Shenandoah University has been named a 2025-26 College of Distinction in recognition of its commitment to providing students with a transformative undergraduate experience. This is the sixth straight year that Shenandoah has been honored as a College of Distinction, a prestigious designation awarded to schools whose commitment to engaged, experiential education sets them apart.
This recognition is based on Colleges of Distinction’s unique evaluating criteria known as the Four Distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community, and Successful Outcomes. Through extensive research and interviews, Colleges of Distinction identifies institutions that make a meaningful impact on students’ lives.
In addition to earning overall College of Distinction status, Shenandoah was recognized in the categories of Nursing, Business, Education, Career Development, Equity & Inclusion, and Military Support.
We’re honored to be recognized as a College of Distinction for the sixth straight year. At Shenandoah, the student experience extends far beyond the classroom. We take pride in the opportunities we provide to our students on a local, national and international scale that best prepare them to land good jobs in their chosen fields and make meaningful contributions to our world, and in the culture of care and support that defines the Shenandoah experience.”
Shenandoah University President Tracy Fitzsimmons, Ph.D.
Unlike rankings that focus on prestige-driven metrics, Colleges of Distinction highlights schools that champion educational impact. That includes everything from first-year seminars and collaborative projects to undergraduate research, global learning, and internships. Shenandoah University’s inclusion is a result of its commitment to these high-impact practices and the personalized support it offers students throughout their college journey.
“We’ve never believed in ranking schools,” said Tyson Schritter, chief operating officer at Colleges of Distinction. “Our goal is to celebrate institutions that help students find their place, their purpose, and their potential. Shenandoah University stands out for creating an environment where students thrive not just academically, but as whole people.”
Notable Shenandoah University programs and offerings include:
- Global Citizenship Project (GCP) and the Global Experiential Learning (GEL) Program
- Summer programs
- Shenandoah Conservatory performances and ShenCoLAB
- Frequent experiential learning trips to prestigious sporting events such as the Super Bowl, College Football Playoff National Championship, NBA All-Star Game, and NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four
- Internships and work-study opportunities
- Distance/online and hybrid learning
- Accelerated degree programs
- 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
- 23 intercollegiate athletic programs
- Shenandoah Veterans and Supporters and the Veterans, Military and Families Center
To learn more about Shenandoah University, visit su.edu or the university’s profile page at CollegesofDistinction.com.
About Colleges of Distinction
Since 2000, Colleges of Distinction has been committed to recognizing schools across the United States for their exceptional contributions to higher education. Member institutions within the Colleges of Distinction consortium distinguish themselves through their unwavering focus on providing an outstanding undergraduate experience. Its website offers dynamic college profiles, customized tools, and valuable resources for students, parents, and high school counselors. For more information and to discover how to become a College of Distinction, visit CollegesofDistinction.com.
About Shenandoah University
Shenandoah University was established in 1875, and is headquartered at the top of Virginia, in Winchester, Virginia, with additional educational sites in Clarke and Loudoun counties, and online offerings. Shenandoah is a private, nationally recognized university that blends professional career experiences with wide-ranging education. With approximately 4,400 students in more than 200 areas of study in six different schools, Shenandoah promotes a close-knit community rich in creative energy and intellectual challenge. Shenandoah students collaborate with accomplished professors who provide focused, individual attention, all the while leading several programs to be highly nationally ranked. Through innovative partnerships and programs at both the local and global level, there are exceptional opportunities for students to learn in and out of the classroom. Shenandoah empowers its students to improve the human condition and to be principled professionals and leaders wherever they go. For more information, visit su.edu.
