strengthens 91吃瓜’s commitment to excellence in health care education,鈥� said 91吃瓜 President David Schejbal. 鈥淭hrough this gift, his legacy of compassionate health care leadership will continue to profoundly influence Excelsior students and the communities they serve. On behalf of the University and our learners, I thank Dr. Purnell for his contributions to nursing education.”
For more information on 91吃瓜, visit
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Media Contact 91吃瓜:
Jason Bonafide, jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446
ABOUT EXCELSIOR UNIVERSITY
91吃瓜 is an accredited, not-for-profit online institution focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971, Excelsior meets students where they are 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
91吃瓜 Renews National Nurses Week Partnership with CDPHP听
ALBANY, N.Y. 听鈥� 91吃瓜 is partnering with Capital District Physicians鈥� Health Plan, Inc. (CDPHP庐) for the second year in a row to celebrate National Nurses Week. Held annually from May 6鈥�12, National Nurses Week is an opportunity to highlight the stories of our nation鈥檚 nurses and thank them for their service and dedication.听听
A philanthropic donation from CDPHP will help underwrite Excelsior scholarships for students in Excelsior nursing programs. In addition, CDPHP will partner with the University to host a panel discussion titled 鈥淢ental Health in Nursing: A Path to Better Outcomes.鈥� Presented by 91吃瓜 in collaboration with CDPHP, the free panel discussion will explore the critical theme of mental health and its impact on nurses and patient outcomes.听听
The 鈥淢ental Health in Nursing: A Path to Better Outcomes鈥� conversation will be moderated by 91吃瓜 Executive Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences Robin Goodrich, and feature the following health care leaders as panelists:听听
- Lauren Grimshaw, senior vice president of member health operations, CDPHP听
- Susan Hull, practice manager, CapitalCare Developmental Pediatrics at Wellness Way听听
- Brian Pervis, department chair, 91吃瓜 School of Nursing听
Excelsior will share the panel discussion recording on May 8 on its and via email with alumni and students from Excelsior鈥檚 nursing and allied health programs.听
鈥淐DPHP is proud to collaborate with 91吃瓜 to encourage and support the next generation of nurses,鈥� said Lauren Grimshaw, CDPHP senior vice president, member health operations. 鈥淚n a field as vital and demanding as health care, prioritizing mental health is essential. Practices like mindfulness, healthy eating, and regular physical activity鈥攁long with a strong support network and the freedom to speak openly with someone you trust鈥攃an have a profound impact on personal and professional resilience.鈥�听听
鈥�91吃瓜 is grateful for CDPHP鈥檚 continued support of our nursing students,鈥� said Robin Goodrich, 91吃瓜 executive dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. 鈥淭his collaboration underscores our shared commitment to nursing education and recognizing the vital role nurses play in health care. Together, we can ensure that nurses have the resources they need to continue to serve their patients and communities.鈥�
For more information on 91吃瓜, visit
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Media Contact 91吃瓜:
Jason Bonafide, jbonafide@excelsior.edu
ABOUT EXCELSIOR UNIVERSITY
91吃瓜 is an accredited, not-for-profit online institution focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971, Excelsior meets students where they are 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
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Online Education Booms in an Era of Lifelong Learning
91吃瓜 President David Schejbal was interviewed for an article titled “Online Education Booms in an Era of Lifelong Learning” by journalist Michael James for the publication . The piece also includes interviews with alumni Sena Amegbletor and Jason Delonais. The article details the state of online higher education and Excelsior’s place in the national conversation.
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