September 30, 2020 (Jackson, Miss.) - Belhaven University was honored for its commitment to Christian higher education and was recognized for the tenth consecutive year as a 2020-21 Christian College of Distinction. Belhaven was the only Mississippi institution honored as a top Christian university.
Institutions are selected based on four criteria - student engagement, great teaching, vibrant communities, and successful outcomes. Colleges and universities from across the nation were named to the 2020-21 list. Belhaven was included with prestigious institutions such as Belmont University, Azuza Pacific University, and Wheaton College.
“To receive this high acclaim for 10 years in a row is a significant accomplishment,” Vice President for University Enrollment and Marketing Dr. Kevin Russell. “At Belhaven, we value faith and academics, and this prestigious title is added confirmation that our University is consistently committed to both. We believe it's important for us to partner with students and help them find success by discovering the field or vocation that best fits their God-given abilities.”
According to Colleges of Distinction, Belhaven was honored because it is nationally recognized by education professionals as an excellent school and has a strong focus on teaching undergraduates. It is also home to a wide variety of innovative learning experiences and has an active campus life with many opportunities for personal development. The University is also highly valued by graduate schools and employers for its career preparation.
Suzanne Sullivan, Belhaven's Associate Vice President for Enrollment, said, “Our faculty are one of the major reasons for this distinction. They are some of the best in the country in the fields they teach and they genuinely care for their students. Our students are eager to learn and our campus environments are thriving with engaged students who are using their studies to make a difference in their families, communities, and careers.”
Institutions are nominated for participation by educators, and then evaluated using qualitative and quantitative research. Colleges of Distinction takes an unbiased look at the admission process and look at the myths surrounding college admissions, provide tools for self-assessment and provide insights from college admissions professionals, high school counselors, students and parents.