Radford University earns Colleges of Distinction recognition

Radford University has earned recognition as a College of Distinction for 2018-2019 by a unique national online and print resource focused on innovative, teacher-centered undergraduate education that prepares graduates for real-world success.

Radford University demonstrated exemplary commitment to the four distinctions of engaging students, great teaching, vibrant communities and successful outcomes to receive the Colleges of Distinction honor.

Radford University President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D. said, “We are again honored by the acknowledgment from Colleges of Distinction for the outstanding work occurring on our campus and in our community. Radford University was founded on the principles of teaching and learning, and our commitment has never wavered. Earning this recognition is a strong testament to our continued efforts of being a premier, innovative, student-centered university in the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond with a keen focus on teaching, research and service.”

For 2018-2019, Radford University also earned additional recognition for its business, education and nursing programs. The Center for Career and Talent Development also earned recognition in 2018-2019 for its many resources available to students. All four areas recognized earned the Colleges of Distinction badge.

High school counselors and educators make nominations, and schools are evaluated on key indicators, such as student engagement, student empowerment and curricular innovation.

According to the publication, a College of Distinction is:

• Nationally recognized by education professionals as an excellent school;
• Strongly focused on teaching undergraduates;
• Home to a wide variety of innovative learning experiences;
• An active campus with many opportunities for personal development; and
• Highly valued by graduate schools and employers for its outstanding preparation.

The annual process to select the nation’s Colleges of Distinction also includes a review of each institution’s freshman student experience, as well as its general education program, strategic plan and alumni success and satisfaction measures.

“Radford University continues to impress with its exceptional commitment to student success,” said Colleges of Distinction Chief Operating Officer Tyson Schritter. “Its extensive liberal arts curriculum informs and enriches everything students do both in and out of the classroom. And, with such an involved engagement of experiential high-impact practices, Radford continues to go the extra mile in professional education.”

Colleges of Distinction has recognized and honored schools throughout the U.S. for excellence in undergraduate-focused higher education for more than 15 years. The member schools within the Colleges of Distinction consortium distinguish themselves through their focus on the undergraduate experience. For more information, visit CollegesofDistinction.com.