SPRINGFIELD, Missouri – Evangel University is honored to again be named a College of Distinction for 2021-2022. The recognition comes with a special focus on Evangel’s Departments of Business and Education.
For more than 20 years, the educational research group has pointed students to schools that offer remarkable experiences that help them learn, grow, and succeed. Listings are designed to help students discover their “best-fit school.”
“Colleges of Distinction follows a unique approach, going beyond the traditional ranking models,” according to Erin Pettus, vice president of outreach.
“We focus on institutions that deliver our Four Distinctions — engaged students, great teaching, vibrant communities, successful outcomes — which we believe are the fundamental elements of an effective undergraduate education.”
To help determine a best fit, colleges and universities are nominated and then go through a rigorous vetting and interview process.
“We appreciate the focus of the Colleges of Distinction,” said Chris Belcher, vice president for enrollment management at Evangel. “We have been impressed with their process, and the elements that they look for align with our mission and vision for our students.”
Colleges of Distinction has researched and recognized schools throughout the U.S. since 2000.
Special badges
On the academic side, both the Business and Education Departments at Evangel were spotlighted because of their reputations for quality and success.
“Colleges of Distinction awards a business badge to institutions whose business degrees are multidisciplinary in nature and loaded with practical experiences for students to engage the wider world of business,” they said of the Business Department.
Evangel’s business programs in Accounting, Finance, Management, Marketing, and Business Education are stellar, as is its unique Nonprofit Business and Social Enterprise major.
In addition, “Those with the education badge ensure that their programs incorporate relevant and focused high-impact practices, including first-year seminars, service-learning among area schools, and collaborative projects,” staff said of the Education Department at Evangel.
The highly regarded education programs at EU include 18 undergraduate areas of study, three master of education programs, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, Curriculum & Instruction.
For 2021-2022, Evangel University was also highlighted as a Christian College of Distinction.
“Choosing a Christian college comes with so many unique opportunities,” according to the editor. “On top of all the usual perks of a private school — small class sizes and one-on-one attention — they also come with a dynamic, like-minded community dedicated to your spiritual growth.”
What do they look for?
Each of the Four Distinctions established by the editorial staff of Colleges of Distinction is important to the overall student experience.
- Engaged Students ensures that students are learning through more than just classroom lectures. Students are writing, conducting research, studying abroad, and learning through discussion and classroom involvement.
- Great Teaching reflects the quality of professors and staff at each school. Schools with great teaching have experienced professors in small classrooms, where students can establish a relationship with their professors and mentors and will not be lost in the crowd.
- Vibrant Communities measures the ways students can grow outside the classroom. This not only includes clubs, organizations, and sports teams but also the feel of the campus. Students should be comfortable where they go to school and be able to choose an institution that can help them expand their hobbies and interests as well as further their careers.
- Successful Outcomes ensures that students are experiencing internships, research opportunities, and are prepared for what is to come.
Check it out
Students are encouraged to view Evangel’s profile on the Colleges of Distinction website and find more information about the innovative learning experiences the university offers.
Member schools within the Colleges of Distinction consortium distinguish themselves through their focus on the undergraduate experience. For more information, visit CollegesofDistinction.com.
###
Evangel University, with the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (AGTS), is a comprehensive Christian university committed to excellence in educating and equipping students to serve the Church and society globally. Evangel and AGTS serve more than 2,200 students from all 50 states and numerous foreign countries, offering 70 undergraduate majors and 19 master and doctoral degrees.