November 17, 2017 (Jackson, Miss.) - By demonstrating continued dedication to quality educational practices, Belhaven University has been named a national and state 2017-2018 College of Distinction.
“We are honored to name Belhaven University 2017-2018 College of Distinction for its continued commitment to student success,” said Tyson Schritter, chief operating officer for Colleges of Distinction. “We applaud Belhaven for pushing the envelope with its up-to-date curriculum, enriching the college experience with high-impact education, and providing every student with learning that stretches far beyond what's typically required from an academic major.”
The annual process of selecting the Colleges of Distinction requires that institutions adhere to the Four Distinctions-engaged students, great teaching, vibrant community, and successful outcomes. This process also includes a review of each institution's freshman experience, as well as its general education program, strategic plan, and alumni success, satisfaction measures and more.
"To receive this high acclaim for eight years in a row is a significant accomplishment,” noted Kevin Russell, Belhaven's vice president for enrollment management and university marketing. "But when you consider the criterion, I'm not surprised. Our faculty are some of the best in the country in the fields they teach, our students are eager to learn, our campus fosters strong community, and we partner with our students to find success by helping them discover the field or vocation that best fits their God-given abilities. When you excel at these fundamentals, awards like this are sure to come."
Belhaven has created a unique learning environment where students not only earn college credit and valuable life experience, but also participate in character-building seminars, service learning programs, diversity and global learning programs, interdisciplinary programs, collaborative assignments and projects, undergraduate research projects, living-learning communities, common intellectual experiences capstone projects, study abroad programs and internships.