December 7, 2017 (Jackson, Miss.) - Belhaven University was honored with two notable awards for its dedication to Christian higher education. This is the twenty-first year the University was recognized as one of America's Best Christian Colleges and the eighth consecutive year Belhaven was recognized as a Christian College of Distinction.
America's Best Christian Colleges were selected based on the research of Institutional Research & Evaluation, Inc., an independent research and consulting organization, specializing in the recruiting and retention of students for institutions of higher education. Belhaven was identified as a university that provides students a high-quality education in a Christian environment, consistent with its mission.
Institutions selected as a Christian College of Distinction have to meet four special criteria - student engagement, great teaching, vibrant communities and successful outcomes. There were 56 colleges and universities across the nation named to the 2017-18 list. Belhaven was one of only two University in Mississippi to be included in the list and joins other prestigious institutions such as Baylor University, Belmont University, Charleston Southern University, Samford University and Wheaton College.
“Both of these prestigious awards are an honor for Belhaven and highlight the meaningful ways our staff and faculty live-out our mission to help students both academically and spiritually,” said Suzanne Sullivan, assistant vice president for traditional and online admission. “We strive for excellence in all that we do, and it's our mission to prepare men and women to serve Christ Jesus in their careers, human relationships and the world of ideas.”
Every department at Belhaven is committed to a high academic standard and incorporates a biblical worldview in the classroom. Professors aspire to develop student leaders who live by Belhaven's motto, “To serve, not to be served.” Sullivan adds, “As Christians we are here to serve others and I constantly see how our students and staff not only help one another, but do it as unto the Lord.”