WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY NAMED A 2022-2023 COLLEGE OF DISTINCTION
The college is recognized for excelling in the areas of student engagement, teaching, community, and successful outcomes.
Raleigh, NC (07/21/2022) — RALEIGH, N.C. - William Peace University (WPU) has been recognized for its honorable commitment to helping undergraduate students learn, grow, and succeed by Colleges of Distinction, a guide for college-bound students.
WPU has been named a 2022-2023 College of Distinction and a North Carolina College of Distinction.
Colleges of Distinction believes that a university is more than its institutional data, statistics, and the size of the endowment. Instead, the Colleges of Distinction selection process comprises a sequence of in-depth research and detailed interviews with the schools, accepting only those that adhere to the Four Distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community, and Successful Outcomes.
"We're thrilled to once again be honored by Colleges of Distinction," said WPU President Brian Ralph. "This recognition isn't just a badge, but a testament to the hard work we do every day to create engaged students who leave college prepared for their careers. We're glad Colleges of Distinction sees WPU's commitment to those four pillars."
Wes Creel, Founder of Colleges of Distinction, said those four principles are all informed by the High-Impact Practices to prioritize the ways that institutions enable students to have a fulfilling, individualized college experience both inside and outside of the classroom.
To earn the recognition, Creel said WPU demonstrated the following programs and experiences:
Engaged Students - Students at WPU have the opportunity to take an active part in their own learning through undergraduate research and outside-the-classroom learning and experiences.
Great Teaching - Students at WPU have meaningful interactions with faculty in First-Year Seminars as well as continued one-on-one with professors in the small class sizes.
Vibrant Community - Creating connections with peers outside of the classroom is an important part of a well-rounded college experience. WPU offers community service projects to help students find a sense of belonging and meaning throughout their campus experience.
Successful Outcomes - The undergraduate experience works cohesively to prepare students not only for graduation but for life after graduation. Nearly 100 percent of WPU students complete an internship while there, collaborating with the Office of Academic and Career Advising. A staggering 96 percent of graduates find jobs or are enrolled in graduate school within one year of Commencement.
"When we focus all of our attention on how schools stack up against one another, we lose track of what really matters: the students themselves," Creel said. "Every student has individual needs and their own environment in which they're most likely to thrive. We want to extend our praise to the schools that prioritize and cater to students' goals."
Creel continued, "We're inspired by the ways in which WPU immerses students in their fields, all while fostering a welcoming community that will support them through and beyond their college years."
Aside from overall undergraduate recognitions, Colleges of Distinction also awards recognition in individual areas. WPU has earned additional recognition in the areas of Business and Education.
About WPU
Founded in 1857, William Peace University is a regionally ranked institution in Raleigh, NC - one of U.S News' Best Places to Live - serving more than 800 students in 30+ undergraduate and 10 professional programs in criminal justice, education, business administration, and more. Nestled in the heart of Raleigh's downtown area, the university's culture is as vibrant as the city surrounding it; our students benefit from all the connections and collaboration that our central location offers. The University focuses on an immersive curriculum and innovative teaching methods to ensure students graduate career-ready and prepared to thrive in the organizations of today and tomorrow. Learn more at peace.edu.
About Colleges of Distinction
Since 2000, Colleges of Distinction has been committed to honoring schools throughout the U.S. for true excellence in higher education. The member schools within the Colleges of Distinction consortium distinguish themselves through their 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.
Media Attachments
