Excelsior College named new board chair Don Dea, co-founder of Fusion Productions and resident of Santa Monica, CA, to a two-year term beginning January 2021. Dea previously served as treasurer for the board of trustees. Dea is a recognized authority on the internet, association, and non-profit organizations, online education, mobile, and technology deployment.
“As the largest, fully online higher education institution in New York state, Excelsior is fortunate to benefit from Don Dea’s depth of technology knowledge,” said David Schejbal, president of Excelsior College. “We are proud to welcome Don Dea to the position of chair of the board of trustees.”
“Being the son of an immigrant family, the value of education and hard work was part of my household vocabulary. My understanding and appreciation of Excelsior’s mission and students have been forged in my relationships with the Excelsior community,” said Don Dea, chair of Excelsior’s board of trustees. “From my previous years of experience as a trustee, it is clear that we must continue to advance Excelsior’s mission to help adults and those who are underserved attain their degree and sustain their career and life goals by leading with innovation and differentiation in academic quality and student success in serving our military, nursing, healthcare, and business ecosystem.”
Dea has served as a trustee since 2012. Dea succeeds former chair Helen Benjamin, whose term ended December 31, 2021. She will continue to serve as a trustee.
Submitted by Erin Coufal