Shenandoah University Honored As A 2023-24 College of Distinction

Shenandoah University has been named a 2023-24 College of Distinction for providing high-quality undergraduate education that focuses on hands-on learning, strong student-teacher relationships, a vibrant campus life and successful outcomes. 

Additionally, Shenandoah was recognized by the national program in the areas of Business, Education, Nursing, Career Development, Military Support, and Equity & Inclusion. 

Colleges of Distinction’s selection process includes in-depth research and detailed interviews with schools. The institutions chosen are only those that adhere to four distinctions: engaged students, great teaching, vibrant community, and successful outcomes. As a College of Distinction, Shenandoah excels in each of these areas and provides students with a well-rounded, practical education that prepares them for successful careers and lives.

“We believe that engaged students are successful students,” said Tyson Schritter, chief operating officer at Colleges of Distinction. “And Shenandoah’s dedication to experiential learning shows us that each of its students has the opportunity to play an active role in their education.”

Notable Shenandoah University programs include:

• Annual Global Citizenship Project (GCP) trips
• Summer programs
• Shenandoah Conservatory performances and ShenCoLAB
• Experiential learning trips to prestigious sporting events such as the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in South Korea, Super Bowl and College Football Playoff National Championship
• Internships and work-study opportunities
• Shenandoah Conversations
• Shenandoah University Research Expo (SURE)
• Mosaic Center for Diversity & Inclusion
• First-Year Seminar (FYS)
• ShenEd Town Hall
• Honors Program
• Pre-Health Program
• Center for Civic Engagement
• National and international Spiritual Life trips
• 22 intercollegiate athletic programs
• Veterans, Military and Families Center

To be named a College of Distinction, Shenandoah demonstrated excellence in undergraduate education in such factors as student engagement, teaching excellence, outcomes-based learning, and community involvement. This evaluation process differs from those of popular college rankings publications, whose formulas grade institutions based on things like faculty salaries, endowment size, and peer opinion.

“We don’t rank our schools,” said Schritter. “Every student has individual needs and flourishes in a specific environment. We prefer to focus on the innovative ways that colleges all around the country are providing an enriching undergraduate experience.”

To view Shenandoah University’s profile or to find more information about the programs it offers, visit collegesofdistinction.com.

About Colleges of Distinction

Since 2000, Colleges of Distinction has been committed to honoring schools with a dedicated focus on the undergraduate experience. Its website provides dynamic college profiles, customized tools, and resources for students, parents, and high school counselors. For more information, and to learn how to become a College of Distinction, visit CollegesofDistinction.com.