Colleges of Distinction Honored Belhaven Academic Programs for Quality
December 6, 2023 (Jackson, Miss.) - Colleges of Distinction awarded top honors to Belhaven University’s School of Nursing, School of Business, and School of Education for their quality programs.
These accolades highlight colleges and universities that thrive in comprehensive course material and incorporate practical development. Colleges of Distinction recognized the fact that Belhaven University students excelled before and after graduation, entering the workforce with well-developed critical thinking skills and the ability to adapt.
The Dean of Belhaven University’s School of Business, Dr. Brett Andrews, attributed the school's recognition to its comprehensive approach to business education. “The faculty equip students for servant leadership roles after graduation through interactive teaching methods like case studies, internships, and simulations. The diligent business professors who customize their instruction to help every student optimize their potential deserve immense credit for this achievement.”
Colleges of Distinction advocates for schools that give undergraduates well-rounded, individualized engagement. They award select colleges and universities for such qualities as accreditation, breadth of program, advising and mentoring, integration of career services, and successful outcomes for students.
Dr. David Hand, Belhaven University's School of Education Dean, highlighted the qualities of faculty in his department. He said, “All hold doctorate degrees, whether Ed.D. or Ph.D., and bring substantial K-12 classroom experience to their roles, and a substantial number of professors are National Board Certified and uphold their teacher-educator certifications.”
Hand added, “We are also delighted to announce that our department earned national accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), marking a momentous milestone in our university's history. Our mission is to cultivate academically proficient teacher educators who not only exemplify the best practices in teaching and instruction but also embody compassion and a genuine concern for all learners.”
Dean of Belhaven’s School of Nursing Dr. Johnnie Wijewardane, believes expert faculty, connections with students, and commitment to academic excellence is key to the department’s success.
“Our faculty members are expert clinicians and scholars, many hold certifications in areas including midwifery, family nurse practitioner, and psych-mental health nurse practitioner,” said Wijewardane. “Our faculty and staff not only teach our nursing students to care for others, but they care for, nurture, and serve our students. Students bring their whole selves to Belhaven’s School of Nursing, and our faculty demonstrate Christ-like love through mentoring them to learn and care for the mind, body, and spirit.”