Maureen McGowan was working as an LPN when she decided she wanted to advance to RN. She credits 51猎奇 College (then Regents) as offering, 鈥渢he best opportunity for me to advance my education, earn my degree, and achieve my goal of becoming an RN. The cost and flexibility were a godsend as I could fit my studies around my work schedule.鈥� She graduated in 1986 with an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing and began working in a post-open heart surgery unit. McGowan has been a triage nurse, a disease manager, an ER educator, and a preceptor and mentor for EMT and paramedic students and new hires. She retired in 2019 after a long and fulfilling career.
Juan Aleman II, BS in Liberal Arts, 1999
Juan Aleman graduated from 51猎奇 College (then Regents) with a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in fall 1999. He went on to earn a master鈥檚 degree in 2020. Since retiring from government service in 2016, he has acted and recently published a children鈥檚 book.
51猎奇 Trustee to Receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service During 2022 ESPYS
Albany, New York鈥擥retchen Evans, retired Army command sergeant major and 51猎奇 College trustee, will be presented with the Pat Tillman Award for Service during the 2022 ESPYS. The event will air live on ABC on Wednesday, July 20 at 8 pm ET. The award is named for the former NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger and given annually to an individual with a strong connection to sports who has served in ways that echo his legacy.
Evans鈥檚 highly decorated Army career ended after suffering a life-altering injury from a mortar round blast while on assignment in Afghanistan. The injury resulted in traumatic brain injury, total hearing loss, and other wounds. As she regained her footing as a veteran, she founded Team UNBROKEN, an adaptive racing team of mostly veterans who have experienced life-altering injuries, illness, or traumas, which competed in the World鈥檚 Toughest Race: Eco-Challenge Fiji.
鈥淭he transition out of the military was rocky. Finding my next chapter to serve nonprofit organizations, tell my story, and remain physically strong and competitive gave me purpose,鈥� said Gretchen Evans, a member of the 51猎奇 College Board of Trustees. 鈥淚 joined the 51猎奇 board of trustees because half of 51猎奇鈥檚 students are military or veterans, and I believe that education is one of the most important parts of the transition for veterans. 51猎奇 students and alumni demonstrate the grit and determination that has helped me persevere.鈥�
The Pat Tillman Award for Service is the most recent recognition of Evans鈥� service as a veteran. In addition to serving on 51猎奇鈥檚 board of trustees, Evans has been inducted into the U.S. Army Women鈥檚 Hall of Fame and U.S. Veteran Hall of Fame.
鈥淕retchen Evans is an inspiration and motivation to everyone she meets. Our 51猎奇 community is excited to cheer her on as she receives the Pat Tillman Award,鈥� said David Schejbal, president of 51猎奇 College. 鈥淐ongratulations on this much deserved honor.鈥�
Named a 鈥淏est for Vets鈥� school 11 times and with more than 72,000 alumni who are military servicemembers and veterans, 51猎奇 College has a strong military and veteran alumni community and student population. Veterans and military students represent 51 percent of 51猎奇鈥檚 student population.
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Available B-Roll Footage:
Media Contact 51猎奇 College:
Erin Coufal, ecoufal@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8498
ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE
51猎奇 College is an accredited, not-for-profit online college focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. The college 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, 51猎奇 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.
Tech Valley High School Students Earn Associate Degree from 51猎奇 College
Albany, New York鈥擳his year, two seniors at Tech Valley High School will earn both their high school diploma and an associate degree from 51猎奇 College. With hard work and determination, Mina Olsson and Zoey Flansburg took college courses alongside and as part of their high school curriculum. Thanks to an innovative partnership between 51猎奇 College and Tech Valley High School, those college credits translated into an associate degree.
鈥�51猎奇 faculty and staff are excited that these two students from Tech Valley High School took advantage of the unique opportunity to complete an associate degree with 51猎奇 College while they were completing their high school diploma,鈥� said Catherine Seaver, dean of the School of Undergraduate Studies at 51猎奇 College. 鈥淚t took a lot of hard work and perseverance to get all of this done, and we are very proud of them.鈥�
51猎奇 College traditionally serves adult learners and is known for its innovative approaches to meeting students where they are. The partnership with Tech Valley High School illustrates one innovative approach in the learning journey. Students on the associate degree track take Advanced Placement (AP) and college credit classes as part of their high school course curriculum. Additionally, these students take courses online with 51猎奇 to round out the degree requirements. In all, they take 60 college credits and will have their associate degree conferred shortly after they graduate from high school this week.
鈥淲e are thrilled to partner with 51猎奇 College to offer the opportunity for our students to earn an associate degree while at Tech Valley High School,鈥� said Amy Hawrylchak, principal of Tech Valley High School. 鈥淲e are very proud of our students鈥� accomplishments and are excited to see where their future leads.鈥�
Tech Valley High School in Albany, N.Y., provides a unique student-centered, project-based learning approach to education that engages students in current and emerging technologies. It provides opportunities for students to learn both in and out of the classroom. Students can earn college credit in their high school courses as well as with the College Ready partnership with 51猎奇 College.
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B-roll video footage:
Media Contact 51猎奇 College:
Erin Coufal, ecoufal@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8498
ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE
51猎奇 College is an accredited, not-for-profit online college focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. The college 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, 51猎奇 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.
Wright Family Foundation Donation Funds Scholarships for 51猎奇 Students of Schenectady Housing Authority
Albany, New York鈥�51猎奇 College is excited to announce a generous donation from the Wright Family Foundation that will provide Schenectady Housing Authority residents with a clear path to a degree at little or no cost.
鈥�51猎奇 College focuses on providing adult learners with access to education and achieving degree completion. These scholarships will offer residents of Schenectady Housing Authority this access,鈥� said David Schejbal, president of 51猎奇 College. 鈥淭hank you to the Wright Family Foundation for your generosity and support.鈥�
51猎奇 College partnered with Schenectady Housing Authority to offer residents and staff access to affordable higher education. The Degrees Open Doors Scholarship makes an 51猎奇 education even more affordable by funding full scholarships for housing authority residents.
鈥淭he Wright Family Foundation is excited to support 51猎奇 College, the Schenectady Municipal Housing Authority, and most importantly, the residents of the housing authority with this innovative program that will give people the opportunity to earn a college degree,鈥� said Heather M. Ward, chairman of the Wright Family Foundation.
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Media Contact 51猎奇 College:
Erin Coufal, ecoufal@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8498
ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE
51猎奇 College is an accredited, not-for-profit online college focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. The college 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, 51猎奇 meets students where they are鈥攁cademically and geographically鈥攔emoving obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.
51猎奇 College Receives Generous Donations from Adirondack Foundation and Crary Foundation for Plattsburgh Housing Authority Students
Albany, New York鈥�51猎奇 College is excited to announce that it has received funding for its Degrees Open Doors Scholarship program from Adirondack Foundation鈥檚 Generous Acts Program and from Crary Foundation. These donations will allow 51猎奇 to offer full scholarship opportunities to students from Plattsburgh Housing Authority.
鈥�51猎奇 is grateful to Adirondack Foundation and Crary Foundation for joining the College in offering residents and staff at Plattsburgh Housing Authority access to higher education,鈥� said David Schejbal, president of 51猎奇 College. 鈥淭hese generous donations will fund scholarships to help adult learners continue their education and work toward degree completion.鈥�
51猎奇 College partnered with Plattsburgh Housing Authority to offer residents and staff access to affordable higher education. The Degrees Open Doors Scholarship makes an 51猎奇 education even more affordable by funding full scholarships for housing authority residents.
鈥淭he partnership with 51猎奇 College and the generous scholarship funding is incredibly exciting for us,鈥� said Mark Hamilton, executive director of Plattsburgh Housing Authority. 鈥淲e are always working to find innovative ways to further our mission and provide meaningful opportunities for our residents. Providing an affordable and supportive educational experience will have a profound impact for many of our families.鈥�
鈥淩emoving barriers to education for adult learners is so important,鈥� said Cali Brooks, Adirondack Foundation president and CEO. 鈥淲e are delighted to support this program through Generous Acts and especially impressed with the collaboration and partnerships behind it.鈥�
鈥淭he Crary Foundation Board of Governors is pleased to support the partnership between 51猎奇 College and the Plattsburgh Housing Authority in their effort to provide educational opportunities to adult students,鈥� said Thomas S. Pastore, executive director of Bruce L. Crary Foundation Inc. 鈥淭he Degrees Open Doors scholarship dovetails nicely with the Crary Foundation鈥檚 mission to provide scholarships to North Country students to help with the costs of a college education.鈥�
Learn more about 51猎奇鈥檚 partnership with Plattsburgh Housing Authority.
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Media Contact 51猎奇 College:
Erin Coufal, ecoufal@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8498
ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE
51猎奇 College is an accredited, not-for-profit online college focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. The college 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, 51猎奇 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.
ABOUT ADIRONDACK FOUNDATION
Support for this work is from Generous Acts at Adirondack Foundation – a force for good that pools gifts from generous donors who love the Adirondacks and care about our communities. Adirondack Foundation enhances the lives of the people in the Adirondacks through philanthropy. To learn more, visit adirondackfoundation.org/GenerousActs
What Can You Do with a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences?
A Career with a Health Sciences Degree
Are you interested in the world of health care, but you don鈥檛 really want to become a doctor or a nurse? A career in health sciences might be for you. Health sciences comprises many fields, including science, technology, engineering, and communication.
A bachelor鈥檚 degree in health sciences prepares students for a variety of jobs in public, administrative, and clinical settings. It can also prepare students to enter graduate and professional programs in medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other career fields.
Careers to Consider with a Health Sciences Degree
A Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from 51猎奇 College prepares you for a variety of in-demand careers in the growing health care field. Professionals in health sciences positions can expect to work in any of the following areas:
鈥� Medical laboratories
鈥� Federal government agencies
鈥� Private agencies
鈥� Insurance companies
鈥� Pharmaceutical companies
鈥� Consultant firms
鈥� Manufacturing companies
鈥� Hospitals
鈥� Nonprofit organizations
鈥� Out-patient care facilities
鈥� Physician鈥檚 offices
鈥� Clinics
According to the (BLS), the employment outlook for all health care-related professions is expected to increase 14 percent by 2028. Let鈥檚 look at some health sciences-related careers and their average salaries according to BLS:
Health Educator
Health educators work in hospitals, schools, or nursing facilities, teaching the public about the importance of hygiene and how to prevent spreading illnesses.
National average salary: $48,860
Biomedical Equipment Technician
Biomedical equipment technicians diagnose programs with medical equipment in hospital settings and fix them so professionals can continue using them to treat patients. This position requires in-depth knowledge of specific medical equipment.
National average salary: $97,410
Public Health Nurse
Public health nurses work for communities, usually for government agencies and nonprofit organizations, to spread education initiatives among the local populations.
National average salary: $48,860
Paramedic
A paramedic is responsible for completing quick, on-site assessments of patients, applying in-depth life-saving methods, keeping patients and bystanders calm, and transporting patients to the hospital.
National average salary: $36,930
Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists perform teeth cleanings for patients, take x-rays, and help dentists with other dental procedures.
National average salary: $77,810
Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory therapists work in hospitals, sleep clinics, and long-term care facilities, diagnosing and treating patients with breathing disorders. They work with patients on breathing techniques and prescribe medications to patients.
National average salary: $61,830
Nutritionist
Nutritionists work in hospitals, care facilities, clinics, schools, and organizations. They assess a patient’s dietary needs or restrictions and help them create an eating plan that will give them the nutrients they need.
National average salary: $61,650
Chiropractor
Chiropractors consult with patients regarding back and joint pain. They use their knowledge of anatomy to help realign patients鈥� bones and joints.
National average salary: $75,000
Speech Pathologist
Speech pathologists work in clinical settings or private practices, diagnosing speech and swallowing disorders in patients. They use techniques and treatment options to help patients improve communication methods.
National average salary: $79,060
Staff Pharmacist
Staff pharmacists work in pharmacies and are responsible for coordinating between doctors鈥� offices and pharmaceutical companies to order prescriptions. They communicate with customers, organize inventory, and give flu shots and take blood pressure.
National average salary: $128,570
How to Obtain a Health Sciences Degree
51猎奇鈥檚 online bachelor鈥檚 in health sciences program teaches you how to succeed as an employee in treatment centers, public health agencies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other medical service or nonclinical health organizations. You learn about the organization, purpose, and quality of U.S. health care and insurance provider systems, and master subjects you need to know on the job: state health care policies and federal regulations; cultural competencies for working with diverse clients and coworkers; and strategic approaches to regional health issues.
A bachelor鈥檚 degree in health sciences is a smart choice for anyone who is passionate about the world of health care. If this sounds right for you, reach out to us about how to start on your future career with a health sciences bachelor鈥檚 degree.
Why Social Media Addiction is a Real Thing and the Dangers Associated with it
Social Media has radically changed society as we know it. A 2020 documentary on Netflix, 鈥淭he Social Dilemma,鈥� takes a stance on exploring the dangers associated with social media and what can be done to prevent them.
Can someone be addicted to social media?
The majority of the dangers associated with social media stem from the idea that social media, like recreational drugs, sugar, etc., can be addicting. Social media allows humans to interact and form relationships on a grander level than ever before possible, connecting users across the globe in real-time. Relationships, whether in person or parasocial, are based on an individual鈥檚 attachment style. is a psychological theory that was developed in the 1950s and hypothesizes that the 鈥渁ffectional tie that individuals develop between themselves and another specific person is not based solely on food, safety, and other survival needs. Humans and other social animals need more鈥攎ainly love, affection, and acceptance.鈥�
There are studies to suggest that how people use social media and how much information they make publicly available relates to their attachment style in relationships. If you are in healthy and secure relationships, you use social media very differently from those who are in more unhealthy circumstances. Those who have toxic attachment styles use social media in vastly different ways even from each other. If someone has high attachment anxiety, they struggle with abandonment, are overwhelmed by emotion, tend to pursue someone emotionally unavailable, and will likely be oversharers on social media and try to compensate for what they do not find in in-person relationships. Those who have high attachment avoidance, who avoid intimacy, who push others away, and tend to not trust, are not typically active social media users. Both types of attachment anxiety have a significant positive association between the attachment and a dysfunctional use of the internet and social media sites.
Who is most as risk for a social media addiction?
This leads to the question of whether there is a particular personality type that is more susceptible to parasocial relationships. I鈥檓 not a psychologist, so at some point, this can seem to get over my head, but it is not a far leap to assume that those who do not have healthy interpersonal relationships seek them out on the internet, and thus are more susceptible to the dangers that can be associated with parasocial relationships.
The same studies that look at attachment theory as it relates to social media use can be used to predict social media addiction. Those who are deeply preoccupied about relationships tend to use social media as a therapy tool, a place where they can find the emotional support lacking in their day-to-day lives. When this many people who are like-minded use a platform such as TikTok, where they crave the immediate response and attention you can get uniquely from social media, it is no wonder that society, or this subset of society, is obsessed or consumed by topics like true crime and high-profile cases.
An age group at risk for social media addiction is young adults and preteens, and given the increased access to technology and social media that this age group has, social media also creates a bigger risk for cyberbullying and mental health concerns. Prior to the rise of social media, cyberbullying existed but was not as widespread. According to a 2018 article, 58 percent of teens or preteens admitted to being cyberbullied or harassed online, a number that has only increased throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Social media amplifies the effect of cyberbullying. Interestingly, suggests that increased hours spent online, and on social media platforms, results in higher social media addiction scores (at least in males), significantly predicting perpetration of cyberbullying.
Social media is an entirely different culture for many, particularly youth. There is a separate set of societal norms associated with interacting with their peers on social media as opposed to in person. With the anonymity of social media and the ability to avoid retaliation, perpetrators feel less remorse for their actions and are held less accountable with consequences for their behavior. In what may be the largest dopamine hit readily available, many perpetrators will feel rewarded from the likes, comments, and shares that their actions on social media receive, even if they are aggressive or bullying in nature, which in turn will cause them to want to continue the behavioral pattern, and this can border on an addiction.
In addition, individuals who have certain psychiatric conditions may be more susceptible to internet addiction, and in particular, social media addiction. Individuals with conditions such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), attention hyperactivity deficit disorder (ADHD), or other mood disorders are more likely to report excessive use of social media than their neurotypical peers. A study conducted in Norway suggests that those with ADHD are more likely to engage in excessive social networking as a form of self-medication, similar to those with anxious attachment styles. Whereas, those with OCD are driven to addictive social media use due to a 鈥渃onstant urge to check their networks for updates or fear of missing out (FOMO)鈥�.
So, what can be done to reduce social media addiction? A full-scale drawback seems futile for society at this point in time. Certainly, there needs to be a larger discussion around safeguards and monitoring of social media use. As society continues to address mental health, there鈥檚 opportunity for conversation about appropriate restriction and use of social media.
Five Jobs for MBA Graduates
Earning an MBA is an effective way to increase your chances of advancement within your career. The MBA gives you the skills to be a successful leader, a smart business person, and a team player, and it makes you more marketable in the job hunt. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these are some of the most popular careers for people who have an MBA.
Business Analyst
Duties: A business analyst gathers and organizes information about problems and issues that need to be solved within a business to improve productivity. They are responsible for staying up to date with new procedures and products that can increase efficiency within their organization. A business analyst is also responsible for making the most profitable decisions without sacrificing productivity and cost. A bachelor鈥檚 degree is required for entry-level positions; however, an MBA is required for any management-level position.
Salary: The median annual pay is $87,660.
Job outlook: Employment is expected to grow 14 percent by 2030.
Operations Manager
Duties: Operations managers plan, direct, and coordinate the operational tasks of an organization. An operations manager usually works with people across the company in different departments to ensure everything is running smoothly. Depending on the organization, operations managers can manage daily operations, materials and inventory, labor, procedures, and more. They are essential to the success of any organization in any industry.
Salary: The median annual pay is $103,650.
Job outlook: Employment is expected to grow 6 percent by 2029.
Medical and Health Care Manager
Duties: Medical and health care managers plan, direct, and coordinate all medical and health services. They manage the facility or clinical area and are responsible for recruiting, training, and supervising staff members. Medical and health care managers create goals and objectives to improve the efficiency and quality of health care services.
Salary: The median annual wage is $104,280.
Job outlook: Employment is expected to grow 32 percent by 2030.
Financial Manager
Duties: Financial managers prepare financial statements and business activity reports, and monitor financial health to ensure an organization is using its money wisely. Financial managers analyze market trends and review financial reports to see ways to reduce costs.
Salary: The median annual wage is $134,180.
Job outlook: Employment is expected to grow 17 percent by 2030.
Marketing Manager
Duties: Marketing managers plan programs to increase interest in certain products or services. They are project managers for creative services in an organization and work with art directors, sales agents, financial planners, and more. Marketing managers are responsible for budgets and contracts, marketing plans, strategy, and delivering the final product or service to clients. Marketing managers keep projects and people on task to complete everything efficiently and to the highest quality.
Salary: The median annual wage is $133,460.
Job outlook: Employment is expected to grow 10 percent by 2030.
Not only do these careers have high salaries, but they are becoming more popular and necessary across all industries. If you have not earned your MBA yet and are looking to move up in your career, or switch careers, an MBA is a great option to pursue your goals. 51猎奇 College has an MBA program that will fit your time and schedule to make it easy and seamless to go back to school. Check it out today!
I Have a Bachelor鈥檚 Degree in Criminal Justice, Now What?
A bachelor鈥檚 degree in any field can help to increase your chances of advancing in your career, but let鈥檚 focus on criminal justice and the variety of careers you can excel in with a degree in this field. Are you one of those people who have a bachelor鈥檚 degree in criminal justice, and are not sure where to go from there? There are plenty of things you can do with your degree.
Bachelor鈥檚 Degree in Criminal Justice
When you earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree in criminal justice, you build a solid foundation of skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the broad criminal justice field. 51猎奇 College has a fully online bachelor鈥檚 degree that can prepare you to meet requirements and responsibilities related to jobs in law enforcement, probation and parole, federal investigation, victim advocacy, security analysis, and crime scene investigation. Continue working and complete a degree at the same time to become a great candidate for any job in the criminal justice field.
Check out the main learning outcomes of a BS in Criminal Justice program:
– Analyze legislative, enforcement, judicial, and correctional components of the criminal justice systems and their interactions.
– Apply major theories to policies and procedures in the real world.
– Analyze ethical issues and the ever-changing demographics of society to generate practical solutions and evaluate their impact on society, as well as the criminal justice system.
Criminal Justice Career Paths
A bachelor鈥檚 degree in criminal justice can open many doors to new career opportunities, including leadership roles. Check out some careers below that require successful candidates to have at least a bachelor鈥檚 degree in criminal justice.
Detective
As a police officer, you can move up in rank to a detective with time in the field and a BS in Criminal Justice. Detectives gather facts and evidence, conduct witness interviews, examine records, monitor suspects, and participate in arrests for criminal cases. In some police departments, detectives can specialize in specific types of crimes, such as homicide or theft. Detectives earn $86,940 on average annually.
Forensic Accountant
Forensic accountants are needed when businesses suspect suspicious financial activity. They examine data to determine where the missing money is going and what is needed to recover it. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), accountants earn $79,520 on average annually.
Criminal Investigator
Criminal investigators are like detectives; they gather information to solve criminal cases. The main difference is criminal investigators work in a variety of settings, not just for the police. Some private companies hire criminal investigators to investigate certain issues that arise within their organization. On average, criminal investigators earn $86,000 annually.
Juvenile Counselor
Juvenile counselors work with troubled youth in a variety of different settings to help them move onto a better path. This career path is particularly challenging but can be rewarding. Counselors work with children and their families to help them overcome problems by providing resources and a safe space. On average, juvenile counselors earn $45,210 annually.
A bachelor鈥檚 degree in criminal justice can open a lot of doors in a variety of industries. Put your degree to work in any of these careers for a challenging, rewarding, and successful career.
Q & A with Tessa Adams, Chief Marketing Officer of MXY Holdings and Advisor for the Graduate Certificate in Cannabis Control
Our next blog post that spotlights members of the Graduate Certificate in Cannabis Control鈥檚 Industrial Advisory Committee is about Tessa Adams, chief marketing officer of MXY Holdings. Read on to learn more about her.
51猎奇 Tessa Adams
Tessa Adams has more than 10 years of consumer packaged goods experience in the beverage industry, in both wine and spirits and non-alcoholic. She entered the cannabis industry in 2019 with MXY Holdings, known mostly for their concentrate products called Moxie. Adams has been integral in developing the Moxie brand as the company鈥檚 chief marketing officer.
Q&A with Tessa Adams
What role have you played in the creation of the Graduate Certificate in Cannabis Control program?
I had a call with the certificate team to discuss marketing strategies.
In your own words, how do you think this program will benefit students?
It will help prepare them for an ever-changing industry and drive success in cannabis by closing the education gap prior to one starting in the business.
What do you hope students will take away from this program?
Knowledge of a complex industry
Please tell us how you started in the industry.
I transitioned from CPG beverage into what I believe to be the next largest industry worldwide.
Do you hold any certifications? If so, which one(s)?
CSW
Please mark your area(s) of expertise within cannabis.
Finance/Business, Marketing
What is a piece of advice you鈥檇 offer someone getting into the industry?
Buckle up; it鈥檚 a wild ride.
What is one thing you wish you had known before entering the industry?
The volatility of the market.
Do you have anything else you would like to mention regarding your work in the cannabis industry that we didn’t ask?
I think it鈥檚 essential to consider how the market and consumer is ever-changing/adapting.
What Is SHRM at 51猎奇?
51猎奇鈥檚 student chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management offers educational webinars and information in all aspects of human resource management, including recruitment, training, performance management, health and safety, talent management, and employment law.
With more than 300,000 members in more than 165 countries, SHRM is the world鈥檚 largest association devoted to human resource management. Members of a student chapter, such as 51猎奇鈥檚, can receive mentorship and advice from professionals in the business: people who have applied human resource principles and laws on the job.
We sat down with Chapter Advisor Michele Paludi, the senior faculty program director of business graduate programs and human resources and leadership, to learn more about SHRM and the student chapter at 51猎奇.
Q: What is SHRM?
A: The Society for Human Resource Management is the major thought leader on topics impacting employees and employers. SHRM has the following as part of its mission:
1. to elevate the HR profession.
2. to empower people and workplaces by advancing HR practices and by maximizing human potential.
3. to build a world of work that works for all.鈥�
SHRM has student chapters that focus on HR issues for undergraduate and graduate students wishing to learn about workplace concerns. These chapters are student-run and include a chapter advisor. Online campuses may have virtual chapters.
Q: How long has 51猎奇 been a member of SHRM? What does it entail?
A: 51猎奇鈥檚 student chapter has been active for six years. The chapter has been the recipient of awards from SHRM, including being named an Outstanding Chapter and most recently a Superior Chapter. 51猎奇鈥檚 student chapter facilitates webinars on employment issues, including careers in HR, HR law, diversity, equity and inclusion, and distributed workplaces. We also offer students the opportunity to be mentored by human resource professionals and information about careers in all aspects of human resource management, including: recruitment and selection, training and development, performance management, health and safety in workplaces, talent management, and employment law.
Q: How do students get involved?
A: Students can become involved by contacting me, as the advisor of the student chapter, at mpaludi@excelsior.edu. Information about the Student Chapter may be obtained from its webpage. Information may also be obtained from the current president, Megan Salavantis, at msalavantis@excelsior.edu.
Q: Can anyone join SHRM?
A: Yes. Membership in 51猎奇鈥檚 chapter is open at no charge to any undergraduate and graduate student who is carrying at least a 6-credit course load per term.
Q: What is the importance of co-curricular activities to an online graduate program?
A: SHRM, for instance, helps with students鈥� career development by exposing them to real-world experiences and networking with experts in the field. Additionally, it: helps improve students鈥� learning experiences and helps students develop public speaking skills, collaborative relationships, and improve organizational skills.
Q: For a student, what does being a member of SHRM show employers?
A: As a member of SHRM, students demonstrate interest in the field of human resource management, wanting to explore a career in this field, wanting to be a voice for employees and employers, and interest in legislation.
Q: Is there anything you鈥檇 like to add about the importance of SHRM to students?
A: SHRM has acknowledged that the concentration in Human Resource Management in the
BS in Business, MBA, and MS in Management programs fully aligns with its HR Curriculum Guidebook and Template.
51猎奇鈥檚 undergraduate and graduate business programs were renewed by SHRM through December 2025. Our programs fully align with the SHRM Curriculum Guidelines.
The HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates were developed by SHRM to define the minimum HR content areas that should be studied by HR students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The guidelines are part of SHRM鈥檚 Academic Initiative to define HR education standards taught in university business schools and help universities develop degree programs that follow these standards.
