Three Belhaven Programs Awarded for Academic ExcellenceNovember 16, 2018 (Jackson, Miss.) - Colleges of Distinction, a national guide for colleges, recognized three Belhaven majors for their quality and programming. Belhaven's nursing, business, and education programs were given top honors.

Dr. Barbara Johnson, dean of Belhaven's School of Nursing, points to the innovative approaches her department takes in providing a quality education and says, “Our graduation rates, licensure pass rates, and high employment rates are a testament to the value of the BSN program.” She continues, “We are excited to be recognized as a College of Distinction. This affirms our focus on the quality of the student experience, faculty engagement and achievement of nursing program outcomes.”

Already rec­­ognized by Colleges of Distinction for its innovative approach to education, Belhaven was further honored for its expert blending of libe­ral arts with professional programming in business, education, and nursing.

“We are honored to be recognized,” said Dr. Chip Mason, dean of Belhaven's School of Business. “Grounded in a Christian worldview and built on a foundation of liberal arts, our programs provide a sound and practical environment for learning. Our business faculty deserve much of the credit for this recognition. They are all dedicated teachers who are focused on each student reaching their highest potential in the world of business.”

Colleges of Distinction evaluates schools based on their ability to provide a high-quality student experience, as well as a thorough liberal arts education. They granted these awards after a comprehensive vetting process, selecting schools based on such qualities as accreditation, breadth of program, and a track record for success.

Dr. David Hand, dean of The School of Education at Belhaven, believes his faculty are a key component to the success of the education program. He points out, “The School of Education's highly qualified faculty members all hold Doctorates in Education and have many years of experience in K-12 classrooms. Several professors are National Board Certified and maintain their certification.” He continues, “At its core, the Christian Worldview infused into all coursework is what sets the our department's future teachers and educators apart from other universities.”