Defiance College championed as a College of Distinction

National college resource favors undergraduate engagement over brand-name prestige

July 9, 2019

DEFIANCE, Ohio - Defiance College has received national recognition for the integrity of its truly individualized and engaging education. As an institution whose primary goals are based on student success and satisfaction, Defiance College confirms its honor as one of the renowned Colleges of Distinction.

This award is unique among popular college guide classifications, which typically rank schools on the basis of hollow or unclear numbers like the size of endowment, selectivity, and faculty salaries. Defiance College instead earns its recognition for the excellence exhibited in the classroom, incorporating High-Impact Practices throughout every student's undergraduate education. Such student-centered programs include character-building first-year seminars, community-based learning programs, service-learning programs, diversity and global learning programs, interdisciplinary programs, collaborative assignments and projects, undergraduate research, capstone projects, and internships.

"We are so proud to see Defiance College walking the walk," said Tyson Schritter, Chief Operating Officer for Colleges of Distinction. "Colleges of Distinction knows that a truly valuable education can't be measured by rank or reputation. Students learn and thrive best when they embrace hands-on learning in a vibrant, welcoming community. That's why it's so encouraging to find Defiance College taking such an innovative approach with its curriculum: its high-impact educational practices ensure that the undergraduate experience is worthwhile and unique."

Colleges of Distinction's selection process consists of detailed interviews and research for each institution's freshman experience and retention efforts alongside its general education programs, career development, strategic plan, student satisfaction, and more. Schools are accepted on the basis that they adhere to the Four Distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community, and Successful Outcomes.

"Colleges of Distinction doesn't rank schools, because we know that every student is different in what they need to best learn, grow, and succeed," said Schritter. "Instead, we value schools that embrace those differences. Defiance College puts the student experience first, providing all the tools and opportunities they need to become lifelong learners who are ready to take on any challenge in today's ever-evolving society."

Since 2000, the Colleges of Distinction website and guidebook have honored schools throughout the U.S. for their excellence in undergraduate-focused higher education. The cohort of schools in the Colleges of Distinction consortium distinguish themselves through their focus on the undergraduate experience. The website and annual guidebooks provide 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 www.CollegesofDistinction.com.

Chartered in 1850, Defiance College is an independent, liberal arts-based institution in Northwest Ohio offering more than 40 undergraduate programs of study as well as graduate programs in education and business. Defiance College has received national recognition for its educational experience of service and engagement. The College is guided by the four pillars of its mission: To Know, To Understand, To Lead, and To Serve. The College website is www.defiance.edu.