Jeremy Glasstetter Hired to Lead Veterans’ Center at Excelsior College

Jeremy Glasstetter Hired to Lead Veterans’ Center at Excelsior College

By Mike Lesczinski, Excelsior Life News Staff--

The Center for Military Education (CME) at Excelsior College today announced the hiring of Jeremy Glasstetter to lead the College’s Lt. Col. Bryant A. Murray Veterans Center, an online, array of services to meet the needs of former members of America’s armed forces. Glasstetter, a U.S. Army veteran of both Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and Operation Iraqi Freedom, served previously as a military & veterans program advisor for Baker College (Michigan).

[AUDIO: Glasstetter discusses higher education transition challenges for returning veterans]

The Center offers resources and support for both academic and life needs to the more than 4,000 veterans currently enrolled in the college. Working within the Center for Military Education, Glasstetter will develop and advance services available to veterans, promote increased use of veteran benefits, enhance communication to veterans and related organizations, serve as an advocate for veterans issues, and work toward unit and college strategic planning goals related to the center.

“Jeremy served our country with distinction on two fronts and has dedicated his post-military career to helping his fellow servicemembers transition back to the civilian world,” said Sue Dewan, executive director of the Center for Military Education at Excelsior, which in addition to its veterans population, also counts more than 10,000 active duty military personnel among its 36,000 currently enrolled students. “His experience and commitment to nontraditional higher education for adults and, more specifically, military service members and veterans, make him a valuable addition to Excelsior. We are thrilled to have him on board.”

Raised in Flint, Michigan, Glasstetter enlisted in the U.S. Army as an avionics, armament, electrician and helicopter mechanic less than one month after the attacks on September 11th. In 2004, he proudly deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2007, he deployed once again, this time to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Honorably discharged from activity duty, he returned home to serve in the Michigan National Guard and began his studies at the University of Michigan-Flint.

While at UM, Glasstetter founded the Student Veterans of America – Flint Chapter (SVA-FC); eventually he was elected the 3rd President of the national organization. During his undergraduate studies Glasstetter also helped orchestrate, with the help of the University of Michigan Board of Regents and others, the creation of the university’s first Student Veterans Resource Center. One of the few in the nation at that time, the center offered returning military veterans a place to work and congregate during their transition home.

In August 2011, Jeremy graduated with his Bachelors of Business Administration Degree from the University of Michigan and in May, 2013 will earn his Masters of Business Administration in Leadership degree from Baker College Center for Graduate Studies.

Jeremy, married with a young son, resides in Clifton Park, NY.

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Excelsior College Poll: Research Shows Higher Education Top Priority For Servicemembers

Excelsior College Poll: Research Shows Higher Education Top Priority For Servicemembers

ALBANY, N.Y. (February 27, 2013) — The Patriot Poll, an online survey conducted by the Excelsior College Polling Institute, reveals strong interest among active duty military personnel in pursuing higher education during their transition to civilian life, as well as a desire for flexible options and online learning solutions to complete their degrees.

Results of the Patriot Poll research findings were presented by Excelsior College at the Council of College and Military Educators Annual Symposium, in San Diego, Calif., on February 27, 2013.

The 678 respondents nationwide were loud and clear about the importance of a college degree to success in a post-military career. Nearly nine in ten (88.4 percent) believe that earning a degree was very or somewhat important to their future success. In addition, 43.4 percent believe that salary levels are higher for persons with a college degree.

The majority of participants (75.4 percent) were aware that military job training can be accepted as college credit, an important consideration in planning a degree path as a civilian. More than half of the respondents intend to work while they attend college after military life. Equal amounts, 28.7 percent, stated that they plan to study either full- or part-time while working either full-or part-time. Only 16.6 percent had plans to attend school full-time and not work while doing so.

An “online four-year school” was of most interest to one-fifth of all Patriot Poll respondents (19.4 percent). About one-third preferred a four-year public school (33.7 percent), a community college (20.8 percent), or a four-year private school (13.4 percent).

Regardless of the preferred institution, however, 81 percent expressed interest in online programs that allow students to study at their own pace and take exams when they are ready.

Regarding the use of text books, 37 percent of respondents said they preferred “E-Books” sent electronically to their own devices or computers versus printed & bound text books. Only 17 percent had no preference, 28.5 percent preferred traditional text books and 12.5 percent said they would opt for whichever is less expensive.

In terms of choosing a college, 59.4 percent cited financial considerations the most important criteria. Financial aid was ranked second, at 48.8 percent. However, only half (49.4 percent) indicated they were aware of Veterans education benefits and planned to use them. A full one-fifth (20.6 percent) of respondents said they were either unsure of or did not know how to use these benefits.

Three-quarters of those surveyed indicated support from relatives or their spouse in degree planning and school decision making was “very” (33.7 percent) or “somewhat” (39.9 percent) important.

The Patriot Poll reported the most popular fields of study among service members include business/management (19.4 percent), medicine/healthcare (18.3 percent), criminal justice/law/security (15.2 percent), computer science/IT (13.4 percent), science (7.8 percent) and engineering (5.7 percent).

About the Patriot Poll
The Patriot Poll was conducted by Excelsior College which focuses on military issues and higher education. For full results, including crosstabs: http://bit.ly/PatriotPoll

Research Methodology
The Patriot Poll surveyed 678 active duty servicemen and women. Participants have either earned a degree and plan another; are enrolled in a college degree program; or are interested in a degree but have not yet enrolled. The poll was conducted November 18-22, 2012. Participants completed an online survey. The poll has a +/- four percent margin of error at a 95 percent confidence level.

About Excelsior College
Excelsior College is a regionally accredited, nonprofit distance learning institution that focuses on removing obstacles to the educational goals of adult learners. Approximately 31 percent of Excelsior’s students are active-duty or reserve military personnel. Founded in 1971 and located in Albany, NY, Excelsior offers more efficient and affordable access to degree completion through multiple avenues: its own online courses and college-level proficiency examinations, and the acceptance in transfer of credit from other colleges and universities as well as recognized corporate and military training programs. Excelsior College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

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Excelsior College Launches Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship Program

Excelsior College Launches Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship Program

Albany, New York (March 5, 2013) – Excelsior College today announced a new scholarship program for Phi Theta Kappa members transferring from a college academic partner.

Two scholarships will be awarded annually under the new program. A regional scholarship will be awarded to an enrolling student residing within New York State, and a second to a national recipient residing outside state boundaries.

Each recipient will be awarded $1,000, which may be applied to Excelsior College tuition and fees only. This scholarship is in addition to our preferential partnership pricing.

“This scholarship provides another unique opportunity to our community college transfer students,” said Lisa LaVigna, executive director for Outreach and Access at Excelsior College. “We recognize the outstanding academic achievement of Phi Theta Kappa students, and we want to acknowledge and reward them for their commitment to their education. Phi Theta Kappa is widely known and respected. By partnering with them, we are able to increase educational opportunities for students transferring from our community college partner institutions.”

Established in 1918, the mission of Phi Theta Kappa is to recognize and encourage scholarship among two-year college students.

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Excelsior Announces “We’ve Got Your Back Scholarship” and Additional Steps to Reduce Impact of Military Tuition Assistance (TA) Suspension

Excelsior Announces “We’ve Got Your Back Scholarship” and Additional Steps to Reduce Impact of Military Tuition Assistance (TA) Suspension

Albany, New York (March 19, 2013) – In response to the suspension of Military Tuition Assistance (TA) due to the Federal Sequester, Excelsior College today announced a range of steps it has taken to support current and future active duty students, including a “We’ve Got Your Back Scholarship.”

Excelsior will award a “We’ve Got Your Back Scholarship” of $75 per credit to enrolled military students to reduce out-of-pocket costs they will face under suspension of TA. The College, which counts more than 10,000 active duty military among its more than 36,000 students, will also waive the enrollment fee for active duty military now through June 30, 2013 or until TA is restored.

Excelsior is also recommending that current and future students apply for Federal Student Aid by filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and to speak with one of its military advisors to explore the VA Benefits to which a servicemember may be entitled. Excelsior is also streamlining the process by allowing military personnel to register for courses while they apply to the VA for a Certificate of Eligibility.

“We know time and out-of-pocket expenses are a huge concern to our military students,” said Susan Dewan, executive director of the Center for Military Education at Excelsior College. “Excelsior has a proud tradition of serving the military and we are committed to helping lessen the financial impact the cuts in TA will have on servicemembers. Through the waiver, scholarship and additional financial aid options we are making it possible for our military students to continue to pursue their degree.”

For more than forty years, Excelsior’s credit transfer acceptance policy, including credit by examination, and recognized military training, has accelerated the degree pathway for more than 40,000 active duty and veteran personnel who have earned a degree from Excelsior. This and the personal service it provides to military students are two of the many reasons Excelsior has consistently been ranked among the top military-friendly schools in the country by Military Advanced Education, G.I. Jobs, and Military Times.

For more information on Excelsior College’s response to the Military Tuition Assistance suspension due to Sequester, visit http://www.excelsior.edu/ExcelsiorLife.
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Excelsior
Excelsior College http://www.excelsior.edu is a regionally accredited, nonprofit distance learning institution that focuses on removing obstacles to the educational goals of adult learners. Founded in 1971 and located in Albany, NY, Excelsior is a proven leader in the assessment and validation of student knowledge. It offers more efficient and affordable access to degree completion through multiple avenues: its own online courses and college-level proficiency examinations, and the acceptance in transfer of credit from other colleges and universities as well as recognized corporate and military training programs. Excelsior College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

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Excelsior College Students’ Median Debt is Substantially Less Than The National Average

Excelsior College Students’ Median Debt is Substantially Less Than The National Average

By Alicia Jacobs, Excelsior Life Staff—

Finances can be a roadblock to many things in life, and education is no exception. With student debt eclipsing one trillion dollars (and one in five households holding a balance on their student loans), issues surrounding higher education affordability and access are once again front and center in the national discussion.

On the bright side, nontraditional students may have an advantage says Christina Roarke, Excelsior College’s assistant director of financial aid.

“On average, online education costs are less than traditional brick and mortar education,” says Roarke. “Online education allows students to continue working while pursuing their degree, reduce travel expenses, and cut the cost of campus living.”

Students at Excelsior College are a prime example. As a comparison, median debt at Excelsior College is $9,600 per student, well below the national average of $26,000 per student borrower. One of the main factors for Excelsior’s lower debt burden is a result of its liberal transfer policy and alternative pathways to degree completion, including credit by examination.

Reducing debt begins with college choice. Roarke suggests those looking to attend or return to school review the websites of prospective colleges and universities to identify potential scholarships, grant programs, and partnership discounts. Some employers also offer employee reimbursement or tuition discounts. Students should check whether either of these options fit their particular situation.

The next step is completing key federal and state applications for aid. Students can determine their eligibility for federal grant funding and direct student loans by filling out a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Timing is critical, with student aid applications considered on a first-come, first-served basis (with some types of aid). New York residents who have lived in the state for at least, one year are encouraged to file an application for state aid through NYSTAP.

After applying for federal, state and institutional aid, students should review their loan offers carefully and only borrow what they need to cover costs less other sources of aid.

“It is important for students to review their expected (estimated) student loan needs for the entire duration of their education so they can estimate how much they will be paying back when they graduate,” Roarke says. “The Department of Education has some great resources for students to help them plan long term. Students can go to www.studentaid.ed.gov for answers to questions that range from: How do I prepare for college? To: How do I manage my loans?”

Doing your homework on financing is fundamental to the college search process. Many financial literacy tools are available to assist students with borrowing responsibly. For example, Excelsior College offers extensive resources on financial aid options, responsible borrowing, and financing education.

Another popular tool when conducting financial comparisons is the Net Price Calculator.

Created by the College Board, the calculator helps students determine the full cost to attend a specific college, less any grants and scholarships for which students may be eligible. "Full cost" includes direct charges (tuition and fees, room and board) and indirect costs (books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses).

Finally, Roarke reminds students that the Financial Aid Office should always be viewed as a resource and never a roadblock.

“We are here to help students through the entire process,” says Roarke. “We are acutely aware of how financial aid impacts students ability to persist and graduate. Because of that, we work hard to ensure that students understand their options as well the process and provide them with as much information as possible so that they can make informed decisions about their education.”

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Excelsior College Launches Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship Program

Excelsior College Launches Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship Program

Albany, New York (March 5, 2013) – Excelsior College today announced a new scholarship program for Phi Theta Kappa members transferring from a college academic partner.

Two scholarships will be awarded annually under the new program. A regional scholarship will be awarded to an enrolling student residing within New York State, and a second to a national recipient residing outside state boundaries.

Each recipient will be awarded $1,000, which may be applied to Excelsior College tuition and fees only. This scholarship is in addition to our preferential partnership pricing.

“This scholarship provides another unique opportunity to our community college transfer students,” said Lisa LaVigna, executive director for Outreach and Access at Excelsior College. “We recognize the outstanding academic achievement of Phi Theta Kappa students, and we want to acknowledge and reward them for their commitment to their education. Phi Theta Kappa is widely known and respected. By partnering with them, we are able to increase educational opportunities for students transferring from our community college partner institutions.”

Established in 1918, the mission of Phi Theta Kappa is to recognize and encourage scholarship among two-year college students.

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Excelsior Responds to Military Tuition Assistance Sequester Cuts

Excelsior Responds to Military Tuition Assistance Sequester Cuts

By Mike Lesczinski, Excelsior Life News Staff--

Earlier this week, the Marine Corps suspended tuition assistance (TA) for its members due to federal sequestration. On Friday, March 8, the Army announced they would follow suit, suspending TA benefits effective 5 pm eastern.

Excelsior College counts 5,613 active Army and 200 Marines among its more than 10,000 active duty enrolled military personnel. Today the accredited distance learning institution responded to the suspension of TA for active duty personnel.

In the video below, Tom Dalton, assistant vice president of Enrollment Management at Excelsior College, outlines different financing options for current and prospective students of all branches of the military.
Among the items discussed include:

• Utilizing Post 9/11 Veteran Education Benefits
• Submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Contacting Excelsior’s advisors and admissions counselors to discuss options

For more information, current and prospective students are encouraged to visit Excelsior’s dedicated page to this issue.

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Agreement between RCNET, Excelsior College Set to Fill Nuclear Industry Leadership Void

Agreement between RCNET, Excelsior College Set to Fill Nuclear Industry Leadership Void

By Mike Lesczinski, Excelsior Life News Staff--

Excelsior College and the Regional Center for Nuclear Education and Training (RCNET) today announced a new educational partnership aimed at developing the next generation of nuclear industry leaders. The RCNET is comprised of 37 community colleges that follow the Nuclear Uniform Curriculum Program (NUCP), a framework for educating and developing operators and technicians for nuclear power plants.

Under the educational agreement, graduates of these associate degree programs will be able to pursue, at a reduced cost, a bachelor’s degree from Excelsior’s accredited program in nuclear engineering technology or other technical areas. A four-year degree is widely considered preferred path for leadership positions within most nuclear facilities.
Currently, there are 1,368 students enrolled in RCNET programs eligible under this agreement.

“The looming workforce shortage in the nuclear industry affects all levels including leadership. This partnership between Excelsior and RCNET helps address this leadership void by providing technicians affordable, doable pathways to advanced degrees and leadership training,” said Kevin Cooper, director of the Regional Center for Nuclear Education and Training.

“Just as the NUCP has created a pipeline of nuclear technicians, this agreement between Excelsior and RCNET will help produce seasoned nuclear leaders capable of navigating the industry through the many challenges that lie ahead,” said Dr. Jane LeClair, dean of Excelsior College’s School of Business and Technology.

With 39 percent of the nuclear workforce eligible for retirement by 2016, the nuclear industry launched NUCP in 2007, a standardized educational program for operators and technicians in nuclear facilities.

RCNET, the first of its kind in the nation, was established at Indian River State College in 2012 through a $3.1 million National Science Foundation (NSF) Advanced Technological Education (ATE) grant. Acting as a centralized resource, RCNET will provide curriculum, training for faculty and staff and facilitate communication and collaboration across the nuclear industry, colleges and universities.

Excelsior College, a private, nonprofit distance learning institution in Albany, New York was founded in 1971. It is comprised of four schools: Business and Technology, Health Sciences, Liberal Arts and Nursing. Excelsior's Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202, 410-347-7700; www.abet.org, ABET is a specialized accrediting agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

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New Bachelor of Science in Military Studies Offered by Excelsior College

New Bachelor of Science in Military Studies Offered by Excelsior College Source: Press Release

Albany, New York (December 17, 2012) – Excelsior College, a private nonprofit distance learning institution in Albany, New York, today announced a new Bachelor of Science in Military Studies degree geared toward active-duty personnel and veterans. Excelsior, which has a four-decade long history of serving the military community, currently counts more than 14,000 active duty or veterans among its 37,000 enrolled students.

The new Military Studies degree program will expose students to relevant theories of leadership and their application to military operations. The program challenges students’ ability to identify tactical and strategic leadership qualities.

“The BS in Military Studies will explore the application of military knowledge within the global geopolitical environment and challenge students to think critically, improve decision-making and become agile and adaptive leaders,” said Dr. Scott Dalrymple, dean of Excelsior College’s School of Liberal Arts.

As with all of Excelsior’s bachelor’s programs, students will need to complete 120 degree credits. The core requirements for the major include courses in military history, world politics, international relations, leadership, contemporary tactics, and an advanced capstone course.

Students select an area of emphasis with the help of an academic advisor. Choices include Military History and Politics, Organizational Culture, Foreign Language and Culture, and National Security Analysis.

"We expect this major to be popular with those who are serving or have served in the military," says Dalrymple, "largely because 50% of the major can be satisfied by college-level coursework taken through military training programs. It is possible that many military students may have already met a significant amount of the requirements for this major before they enroll at Excelsior."

Excelsior’s military credentials include:

Military Advanced Education has recognized Excelsior as one of the top 20 colleges serving the U.S. military five years in a row. G.I. Jobs has named Excelsior a top military-friendly school the past four years.Excelsior's course, "Success Strategies for Military and Veterans" earned the 2010-2011 Innovation Award from the Center for Transforming Student Services (CENTSS). The course provides college and career orientation to veterans and military members and teaches transition strategies for those entering the civilian workforce after a military career.Excelsior is a recipient of the Council of College and Military Educators' (CCME) Institutional Award.Excelsior's military academic advising team includes veterans who are uniquely attuned to the unique needs of military students, veterans and their spouses.CME Executive Director Susan Dewan is the recipient of the 2011 William E. Kennedy Award from the Council of College and Military Educators (CCME), which recognizes leadership in providing higher education programs to personnel at U.S. military installations.Excelsior President Ebersole is a U.S. Coast Guard veteran who served in Vietnam and received the Secretary of the Army Public Service Award in 2010 for his leadership in contributing to the Army's educational mission.

Students interested in pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Military Studies degree, may call Excelsior College Admissions at 888-647-2388 Ext. 22.

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FBI, InfraGard (Albany Chapter), and Excelsior College to Hold Briefing for Capital Region News Media on Cyber Security Issues

FBI, InfraGard (Albany Chapter), and Excelsior College to Hold Briefing for Capital Region News Media on Cyber Security Issues

Excelsior College, in collaboration with the FBI and InfraGuard, will host an information session for news media in an effort to increase awareness of the need to protect personal and corporate, public and private information that relies upon electronic (cyber) storage and dissemination.

Data Privacy Day is led by the National Cyber Security Alliance, a non-profit, public/private partnership focused on cyber security education for all online citizens.

What: Cybersecurity Briefing for News Media in recognition of Data Privacy Day
Where: Excelsior College, 7 Columbia Circle, Albany, New York 12203
When: Monday, January 28, 2013; 2 pm – 3 pm

Contact Mike Lesczinski, Excelsior College's public relations manager at MLesczinski@Excelsior.edu for more information. Limited seating.

Program Outline:

I. Excelsior College
a. Growth in cyber activity past 5-10 years
b. National dependency on cyber world for personal & commercial information storage and communication
c. Growing need for trained cyber security professionals
II. FBI
a. Growth in cyber threats
b. Role of FBI in protecting the nation’s cyber infrastructure
c. Nature of domestic and international cyber threats
d. Why should individuals and companies be concerned
III. InfraGard
1. What is InfraGard
2. Nature of its programs and role in protecting the nation’s cyber infrastructure
IV. Open Forum

InfraGard
InfraGard is an information sharing and analysis effort serving the interests and combining the knowledge base of a wide range of members. At its most basic level, InfraGard is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the private sector. InfraGard is an association of businesses, academic institutions, state and local law enforcement agencies, and other participants dedicated to sharing information and intelligence to prevent hostile acts against the United States.
http://www.infragardalbany.org/

Excelsior
Excelsior College http://www.excelsior.edu is a regionally accredited, nonprofit distance learning institution that focuses on removing obstacles to the educational goals of adult learners. Founded in 1971 and located in Albany, NY, Excelsior is a proven leader in the assessment and validation of student knowledge. It offers more efficient and affordable access to degree completion through multiple avenues: its own online courses and college-level proficiency examinations, and the acceptance in transfer of credit from other colleges and universities as well as recognized corporate and military training programs. Excelsior College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education

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Excelsior Honored as “Top Military Friendly School” Fifth Straight Year by Military Advanced Education

Excelsior Honored as “Top Military Friendly School” Fifth Straight Year by Military Advanced Education

By Mike Lesczinski, Excelsior Life News Staff—

For the fifth straight year, Excelsior College, America’s largest and oldest nonprofit distance learning institution, has been bestowed the title of “top-military friendly college” by Military Advanced Education.

Excelsior College knows a thing or two about the unique needs of America’s military and veteran communities. Among the more than 37,000 currently enrolled students, over 14,000 count themselves as active-duty or of veteran status. And of the more than 5,200 Excelsior graduates in the 2011-2012 academic year 34 percent were members of the U.S. military.

“Since our founding Excelsior has been committed to the needs of veterans and all military personnel, and helping each achieve the dream of a college education,” Sue Dewan, executive director for Excelsior’s Center for Military Education. “This recognition is not an honor we take lightly.”

To earn the distinction, schools are rated on a distinct set of criteria, including tuition, scholarship and financial aid programs, advising excellence, presence on military installations, as well as acceptance of transfer credit, credit by exam and American Council on Education (ACE)-recognized military training. In addition, schools must meet specific standards on veteran support services, faculty training on veteran-specific issues, and mentorship programs, among others

“Excelsior’s Center for Military Education has launched a series of new initiatives in the past year, including a webinar series geared directly towards veterans and an online veterans’ center with vet to vet mentorship opportunities,” said Dewan. “We will continue to expand our services and meet the needs of our veteran and military communities.”

Excelsior College's other education credentials include:

• G.I. Jobs has named Excelsior a top military-friendly school the past four years.
• Excelsior's course, "Success Strategies for Military and Veterans" earned the 2010-2011 Innovation Award from the Center for Transforming Student Services (CENTSS). The course provides college and career orientation to veterans and military members and teaches transition strategies for those entering the civilian workforce after a military career.
• Excelsior is a recipient of the Council of College and Military Educators' (CCME) Institutional Award.
• Excelsior's military academic advising team includes veterans who are uniquely attuned to the unique needs of military students, veterans and their spouses.
• CME Executive Director Susan Dewan is the recipient of the 2011 William E. Kennedy Award from the Council of College and Military Educators (CCME), which recognizes leadership in providing higher education programs to personnel at U.S. military installations.
• Excelsior President Ebersole is a U.S. Coast Guard veteran who served in Vietnam and received the Secretary of the Army Public Service Award in 2010 for his leadership in contributing to the Army's educational mission.

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Department of Arizona, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Partners with Excelsior College to Provide Pathway to College Degree

Albany, New York (January 14, 2013) – The Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Arizona has signed an education agreement with Excelsior College that will allow VFW members and their spouses/domestic partners to pursue undergraduate or graduate degrees for reduced tuition and fees.

The new statewide partnership builds toward a national VFW objective aimed at drawing younger veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan seeking educational opportunity.

“The state of Arizona VFW is very proud to have entered into this partnership with Excelsior College,” said State Commander Michael Ferguson, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Arizona. “This is another example on how the VFW is looking to reach out to all veterans, especially our younger vets just getting out of the military. We’re hoping they will take advantage of this opportunity to earn a degree and advance their skills. We believe our veterans and their spouses have earned it for their sacrifice.”

“Since our founding more than four decades ago, Excelsior has strived to serve the military and veterans communities both at home and abroad,” said Excelsior College President John F. Ebersole. “Arizona is home to more than a half-million veterans, with more coming home soon enough, as drawdowns continue and more of our brave servicemembers return from battle. This partnership will help to provide a pathway for these returning men and women to seek out a higher education.”

Arizona is home to approximately 557,000 veterans with the number expected to grow as servicemembers return to Arizona from overseas missions over the coming years. The Department of Arizona VFW currently counts 25,560 members among its 77 posts.

Excelsior, a regionally accredited nonprofit distance learning college based in Albany, New York, has a long and successful history serving the veteran community that began with its founding in 1971. In addition to broad online programming, Excelsior is also home to Excelsior College® Examinations, an extensive credit-by-examination program that provides an additional pathway to affordable degree completion.

Among the more than 37,000 currently enrolled students, over 14,000 count themselves as active-duty or of veteran status. And of the more than 5,200 Excelsior graduates in the 2011-2012 academic year, 34 percent were members of the U.S. military.

The College offers an extensive range of academic support programs and services tailored to veterans, including career counseling, financial counseling on veteran benefits, and an online veteran center with vet to vet mentorship. Many financial aid and academic advisors are veterans themselves.

In addition, Excelsior accepts prior military training in the form of academic transfer credit based on recommendations from the American Council on Education's Military Evaluations Program. Each year, Excelsior accepts approximately 50,000 military training program credits toward completion of undergraduate degree programs.

Under the agreement, veterans may enroll in degree programs from any of Excelsior’s schools: Business and Technology, Health Sciences, Liberal Arts, and Nursing.

Excelsior College's other education credentials include:

• G.I. Jobs has named Excelsior a top military-friendly school the past four years and Military Advanced Education has recognized Excelsior College the past five years. For the third year in a row Excelsior College has been named a “Best for Vets” college by Military Times Edge magazine.
• Excelsior's course, "Success Strategies for Military and Veterans" earned the 2010-2011 Innovation Award from the Center for Transforming Student Services (CENTSS). The course provides college and career orientation to veterans and military members and teaches transition strategies for those entering the civilian workforce after a military career.
• Excelsior is a recipient of the Council of College and Military Educators' (CCME) Institutional Award.
• Excelsior's military academic advising team includes veterans who are uniquely attuned to the unique needs of military students, veterans and their spouses.
• Center for Military Education (CME) Executive Director Susan Dewan is the recipient of the 2011 William E. Kennedy Award from the Council of College and Military Educators (CCME), which recognizes leadership in providing higher education programs to personnel at U.S. military installations.
• Excelsior President Ebersole is a U.S. Coast Guard veteran who served in Vietnam and received the Secretary of the Army Public Service Award in 2010 for his leadership in contributing to the Army's educational mission.

For more information on joining the VFW in Arizona, visit the membership information page. For more information about the Arizona VFW educational partnership with Excelsior College visit either the VFW partnership or Excelsior College partnership page, email veterans@excelsior.edu or call 888-647-2388.

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Excelsior
Excelsior College http://www.excelsior.edu is a regionally accredited, nonprofit distance learning institution that focuses on removing obstacles to the educational goals of adult learners. Founded in 1971 and located in Albany, NY, Excelsior is a proven leader in the assessment and validation of student knowledge. It offers more efficient and affordable access to degree completion through multiple avenues: its own online courses and college-level proficiency examinations, and the acceptance in transfer of credit from other colleges and universities as well as recognized corporate and military training programs. Excelsior College is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Arizona
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is a nonprofit veterans' service organization composed of combat veterans and those who currently serve on active duty or in the Guard and Reserves. Founded in 1899 and chartered by Congress in 1936, the VFW is the nation's largest organization of war veterans and is one of its oldest veterans' organizations. With 2.1 million members located in 7,700 VFW Posts worldwide, the VFW and its Auxiliaries are dedicated to "honor the dead by helping the living" through veterans service, legislative initiatives, youth scholarships, Buddy Poppy, and national military service programs. Annually, the VFW and its Auxiliaries contribute more than 11 million hours of community service to the nation. For more information or to join, visit the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Arizona’s website.

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