WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY NAMED A 2023-2024 COLLEGE OF DISTINCTION
The college is recognized for excelling in the areas of student engagement, teaching, community, and successful outcomes
Raleigh, NC (07/05/2023) — 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, Ph.D. "We appreciate the recognition of the incredible work our faculty and staff do everyday to deeply engage with our students and prepare them for their exciting careers. We're glad Colleges of Distinction sees WPU's commitment to their 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 and/or are enrolled in graduate school within one year of Commencement.
"We believe that engaged students are successful students," said Tyson Schritter, Chief Operating Officer at Colleges of Distinction." And WPU's dedication to experiential learning shows us that each of its students has the opportunity to play an active role in their education." To be named a College of Distinction, WPU demonstrated excellence in undergraduate education in such factors as student engagement, teaching excellence, outcomes-based learning, and community involvement. This evaluation process differs from those of popular college rankings publications, whose formulas grade institutions based on things like faculty salaries, endowment size, and peer opinion.
"We don't rank our schools," said Schritter. "Every student has individual needs and flourishes in a specific environment. We prefer to focus on the innovative ways that colleges all around the country are providing an enriching undergraduate experience." WPU's inclusion as a College of Distinction is a testament to the way it caters to its own students' potential and goals, helping them achieve success in unique ways that cannot be ranked against others.
Schritter continued,"We are deeply inspired by how WPU immerses students in their academic pursuits, fostering a welcoming community that provides unwavering support throughout their college years and beyond."
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
