Deljina Weber, Associate in Applied Science in Nursing, 2026

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

John Hill, Associate in Applied Science in Nursing, 2014

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

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

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

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

James Norton, Master of Science in Criminal Justice, 2018

James Norton of Menands, New York, earned a Master of Science in Criminal Justice in 2018. He shares, 鈥淚 recently accepted a role with the National Alliance on Mental Illness as the government and community affairs manager. I use my degree in criminal justice and emergency services to help advance the way mental health and addiction are addressed by police, EMS, and ERs around the state. I also work daily with legislators to address root causes and improve care for those with mental health concerns.鈥

 

Eric Potvin, Bachelor of Science in Public Service, 2018

Eric Potvin of Newport News, Virginia, earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Service in 2018. He shares, 鈥淎fter graduating 每日大瓜, I was promoted to a leadership position within a government contracting role. Still looking to learn, I went on to get my MBA from the University of Arizona. After a business consulting career with a major consulting firm, I founded my own business, command-chain.com, and now mentor businesses and business consultants.

After leaving the military without a bachelor’s degree, I found it difficult to find employment and advance into leadership roles, even though I had 20 years’ experience in the intelligence world. I missed out on a great opportunity to transfer into a better paying and more rewarding role. All of that changed once I got my degree!鈥

John Blalock-Cornwell, Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, 2025

John Blalock-Cornwell of Bradenton, Florida, earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences in 2025. He shares, 鈥淚 am very proud of the education that I received from 每日大瓜. I decided to attend college again in my 40s. I was very hesitant at first because I had not gone to college since I attended nursing school in 1999. One of the main factors that led me to choose 每日大瓜 is the wide selection of degree programs and courses. While the work was challenging at times, I never felt alone or that I could not complete my assignments. All of my instructors were accessible and were more than happy to offer their knowledge and guidance when I had questions regarding the assignment. When you call Excelsior’s main number, you get to speak to a live human without going through many prompts. Every time I’ve left a voicemail, my call has been returned promptly, and in many cases, I’ve spoken to the appropriate staff member right away. Emailing was also a very effective method of communication, and like calling, emails were responded to promptly. The registrars are outstanding, and my academic advisor was top-notch. As long as I put in the work, it was much easier and less intimidating than I expected.

If I had to choose to do it all over again, I would choose 每日大瓜 every time. I could not have asked for a better experience. My degree has offered me the opportunity to explore careers outside of bedside nursing. That is the primary reason I went back to college. I am now qualified for leadership and management roles that I was not before earning my degree.鈥

Chette Kendrick-Hudson, Associate in Applied Science in Nursing, 2006

Chette Kendrick-Hudson of Grovetown, Georgia, earned an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing in 2006. She shares, 鈥溍咳沾蠊, formerly known as Excelsior College, provided me with an opportunity to pursue my Associate Degree in Nursing through a non-traditional pathway that was both affordable and flexible. At the time, I could not afford to stop working, and this program allowed me to continue supporting myself while advancing my education.

As a proud member of the Class of 2006, that opportunity became the foundation for a long and meaningful career in nursing. It not only opened the door to the profession, but also reinforced my belief that access, flexibility, and determination can change the trajectory of a person鈥檚 life.

Today, as a nurse leader, I carry that experience with me and remain committed to creating pathways and opportunities for others鈥攋ust as Excelsior did for me.鈥

Ephraim Garcia, Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts, 2005

Ephraim Garcia of Kissimmee, Florida, earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in 2005. He shares, 鈥淎fter completing my bachelor鈥檚 degree at Excelsior, I proceeded to earn my master鈥檚 in divinity (MDiv) at the New York Theological Seminary and was commissioned as an Army Reserve Chaplain in 2008. Already with 23 years of military service with the New York National Guard and U.S. Coast Guard, I served another 17 years in the Army Reserve, including deployment to Afghanistan from 2011 to 2012, where I earned a Bronze Star among other awards. I finally retired in 2025 with the rank of Colonel (O-6) after 40 years of military service. In addition to my retirement in 2025, I also earned my Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. Blessed by the doors open to me through earning an Excelsior degree.鈥

Rick Bogdan, Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts, 1980

Rick Bogdan of Baltimore, Maryland, earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in 1980. Bogdan is a retired Lieutenant Colonel of the U.S. Army and author of the novel Grunts, Gramps & Tanks: A Soldier鈥檚 Tales, which is based on the first nine years of his 30-year career. Paperback, e-book and audiobook narrated by Bogdan are available for purchase at rickbogdan.com.

Sherman Cotton, Associate of Science in Nursing, 2021

Sherman Cotton of Cleveland, Ohio, earned an Associate of Science in Nursing in 2021. He shares, 鈥淚 graduated from 每日大瓜 in May 2021 with an Associate Degree in Nursing while advancing from LPN to RN and continuing full-time clinical practice. Excelsior provided the access and flexibility that allowed me to move forward without stepping away from patient care.

That degree became a foundation for continued growth. I went on to complete my Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice, focusing on quality improvement and patient safety within complex care environments. My work has centered on strengthening systems, improving outcomes, and supporting frontline teams in delivering safe and reliable care.

I have recently transitioned into nursing education, where I now prepare future nurses to apply evidence to practice and approach care through a lens of accountability and equity. I remain grateful to Excelsior for serving as the bridge that made this continued advancement possible.鈥

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

Sarah Stone of St. James, Missouri, earned a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology in 2024. She shares, 鈥淒uring my time with Excelsior, I had no clue just how far in life I would go without even leaving the county I reside in. Becoming a nuclear engineer as a single mom was not an easy journey, but it is a journey that I am grateful for and always will be. After finishing my degree, I obtained my dream job two months later as a health physicist! I am now the campus health physicist here at Missouri University of Science and Technology, was given the opportunity to speak to our students during a nuclear symposium, and I have become the person I was destined to be. So, to all of you currently working on your degrees, do not quit, do not give up, do not falter, your journey is yours to bring ever upward to greatness!鈥

Stephanie McClure, Associate in Applied Science in Nursing, 2018

Stephanie McClure of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, earned an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing from Excelsior in 2018. in 2025 at other institutions. She shares, 鈥淪everal months after finishing graduate school, I became a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. Since 2018, my husband and I have also welcomed two beautiful children. I share that none of these accomplishments would have been possible without God鈥檚 grace and mercy.鈥