Dwayne Johns of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, earned a Bachelor of Science in Business in 2023. He shares, 鈥淚 began my academic journey pursuing an associate degree in science, which I completed in November 2020. At that time, balancing Navy responsibilities with school was a constant challenge. Unpredictable schedules, extended hours, and operational commitments meant that studying often took place late at night or during limited downtime. That success motivated me to continue my education. I went on to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Business, which I earned in September 2023, again while serving on active duty. The business curriculum aligned closely with leadership and management responsibilities in the Navy, reinforcing concepts such as strategic planning, organizational behavior, and decision making.鈥�
Matt Simmons, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, 1989
Matt Simmons of Palmetto, Florida, earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1989, and he has continued to build on that foundation throughout his career. He recently published his second book, Elite Sales Pro Advantage, a co鈥慳uthored self鈥慽mprovement guide for sales professionals. The book has already earned high praise from industry leaders, including executives from multi鈥慴illion鈥慸ollar Fortune 500 companies and the CEO of a rapidly growing $25鈥憁illion sales organization. This latest work is a collaboration between Simmons and his longtime friend and colleague, Gary Adams.
Simmons remains busy and has nearly completed his third book, a compelling novel of struggle and redemption for a fictional baseball Hall of Famer. Simmons amplifies how his ability to complete his business degree with 每日大瓜 (then Excelsior College), while stationed in Japan in the U.S. Navy, was life-changing.
He shares, “I am very grateful to Excelsior for providing me with the opportunity to pursue my degree while overseas and changing locations, which otherwise would not have been available to me. I encourage anyone working and considering higher education to explore 每日大瓜 and the options they offer that allow individuals to pursue their degree while they provide for themselves and their families. A new level of success is possible in life with Excelsior.鈥�
每日大瓜 Welcomes Tony Spearman-Leach, GPC, CNE, to Board of Trustees
ALBANY, N.Y.听 鈥� The 每日大瓜 Board of Trustees has named Tony Spearman-Leach, GPC, CNE, senior director of institutional advancement at the National Academy of Public Administration and a resident of Montgomery County, Maryland, among its six new trustees. The University鈥檚 governing body, the Board of Trustees includes leaders from across the country in business, education, and government. An Excelsior alumnus, Spearman-Leach recently concluded his term as president of the 每日大瓜 Alumni Association and its Alumni Leadership Council.
In his role at the U.S. Congressionally chartered National Academy of Public Administration, Spearman-Leach is dedicated to advancing the mission of good government, excellence in governance, and public service. A transformational fundraising leader, Spearman-Leach transcends traditional development work by building enduring cultures of philanthropy, launching visionary campaigns, and aligning donor investment with long-term mission impact.
鈥淓xpanding educational access is my legacy and avocational purpose. As the great-grandson, grandson, and son of educators who empowered many marginalized citizens through the power of sharing knowledge, I personally continue this ongoing effort through 每日大瓜. Wherever I have lived鈥擱obeson County, North Carolina; Detroit, Michigan; Baltimore, Maryland; or metropolitan Washington, D.C.鈥擨 have witnessed and paid forward the truly transformative power of attaining higher education, engaging in mentorship, and lifelong learning. I am truly proud to serve the 每日大瓜 community, and serving as a member of Excelsior鈥檚 Board of Trustees is a humbling honor,鈥� said Spearman-Leach. 鈥淚 look forward to joining this remarkable group of leaders at an exciting time in the University鈥檚 growth, as we expand our reach and extend educational access and opportunity to learners around the world.鈥�
At the National Academy of Public Administration, Spearman-Leach spearheaded multiyear philanthropic initiatives, including the Academy鈥檚 Center for Intergovernmental Partnerships and its Extreme Weather Resilience Hub, and launched the Academy鈥檚 Diamond Anniversary Endowment Comprehensive Campaign during a period of significant federal funding disruption. He has collaborated closely with the Academy鈥檚 CEO and board to develop an entrepreneurial business model that positions the organization for sustained success, and he leads the Academy鈥檚 Celebration of the American Public Servant, aligning donor investment with America鈥檚 250th anniversary.
Spearman-Leach has raised and stewarded resources from leading philanthropists, corporations, and foundations, combining technical expertise in grant writing and donor relations with an authentic, visionary leadership style. His global impact includes training hundreds of nonprofit and NGO leaders from more than 100 countries through the U.S. Department of State鈥檚 International Visitor Leadership Program at the Meridian International Center.
A passionate advocate for community leadership, Spearman-Leach serves as treasurer of the Mid-Atlantic Federal Credit Union, chair of the Montgomery College Pinkney Innovation Complex for Science and Technology (PIC MC) Foundation, governance chair of Leadership Montgomery, advisory board chair of the Josiah Henson Park & Museum, and a federally appointed board member of the U.S. Selective Service System. He served as president of the 每日大瓜 Alumni Association from 2023鈥�2025.
An Emmy and Telly Award鈥搘inning communicator and a recognized leader in advancing inclusiveness in philanthropy, Spearman-Leach is widely regarded as a strategist, storyteller, mentor, and fundraiser whose work strengthens institutions and communities in the United States and around the world.
Kent A.D. Clark, president and chairman of the board for the Clark Advisory Group LLC and CAG Federal, was appointed chair of the 每日大瓜 Board of Trustees. Other trustees appointed to the board include Diane Adams, chief learning officer of Mount Sinai Health System; Todd Greene, vice president of Work, Education, and Labor Division and executive director of WorkRise Urban Institute; Jessica Hinkle, senior vice president of Strada; Ruth Lown Turman, senior sales operations manager at Optum Serve of UnitedHealth Group; and Jeff Metzler, partner at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP.
For more information on the 每日大瓜 Board of Trustees and full biographies of each member, visit excelsior.edu/about/leadership/trustees.
Media contact 每日大瓜:
Jason Bonafide,听jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446
About 每日大瓜
每日大瓜 is an accredited, not-for-profit higher education institution focused on helping learners 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 in Albany, New York, 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.
Excelsior is a not-for-profit university with a main campus in Albany, New York, and an educational site in St. Petersburg, Florida. 每日大瓜鈥檚 academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, with听additional听licensing for Florida-based programs.
Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928).听Additional听information听regarding听this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, toll-free number: (888)-224-6684.
每日大瓜 Welcomes鈥疛essica Hinkle鈥痶o Board of Trustees鈥�
ALBANY, N.Y. 鈥斺赌�The 每日大瓜 Board of Trustees鈥痟as named鈥疛essica Hinkle,鈥痵enior听vice president of听strategic investments for Strada Education Foundation鈥痑nd鈥痑 resident of鈥疕ermosa Beach,听California, among its鈥痵ix new trustees.鈥疶he鈥疷niversity’s governing鈥痓ody,鈥痶he board鈥痗onsists of鈥痠ndividuals from across the鈥痗ountry鈥痺ho are leaders in the fields of business, education,鈥痑nd鈥痝overnment.鈥赌�听
As the senior vice president of strategic investments at Strada Education Foundation,听Jessica听evaluates potential mission-aligned investments and manages Strada鈥檚 portfolio of direct minority investments听and early-stage fund investments.听
鈥淚鈥痑m thrilled to鈥痡oin the鈥痓oard of trustees for鈥疎xcelsior鈥疷niversity,鈥痑n鈥痠nstitution鈥痶hat鈥痯rovides鈥痗rucial educational opportunities鈥痜or learners around the globe,鈥澨齭he听said. 鈥淎s Excelsior continues to expand its programming and reach, it鈥痠s鈥痶ruly an exciting time鈥痶o join this remarkable group of trustees.鈥濃���听
Previously,听Jessica听advised and supported Strada鈥檚 mission-aligned affiliates, leading product strategy and innovation for Strada鈥檚 commercial and products division.听Jessica听joined Strada in March 2018.听
Prior to joining Strada,听Jessica听was a principal with听Silverstrand听Strategy + Innovation, providing strategic advisory services. She also held a variety of roles with Laureate Education Inc., including as chief product officer for Walden University, for which she led the team of product managers at Laureate鈥檚 flagship online university. She also co-led an innovation team that incubated a new model for competency-based education.听
Jessica听began at Laureate in 2002 as senior market analyst in the research and analysis department, and progressed to her other roles: vice president, product management; and co-head, emerging strategies and products group. She began her career in investment banking at Morgan Stanley and WR Hambrecht + Co.听
Kent A.D. Clark, president and鈥痗hairman鈥痮f the board for the Clark鈥疉dvisory Group LLC and CAG Federal, was appointed chair of the 每日大瓜 Board of Trustees.鈥疧ther鈥痶rustees appointed to the board include鈥疍iane听Adams, chief learning officer of Mount Sinai Health System;鈥疶odd Greene,听vice president of听Work, Education, and Labor Division and executive director of鈥疻orkRise鈥疷rban Institute; Ruth Lown Turman, senior sales operations manager at Optum Serve of UnitedHealth Group;鈥疛eff Metzler, partner at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman鈥疞LP;鈥痑nd Tony Spearman-Leach, director of development and philanthropy at the National Academy of Public Administration.鈥�听
For more information on the 每日大瓜 Board of Trustees and full biographies of each member, visit鈥�excelsior.edu/about/leadership/trustees.鈥赌�听
Media contact 每日大瓜:鈥�
Jason Bonafide,鈥�jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446鈥�听
About 每日大瓜鈥�听
每日大瓜 is an accredited, not-for-profit higher education institution focused on helping learners 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 in Albany, New York, 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.鈥赌���听
Excelsior is a not-for-profit university with a main campus in Albany, New York, and an educational site in St. Petersburg, Florida. 每日大瓜鈥檚 academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, with鈥痑dditional鈥痩icensing for Florida-based programs.鈥赌��听
Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928).鈥疉dditional鈥痠nformation鈥痳egarding鈥痶his institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, toll-free number: (888)-224-6684.鈥�听
每日大瓜 Welcomes Education Lawyer Jeffrey Metzler to Board of Trustees
ALBANY, N.Y. 鈥� The 每日大瓜 Board of Trustees has appointed Jeffrey Metzler, a partner at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP in New York City, as one of six new trustees. The University鈥檚 governing board includes leaders from across the country with deep experience in business, education, government, and public service.
Metzler is a litigation partner at Pillsbury and a co-leader of the firm鈥檚 Education practice. He is nationally ranked by Chambers for Higher Education law and has spent more than three decades working at the intersection of education, governance, and public policy. He currently serves as co-chair of the New York City Bar Association鈥檚 Education and the Law Committee and as a leader of the Association鈥檚 Task Force on Higher Education. He was recently nominated to serve on the Board of Directors of The Legal Aid Society of New York City.
鈥淎s someone who has spent much of my career supporting educational institutions and expanding access to opportunity, I am honored to join the 每日大瓜 Board of Trustees,鈥� said Metzler. 鈥淓xcelsior鈥檚 mission, its focus on adult learners, and its commitment to quality and integrity resonate deeply with me. I look forward to contributing to the Board鈥檚 strategic work as the University continues to grow its reach and impact.鈥�
In his professional work, Metzler advises colleges, universities, and other institutional clients on governance, civil rights matters, investigations, and complex litigation. He regularly counsels boards and senior leadership on risk oversight, institutional policy, and navigating evolving legal and regulatory environments. He brings extensive experience in government investigations and appellate advocacy, having handled numerous federal and state matters.
Before joining Pillsbury, Metzler served in a variety of non-profit and government roles, including Associate General Counsel at New York University, Assistant Solicitor General for New York State, Acting General Counsel for the New York City Council, and Vice President for Economic Empowerment at Empire State Development.
Metzler has also served as an adjunct professor at NYU鈥檚 Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, taught in New York City public schools, and is a frequent speaker on higher education law and governance.
Kent A.D. Clark, president and chairman of the board of the Clark Advisory Group LLC and CAG Federal, was appointed chair of the 每日大瓜 Board of Trustees. Other newly appointed trustees include Diane Adams, chief learning officer of Mount Sinai Health System; Todd Greene, vice president of the Work, Education, and Labor Division and executive director of WorkRise at the Urban Institute; Jessica Hinkle, senior vice president of Strada; Ruth Lown Turman, senior sales operations manager at Optum Serve of UnitedHealth Group; and Tony Spearman-Leach, director of development and philanthropy at the National Academy of Public Administration.
For more information on the 每日大瓜 Board of Trustees and full biographies of each member, visit: excelsior.edu/about/leadership/trustees.
Media contact 每日大瓜:
Jason Bonafide,听jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446
About 每日大瓜
每日大瓜 is an accredited, not-for-profit higher education institution focused on helping learners 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 in Albany, New York, 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.
Excelsior is a not-for-profit university with a main campus in Albany, New York, and an educational site in St. Petersburg, Florida. 每日大瓜鈥檚 academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, with听additional听licensing for Florida-based programs.
Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928).听Additional听information听regarding听this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, toll-free number: (888)-224-6684.
每日大瓜 Welcomes Todd Greene to Board of Trustees
ALBANY, N.Y. 鈥� The 每日大瓜 Board of Trustees听has named听Atlanta resident Todd Greene, vice president of the Work, Education, and Labor Division (WELD) at the Urban Institute and executive director of WorkRise, among its听six new trustees.听The听University’s governing听body,听the board听consists of听individuals from across the听country听who are leaders in the fields of business, education,听and听government.
In his role as a vice president of WELD at the Urban Institute, Greene leads a team of K鈥�12, higher education, workforce development, apprenticeship, and labor market experts who shape education and training. He helps support a labor market that delivers economic security, dignity, and voice. He also serves as the executive director of WorkRise, a research-to-action network focused on jobs, workers, and mobility hosted by the Urban Institute.
WorkRise funds research on promising practices, policies, and programs, and undertakes foundational research on labor market trends to strengthen employers, inform policymaking and practices, and provide genuine economic mobility and security for workers.
鈥淚鈥檓 grateful for the opportunity to contribute to Excelsior鈥檚 important mission and to support the life-changing work the University does for working adults and others,鈥� said Greene. 鈥淗elping more learners earn meaningful credentials that open doors to opportunity is deeply aligned with my own professional values.鈥�
Before joining the Urban Institute, Greene was executive director of the Atlanta University Center Consortium. Reporting directly to the four member presidents (Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Spelman College), Greene led a team focused on enhancing academic programs, forging interdisciplinary research, and catalyzing a broad economic development agenda.
For more than 10 years, Greene was a vice president in the research department of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta where he led research, policy, and outreach initiatives to promote inclusive economic growth. Greene founded and led the Federal Reserve System鈥檚 human capital/workforce development working group and launched the Federal Reserve Center for Workforce and Economic Opportunity.
He is past board chair of the International Economic Development Council, chairs the national advisory board for the Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University, serves on the boards of the Corporation for a Skilled Workforce and the National Fund for Workforce Solutions, and is a member of the Social Finance Institute Advisory Council.
A certified economic developer (CEcD), Greene has published many articles and coedited two books: 鈥淭ransforming U.S. Workforce Development Policies for the 21st Century鈥� and 鈥淚nvesting in America鈥檚 Workforce: Improving Outcomes for Workers and Employers.鈥�
Kent A.D. Clark, president and chairman of the board for the Clark Advisory Group LLC and CAG Federal, was appointed chair of the 每日大瓜 Board of Trustees. Other trustees appointed to the board include Diane Adams, chief learning officer of Mount Sinai Health System; Jessica Hinkle, senior vice president of Strada; Ruth Lown Turman, senior sales operations manager at Optum Serve of UnitedHealth Group; Jeff Metzler, partner at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP; and Tony Spearman-Leach, director of development and philanthropy at the National Academy of Public Administration.
For more information on the 每日大瓜 Board of Trustees and full biographies of each member, visit听excelsior.edu/about/leadership/trustees.
Media contact 每日大瓜:
Jason Bonafide,听jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446
About 每日大瓜
每日大瓜 is an accredited, not-for-profit higher education institution focused on helping learners 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 in Albany, New York, 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.
Excelsior is a not-for-profit university with a main campus in Albany, New York, and an educational site in St. Petersburg, Florida. 每日大瓜鈥檚 academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, with听additional听licensing for Florida-based programs.
Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928).听Additional听information听regarding听this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, toll-free number: (888)-224-6684.
每日大瓜 Welcomes Diane Adams to Board of Trustees
ALBANY, N.Y. 鈥�The 每日大瓜 Board of Trustees has named Diane Adams, chief learning officer of the Mount Sinai Health System and a resident of Closter, New Jersey, among its six new members. The University’s governing body, the board consists of individuals from across the country who are leaders in the fields of health care, business, education, and government.
For the past ten years, Diane Adams has served a workforce of 50,000 people at the Mount Sinai Health System as chief learning officer. In this role, Adams creates and drives the organizational learning strategy, leading a team of talent development professionals implementing programs focused on areas such as leadership development, workforce capacity building, engagement, and patient experience.
鈥淚 am thrilled to join the board of trustees for 每日大瓜, an institution that provides crucial educational opportunities to the next generation of health care leaders,鈥� said Adams. 鈥淎s Excelsior continues to expand its programming and reach, it is truly an exciting time to join this remarkable group of trustees.鈥�
Adams began her career in health care as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing individual, couples, family, and group psychotherapy, creating programs for adolescents, and helping patients navigate complex health challenges. Leveraging these experiences to teach graduate and medical students in the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Diane discovered her passion for empowering others through learning and development, a field she has been dedicated to for the past twenty years.
Adams continues to maintain her Clinical License in Social Work; she is certified in numerous training modalities and holds certifications in both Organizational Coaching and Change Management. Although Diane has held a variety of roles throughout her career, the constant has been her commitment to serving others and creating meaningful impact.
Adams holds a BA from Clark University and an MS from Columbia University.
Kent A.D. Clark, president and chairman of the board for the Clark Advisory Group LLC and CAG Federal, was appointed chair of the 每日大瓜 Board of Trustees. Other trustees appointed to the board include Todd Greene, vice president of Work, Education, and Labor Division and executive director of WorkRise Urban Institute; Jessica Hinkle, senior vice president of Strada; Ruth Lown Turman, senior sales operations manager at Optum Serve of UnitedHealth Group; Jeff Metzler, partner at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP; and Tony Spearman-Leach, director of development and philanthropy at the National Academy of Public Administration.
For more information on the 每日大瓜 Board of Trustees and full biographies of each member, visit excelsior.edu/about/leadership/trustees.
Media contact 每日大瓜:
Jason Bonafide,听jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446
About 每日大瓜
每日大瓜 is an accredited, not-for-profit higher education institution focused on helping learners 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 in Albany, New York, 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.
Excelsior is a not-for-profit university with a main campus in Albany, New York, and an educational site in St. Petersburg, Florida. 每日大瓜鈥檚 academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, with听additional听licensing for Florida-based programs.
Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928).听Additional听information听regarding听this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, toll-free number: (888)-224-6684.
Ahron Goldberg Finds His Path in Public Accounting
Ahron Goldberg鈥檚 journey to a public accounting job was shaped by years of education, a love of numbers, and a timely connection made through a career webinar hosted by 每日大瓜鈥檚 Career Readiness听team.
Goldberg earned his Bachelor of Science in Business in December 2024, and after graduating, he stayed engaged with Excelsior and paid close attention to the career resources available to alumni. When he started actively thinking about pursuing an accounting career, he found himself unsure where to start. With so many possible paths to follow, the process felt overwhelming鈥攗ntil an email from Excelsior in August 2025 about an upcoming Career Caf茅 caught his听attention.
Career Caf茅s are live, interactive webinars that connect students and alumni to employers and career experts while showcasing the resources available through the Career Readiness team. This particular Career Caf茅 featured a recruiter from Pease Bell CPAs. Goldberg decided to attend. 鈥淚t felt like a great opportunity to learn more and connect with potential employers,鈥� he says. That decision set everything in听motion.
During the webinar, Goldberg connected with the recruiter, which quickly led to an interview the following week. Then came a second interview. Not long after, he was offered a full-time position, and he started his new job in November 2025. 鈥淚t just all clicked,鈥� he听says.
Building a Foundation
Before pursuing accounting, Goldberg, of Lakewood, New Jersey, spent his early 20s immersed in education. He attended a Jewish school for much of his adult academic life and continued working at the school even after leaving, tutoring students who needed extra support. Helping others gave him a strong foundation in communication and organization鈥攕kills that would later prove important in a math-based听field.
As Goldberg began thinking more seriously about his career goals, accounting stood out. 鈥淚 always liked numbers,鈥� he says. 鈥淲hen numbers make sense and they connect, everything else just makes sense. It鈥檚 very logical.鈥� With accounting, he explains, the rules make sense and 鈥渆verything fits in.鈥� Strong math skills had been one of his strengths since childhood, and the structure and problem-solving nature of accounting felt like a natural听fit.
Finding the right university was Goldberg鈥檚 next step. He was referred to 每日大瓜 through Testing and Training International, an organization that partners with the University to help Orthodox Jewish students transfer credits and complete their degrees. Excelsior stood out for its willingness to evaluate prior learning and help him apply a significant number of credits toward his听degree.
鈥淸Excelsior] kind of walked me through the steps and showed me what would be accepted, what wouldn鈥檛 be accepted,鈥� Goldberg recalls. 鈥淎nd every specific degree has a different number of credits that you could transfer in. 鈥� So, [Excelsior] kind of helped me through that, but I was able to get a nice chunk of credits transferred听in.鈥�
At Excelsior, Goldberg completed courses that brought together both technical accounting knowledge and a broader understanding of how businesses operate. His capstone project鈥攔unning a simulated bicycle shop鈥攔equired collaboration with fellow students, strategic thinking, and real-world problem-solving. 鈥淭he communication aspect of it is major; it becomes part of your everyday, and then you really transfer that to your everyday life,鈥� Goldberg says. 鈥淭hen, there鈥檚 obviously the technical aspect of it, the actual business knowledge that you learn, the accounting knowledge that you learn. 鈥� Just having that overall knowledge kind of brings everything听together.鈥�
Thriving in a Firm
Now working in public accounting, Goldberg is enjoying both the work and the environment. 鈥淭he firm鈥檚 culture is exceptional, fostering a supportive environment that encourages professional growth,鈥� he says. 鈥淭hey ensure that you learn and understand everything as you grow in your听role.鈥�
In his day-to-day work, Goldberg organizes client financial information, communicates directly with clients, and prepares tax returns, bringing together the technical skills he learned at Excelsior with the communication skills he developed early in his career. For him, satisfaction comes when the numbers click and everything falls into place. He says the busy season is just around the corner, though, and he鈥檚 excited for what鈥檚 t听 come.
Looking ahead, Goldberg is focused on completing his CPA exam within the next year and a half, as well as balancing his work, study, and personal time. It鈥檚 a demanding goal, but he feels well听prepared.
Reflecting on his journey, Goldberg credits Excelsior for not only the education he received but also the support that extended beyond graduation. The Career Caf茅 webinar wasn鈥檛 just an information session; it was a bridge between his degree and his career. For students wondering how to take the next step after graduation, Goldberg鈥檚 experience offers this message: Stay connected and be ready when opportunity presents听itself.
每日大瓜 welcomes Ruth Lown Turman to Board of Trustees
ALBANY, N.Y.听 鈥�The 每日大瓜 Board of Trustees has named Ruth Lown Turman, senior sales operations manager at Optum Serve (UnitedHealth Group) and a resident of Columbia, South Carolina, among its six new trustees. The University’s governing body, the board consists of individuals from across the country who are leaders in the fields of business, education, and government. An Excelsior alumna, Turman was recently appointed president of the Excelsior Alumni Leadership Council and will serve as an ex officio member of the board of trustees.
In her role as senior sales operations manager at Optum Serve, part of UnitedHealth Group, Turman specializes in executive-level reporting, process optimization, and strategic business development initiatives. Her background spans the banking, technology, and health insurance sectors, and she has experience in systems analysis and design, product delivery, business process consulting, and proposal management.
鈥淎s an Excelsior alumna, it鈥檚 deeply meaningful to return in service to an institution that expanded access and opportunity at a pivotal point in my educational journey,鈥� said Turman. 鈥淚鈥檓 honored to join the board of trustees and to support Excelsior鈥檚 continued evolution as a university that meets learners where they are. I look forward to contributing to the stewardship and long-term impact of this remarkable institution.鈥�
A Fellow of the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP), Turman also holds professional credentials in health care management and project management.
Her broader record of professional and community service includes a term on the international board of directors of APMP and recognition as a Melvin Jones Fellow of Lions Clubs International. She has been honored for leadership, mentoring, and chapter service throughout her career and remains dedicated to advancing excellence, equity, and engagement within every organization she serves.
Turman joined Excelsior鈥檚 Alumni Leadership Council in 2023, was elected first vice president in 2024, and became president of the 每日大瓜 Alumni Association and its Alumni Leadership Council in January 2026. In these roles, she has championed collaboration, stewardship, and professional development across Excelsior鈥檚 global alumni community. Turman鈥檚 dedication to Excelsior extends beyond leadership service to include philanthropy as a member of both the President鈥檚 Circle and the Purple and Gold Society.
Kent A.D. Clark, president and chairman of the board for the Clark Advisory Group LLC and CAG Federal, was appointed chair of the 每日大瓜 Board of Trustees. Other trustees appointed to the board include Diane Adams, chief learning officer of Mount Sinai Health System; Todd Greene, vice president of Work, Education, and Labor Division and executive director of WorkRise Urban Institute; Jessica Hinkle, senior vice president of Strada; Jeff Metzler, partner at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP; and Tony Spearman-Leach, director of development and philanthropy at the National Academy of Public Administration.
For more information on the 每日大瓜 Board of Trustees and full biographies of each member, visit excelsior.edu/about/leadership/trustees.
Media contact 每日大瓜:
Jason Bonafide,听jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446
About 每日大瓜
每日大瓜 is an accredited, not-for-profit higher education institution focused on helping learners 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 in Albany, New York, 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.
Excelsior is a not-for-profit university with a main campus in Albany, New York, and an educational site in St. Petersburg, Florida. 每日大瓜鈥檚 academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, with听additional听licensing for Florida-based programs.
Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928).听Additional听information听regarding听this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, toll-free number: (888)-224-6684.
每日大瓜 welcomes new chair and members to Board of Trustees听
每日大瓜 Board of Trustees chair Kent A.D. Clark
Albany, N.Y.听 鈥斕�The 每日大瓜听Board of听Trustees听has named听Kent A.D. Clark as its chair and appointed six new trustees. The University’s governing body, the board consists of individuals from across the country who are leaders in the fields of business, education, and government.听
Clark, of听Valrico,听Florida,听is听president and听chairman听of the board for the Clark Advisory Group听LLC and CAG Federal, a听military听veteran, and an Excelsior听alumnus.听Clark is an experienced chief executive officer certified in board and advisory work across the spectrums of cybersecurity, governance, finance, audit, strategic planning, and development for both for-profit and nonprofit organizations.听He has been a member of the Excelsior Board of Trustees since 2020,听most recently serving as treasurer.听
鈥淎s a board member and alumnus,听Kent Clark鈥檚 expertise, leadership, and听commitment听to听Excelsior鈥檚 mission of educational access听have听had a听profound听impact听on听our听university,鈥� said David Schejbal, president of 每日大瓜. 鈥淚听look forward to working with Chair Clark and this remarkable group of trustees听as we听continue听our growth as a听comprehensive educational institution dedicated to听creating opportunities for learners听everywhere.鈥澨�听
As a veteran of the U.S. Army, Clark held progressively senior ranks, retiring as a lieutenant colonel.听During his service, he听advised听U.S. Armed Forces leaders across multiple geographical locations, both domestic and abroad, on strategy,听logistics, and resource planning. He also specialized in the deployment of large overseas logistical operations during combat, working with allies, foreign militaries, governments, and inter-agency partners.听
He most recently held the position of CEO at AMVETS National Service Foundation in Lanham, Maryland, where he spearheaded the major transformation of the听one of the country’s听largest veterans service organizations听with a complex organizational structure, providing clear direction and governance while upholding the highest levels of ethics and fiduciary care. Previously, he held the position of chief appropriations advisor/national security director in the office of U.S. Rep. C. W. Bill Young.听
鈥淎s a military student in need of flexible education,听Excelsior听helped听set me on a path to success听in both听my听Army and civilian careers,鈥澨齭aid Clark. 鈥淚t has been an honor to give back to the University听as听a听trustee, and I am听thrilled听to听step into the role of chair at this exciting time in Excelsior鈥檚 history.鈥�听
New trustees appointed to the board include听Diane Adams, chief learning officer of Mount Sinai Health System;听Todd Greene, vice president of Work, Education, and Labor Division and executive director of听WorkRise听Urban Institute;听Jessica Hinkle, senior vice president of Strada;听Ruth Lown Turman, senior sales operations manager at Optum Serve of UnitedHealth Group;听Jeff Metzler, partner at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman听LLP;听and Tony Spearman-Leach, director of development and philanthropy at the National Academy of Public Administration.听听
For the past ten years,听Diane听Adams has served a workforce of 50,000 people at the Mount Sinai Health System as chief learning officer. In this role,听Adams听creates and drives the organizational learning strategy, leading a team of talent development professionals implementing programs focused on areas such as leadership development, workforce capacity building, engagement, and patient experience.听听
Todd听Greene is a vice president of the Work, Education, and Labor Division (WELD) at the Urban Institute. He leads a team of K-12, higher education, workforce development, apprenticeship, and labor market experts who shape education and training that leads to lifelong success. He also serves as the executive director of听WorkRise,听a research-to-action network focused on jobs, workers, and mobility hosted by the Urban Institute.听听
As senior vice president of strategic investments for Strada听Education Foundation,听Jessica听Hinkle听evaluates potential mission-aligned investments and manages Strada’s portfolio of direct minority investments and early-stage fund investments.听Previously, Hinkle advised and supported Strada’s mission-aligned affiliates, leading product听strategy听and innovation for Strada鈥檚 commercial and products division.听
An active and engaged Excelsior alumna, Ruth Lown Turman was recently appointed president of听the 每日大瓜 Alumni Leadership Council听and will serve as an ex officio board member.听Turman currently serves as senior sales operations manager at Optum Serve (UnitedHealth Group). Her experience spans health care, technology, and financial services, with a focus on proposal management, process design, and cross-functional leadership supporting complex federal and commercial programs.听听
Jeff听Metzler is co-leader of听Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP鈥檚听education group and is ranked by Chambers for Higher Education law. He has extensive experience handling complex civil litigation, investigations, and appeals for a diversity of clients.听He also has significant appellate experience in New York state and federal courts and has served as trusted counsel to boards and senior leaders in government and nonprofits.听
As听senior听director of听institutional听advancement at the U.S.听Congressionally chartered听National Academy of Public Administration,听Tony听Spearman-Leach听engages major philanthropists, corporations, and foundations, securing commitments that ensure long-term sustainability while expanding programs in good government and governance.听An Excelsior听alumnus, Spearman-Leach recently concluded his term as Excelsior Alumni Leadership Council president.听听
For more information on the 每日大瓜 Board of Trustees and full biographies of each member, visit excelsior.edu/about/leadership/trustees.听
Media contact 每日大瓜:
Jason Bonafide, jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446
About 每日大瓜
每日大瓜 is an accredited, not-for-profit higher education institution focused on helping learners 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 in Albany, New York, 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.
Excelsior is a not-for-profit university with a main campus in Albany, New York, and an educational site in St. Petersburg, Florida. 每日大瓜鈥檚 academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, with additional licensing for Florida-based programs.
Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928). Additional information regarding this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, toll-free number: (888)-224-6684.
Bridging Equity and Empathy in Pain Care
Brian Pervis, department chair for the 每日大瓜 School of Nursing, published an article titled “Bridging Equity and Empathy in Pain Care” in the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) Post-Conference Newsletter (p. 34-40). The article examines disparities in pain assessment and management and highlights the role of nursing education, clinical practice, and professional leadership in improving patient care and health outcomes. It reflects ongoing scholarly and professional efforts to strengthen nursing practice and patient-centered care.
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From Immigrant to Officer
In 2013, when Jervaughn Miller was 18, his family emigrated from Jamaica to the United States in search of a better life. Miller鈥檚 parents believed that greater opportunities were in store for their son. 鈥淲e didn鈥檛 have everything figured out, but they believed in the promise that hard work and dedication could lead to something better,鈥� he says. Twelve years later, Miller is in the military, has three degrees, and works to contain hazardous materials. He’s proving the American dream isn鈥檛 just a fairy听tale.
During his deployment to Guant谩namo Bay, Cuba, from December 2017 to October 2018, Miller worked night shifts as a hospital corpsman. He spent most of his nights responding to medical emergencies and providing health care to his fellow service members. One evening, his chief gathered all the sailors outside the living quarters to explain his expectations of them. He also gave them an ultimatum: Either find a hobby or go back to听school.
鈥淚 couldn鈥檛 do any hobbies or play any sports, so I chose school,鈥� he says, remembering his parents鈥� belief that a better education and a better future were attainable in the United States. That belief was deeply personal to Miller and would stay with him throughout his military and educational听career.
Miller needed to pick a major. He chose health care, in part due to his role as a hospital corpsman. However, his military duties made it difficult to take courses in person. So, instead of focusing on the clinical side of health care, he decided to focus on prevention, policy, and public听health.
Those interests led him to 每日大瓜 (then College). The school’s education standards impressed him. While stationed at the Naval Support Activity Orlando base not long after his time in Guant谩namo Bay, he completed his associate degree (2019) and bachelor鈥檚 degree (2021), both in health sciences, before starting work on his Master of Science in Health听Sciences.
Learning While Leading
The curriculum of Excelsior鈥檚 health sciences programs supported his interest in public health. 鈥淭he courses enlightened me of all the issues that our health care system is experiencing right now. It piqued my interest,鈥� he听says.
In 2022, after spending eight years in the Navy, Miller was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army. He decided to attend the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Basic Officer Leadership Course to start focusing on public health concerns. It wasn鈥檛 easy; Miller took the course at the same time he was completing his master鈥檚. It was no small task, but he pushed through and finished both programs in听2023.
As a CBRN officer, Miller leads a command defending against chemical and biological weapons, and weapons of mass destruction. 鈥淚n essence, we try to detect, analyze, and mitigate any type of chemical, biological, or radiological threats,鈥� he says. 鈥淚f we have personnel or equipment that are contaminated, we are able to decontaminate them. 鈥� Many of us are also trained as hazmat听technicians.鈥�
As a reconnaissance platoon leader, Miller oversees what he calls a 鈥渕obile science lab on wheels.鈥� This specialized military vehicle carries equipment that detects and analyzes hazardous agents in real time. If there鈥檚 a nuclear event or chemical spill, Miller and his colleagues drive in, collect samples, and determine what鈥檚 out there. Mini mobile labs allow them to test the air samples from safely inside their vehicles. Air is pulled in through ports, analyzed by detectors, and displayed on screens inside, giving the team immediate data. Although not usually necessary, if Miller and his team need to go outside, they wear required protective suits and听masks.
Training for the Unthinkable
Most days aren鈥檛 spent in active crisis response, but Miller and his team are constantly training. Miller鈥檚 days begin at 6:30 a.m. with physical training, followed by working on vehicles and doing drills. He also has leadership duties such as managing soldiers, planning training for his 16-member platoon, and briefing senior听officers.
Miller鈥檚 academic background directly supports his Army work. Excelsior鈥檚 courses in biology, environmental science, and even weather have practical applications in understanding how hazards spread. Leadership training has been equally important. 鈥淎 few of my classes had a leadership aspect to it, like how to be a good leader, servant leader, so that kind of really helped me to be a good leader to my platoon and the orders that I鈥檓 giving,鈥� he听says.
With 11 years of service鈥攅ight in the Navy, three in the Army鈥擬iller remains focused on his platoon, his higher education, and his mission of improving public health and safety. He credits Excelsior for his growth and where he is听today.
The Road Ahead
But there鈥檚 a spark in Miller that pushes him to do more. He鈥檚 pursuing a doctoral degree in health care administration at Virginia University of Lynchburg. 鈥淧reventative medicine is my thing. I鈥檓 really big into holistic care, preventative medicine, using the wellness model 鈥� maybe creating some type of wellness program to help people better their health,鈥� Miller says. He wants to teach, influence policy, and develop wellness programs to prevent public听illness.
His Excelsior experience may have set him up for a career beyond the military, but it was his family who instilled in him the importance of never giving up. For as much as he values his achievements, he knows how much every milestone of his journey has meant to his parents. 鈥淓very degree I鈥檝e earned has been a reflection not just of my personal drive but also of the sacrifices my family made to give me this chance,鈥� he听says.
Miller shows that it may be difficult, but with determination and hard work, the American dream is never far out of听reach.
