July 17, 2018 (Jackson, Miss.) - Belhaven was awarded the title 2018-2019 College of Distinction for its continued dedication to quality higher education. This is the ninth consecutive year the University has received this honor. Dr. Roger Parrot, president of Belhaven University, said, “This award measures the quality of the education that shapes a student, and we are proud to be included among a group of schools teaching for character.”
Belhaven is one of only two universities in Mississippi that earned a top spot on this year's list and shares this honor with other prestigious institutions such as Wheaton College, Belmont University, Wake Forest University, Rhodes College, and Tulane University.
"To receive this high acclaim for nine years in a row is a significant accomplishment,” noted Kevin Russell, Belhaven's vice president for enrollment and marketing. "But when you consider the criterion, I'm not surprised. Our faculty are some of the best in the country in the fields they teach, our students are eager to learn, our campus fosters strong community, and we partner with our students to find success by helping them discover the vocation that best fits their God-given abilities.”
The annual process of selecting a College of Distinction requires that institutions adhere to four distinctions-engaged students, great teaching, vibrant community, and successful outcomes. This process also includes a review of each institution's freshman experience, as well as its general education program, strategic plan, alumni success, and satisfaction measures.
Belhaven has created a unique learning environment where students not only earn college credit and valuable life experience, but also participate in character-building seminars, service learning programs, diversity and global learning programs, interdisciplinary programs, collaborative assignments and projects, undergraduate research projects, living-learning communities, common intellectual experiences capstone projects, study abroad programs and internships.
“We are absolutely thrilled to recognize Belhaven as a College of Distinction for its effective dedication to student success,” said Tyson Schritter, chief operating officer for Colleges of Distinction. “Belhaven stands out in the way it strives to help its students to learn, grow, and succeed. We are impressed with the University's curriculum, which is enriched with the kind of high-impact educational practices that are most crucial for student development. Such innovative engagement is preparing the next generation of young adults to thrive after college.”