Excelsior University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni
Excelsior University, a private online institution headquartered in Albany, New York, has been instrumental in shaping the careers of numerous individuals across various fields. With its focus on providing accessible and flexible education, Excelsior has empowered a diverse range of students to achieve their academic and professional aspirations. This article explores the notable alumni who have emerged from Excelsior University, highlighting their accomplishments and contributions to society.
Excelsior University: A Pioneer in Distance Learning
Founded in 1971 by the New York State Board of Regents as the Regents External Degree Program (REX), Excelsior University was initially funded by grants from the Ford Foundation and the Carnegie Corporation. The institution was designed to provide a framework for students to earn academic credits from various sources and assemble them into a degree program.
Operating as Regents College from 1984 to 2000, the institution gained regional accreditation early on. On January 1, 2001, Regents College officially became Excelsior College, and later Excelsior University. This transition marked a significant milestone in the university's history, solidifying its position as a leading provider of online education. Excelsior University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The School of Nursing has twice been designated a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing.
Alumni Awards: Recognizing Excellence and Service
Excelsior University recognizes its outstanding graduates through a variety of alumni awards, celebrating their academic, professional, personal, and community contributions. These awards serve as a testament to the university's commitment to fostering excellence and inspiring future generations of students.
- The Excelsior University Ever Upward Award: This prestigious award recognizes an extraordinary individual whose accomplishments, leadership, and service have brought honor to their alma mater and made a significant national impact in their field.
- Carrie B. Lenburg Award: Presented to an outstanding nursing graduate, this award commemorates Dr. Carrie Lenburg's commitment to helping nurses attain their educational and professional goals.
- Alumni Service Award: This award recognizes outstanding service by a graduate to the community, supporting the mission and goals of Excelsior University.
Notable Alumni in Public Service and Government
Excelsior University has produced a number of alumni who have made significant contributions to public service and government.
Read also: Eligibility for the Excelsior Scholarship
- Deborah A. Ashenhurst: Major General Deborah A. Ashenhurst has had a distinguished career in the military and public service.
- Eric C. Bauman: An American political operative who was, until 2018, the chair of the California Democratic Party. Previously the vice chair of the state party (2009-2017) and chair of the Los Angeles Democratic Party (2000-2017), he is known for his influence in Los Angeles County Democratic politics.
- Charles W. Bowen: Charles W. "Skip" Bowen was the tenth Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard.
- John R. D'Araujo Jr.: A retired United States Army major general who served as Director of the Army National Guard and an official with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He is the first Portuguese American to achieve the rank of major general.
- Michael Greco: Michael Greco was a United States Marshal for the Southern District of New York.
- Peggy Littleton: Peggy Littleton is an American candidate for Colorado State Board of Education, Congressional District 8.
- Judd Matheny: Judd Ellis Matheny was an American Republican politician in Tennessee, who served as County Mayor for Coffee County, Tennessee, from 2022 until his death in 2024.
- Anthony J. O'Donnell: Tony O'Donnell is an American politician, who represented District 29C in the Maryland House of Delegates.
- Dallyana Passailaigue: Dallyana Marianela Passailaigue Manosalvas is an Ecuadorian media personality, athlete, and politician.
- Joseph J. Taluto: Joseph J. Taluto is a retired United States Army officer who served as the Adjutant General of New York.
- Derrick Van Orden: A U.S. Representative for Wisconsin's 3rd congressional district. He is a member of the Republican Party.
- John Walsh: John Edward Walsh is an American politician, real estate agent, and former military officer who served as the United States Senator from Montana from 2014 to 2015 and as the 34th Lieutenant Governor of Montana from 2013 to 2014 under Governor Steve Bullock.
- Terry Williams: Senator Terry Williams is a dedicated public servant committed to serving the people of Vermont.
Notable Alumni in Military Service
Excelsior University has a strong connection to the military community, with many alumni serving in various branches of the armed forces. The university has been recognized as a military-friendly institution, providing educational opportunities for servicemembers and veterans.
- Daniel A. Dailey: Daniel A. Dailey is a former United States Army soldier who served as the 15th Sergeant Major of the Army from January 30, 2015, to August 9, 2019.
- Jason M. Vanderhaden: Jason M. Vanderhaden is a retired Master Chief Petty Officer of the United States Coast Guard who served as the 13th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard from May 17, 2018 to May 19, 2022.
- Joe R. Campa Jr.: Joe R. Campa Jr. is a retired United States Navy sailor who served as the 11th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy.
- Charles W. Bowen: Charles W. "Skip" Bowen was the tenth Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard.
- John R. D'Araujo Jr.: A retired United States Army major general who served as Director of the Army National Guard and an official with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He is the first Portuguese American to achieve the rank of major general.
Notable Alumni in Arts, Media, and Literature
Excelsior University alumni have also made their mark in the fields of arts, media, and literature.
- Benjamin Bryant: Benjamin Bryant is a Germany-born American broadcaster, writer, and Emmy-nominated filmmaker.
- Gilbert King: Gilbert King is an American writer and photographer, known best as the author of Devil in the Grove: Thurgood Marshall, the Groveland Boys, and the Dawn of a New America (2012), which won the Pulitzer Prize.
- Afaa M. Weaver: Afaa Michael Weaver, formerly known as Michael S. Weaver, is an American poet, short-story writer, and editor.
- Weston Ochse: Weston Ochse was an American author and educator.
- Malcolm Nance: Malcolm Wrightson Nance is an American author and media pundit. He is a former United States Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer specializing in naval cryptology.
Notable Alumni in Education and Healthcare
Excelsior University has a strong presence in the education and healthcare sectors, with alumni making significant contributions as educators, administrators, and healthcare professionals.
- Anthony Munroe: Anthony E. Munroe is the president of Borough of Manhattan Community College.
- Michelle Van Ryn: An expert in public health, health equity, and mental health.
- Krista L. Colon: An outstanding nursing graduate.
- Dorothy Jean Tillman II: An internationally renowned child prodigy, STEAM leader, and public speaker.
- Deidra Thompson: A dual-certified family and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with more than a decade of experience in clinical care, education, and health equity advocacy.
Notable Alumni in Other Fields
Excelsior University alumni have also excelled in a variety of other fields, demonstrating the diversity of talent and the breadth of opportunities that the university provides.
- DeWayne Walker: DeWayne Morris Walker is an American gridiron football coach and former player.
- Susan Jeske: Susan Jeske is the current CEO of Ms. America Pageant.
Read also: Excelsior Eligibility
Read also: Learn About the SUNY Excelsior Scholarship
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