SPRINGFIELD, Missouri – Evangel University has been named a 2026-27 College of Distinction (COD), marking a decade of the recognition. The university also received international distinction for its exceptional support of international students. EU’s Business and Education Departments were highlighted for their innovative approaches to student learning and career preparation.
For more than 20 years, the COD educational research group has pointed young adults to schools whose campuses and communities reflect a genuine, “student-first” philosophy, supporting and challenging them in ways that translate into real academic, professional, and personal development and success.
“Today’s students are navigating a college landscape shaped by rising costs, rapid technological change, and real uncertainty about the future of work,” said Tyson Schritter, Chief Operating Officer at Colleges of Distinction. “What they need from higher education isn’t just a credential, but preparation for the world ahead. Evangel University delivers that through the kind of intentional, high-impact education that equips students for whatever comes next.”
The awards signify a school’s adherence to four distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community, and Successful Outcomes. To assess, COD conducts in-depth research and interviews with each institution.
- Engaged students confirms that students are learning through more than just classroom lectures. Students are writing, participating in collaborative projects, studying abroad, and learning through discussion and hands-on involvement.
- Great teaching reflects the quality of professors and staff at each university. Schools with great teaching have experienced professors connecting with students in an environment where relationships can be established and students are not at risk of being lost in a crowd.
- Vibrant communities measures the ways students enjoy life together in pursuit of shared interests. This includes student clubs, organizations, and sports teams as well as the overall campus environment. Students should be comfortable where they go to school and be able to choose an institution that can help them expand their interests and prepare for their careers.
- Successful outcomes ensures that students have access to practical experience such as internships and research opportunities as well as mentorship avenues that will set them up well to enter their chosen career fields.
EU was also recognized as a 2026-27 Christian College of Distinction and Missouri College of Distinction.
For more information, view Evangel’s profile on the Colleges of Distinction website.
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