Shenandoah University Receives National Acclaim As A 2024-25 College of Distinction

Shenandoah University has been named a 2024-25 College of Distinction, an honor that highlights the university’s unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional undergraduate education. The award, which SU has garnered for the fifth time, reflects Shenandoah’s dedication to fostering hands-on learning, strong student-faculty relationships, an active campus community, and stellar student outcomes.

Additionally, Shenandoah was recognized by Colleges of Distinction in the areas of Business, Education, Nursing, Career Development, Equity & Inclusion, and Military Support for the fifth time.

Since its founding in 2000, Colleges of Distinction has awarded schools for their successful implementation of high-impact educational practices and hands-on learning. Unlike traditional ranking systems based on numerical data, its rigorous selection process involves extensive research and detailed interviews with the institutions, accepting only those that adhere to four distinctions: engaged students, great teaching, vibrant community, and successful outcomes. Shenandoah has demonstrated exceptional performance in each of these areas, ensuring a supportive and enriching environment that equips students for future academic and career success.

“A college degree opens the door to many opportunities,” said Tyson Schritter, chief operating officer at Colleges of Distinction. “But a truly worthwhile education prepares students to thrive once they walk through that door. Shenandoah University’s curriculum encourages meaningful student-faculty collaboration through experiential learning that is relevant and applicable to the real world.” To be listed among the Colleges of Distinction, Shenandoah demonstrated its unique ways of helping students be active in their education.

Notable Shenandoah University programs and offerings 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, the Super Bowl, the College Football Playoff National Championship, and the NBA All-Star Game
• 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

“We’ve never ranked our schools,” said Schritter. “No student is alike, so there can’t be a number-one school for everyone. We are much more focused on the innovative ways that colleges are offering their own brand of a truly rich undergraduate education.” Shenandoah’s individual approach to education helps students achieve success in unique ways that cannot be ranked against others.

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

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.