Defiance College honored among national Colleges of Distinction

September 3, 2021

DEFIANCE, Ohio - Defiance College has once again been recognized for its continued implementation of high-impact educational practices. This commitment has helped DC earn the honor as one of the nation's Colleges of Distinction.

Defiance College has proven itself to be at the forefront of higher education with a student-centered approach to teaching and learning. Having a focus on career outcomes upon graduation, the College's programming engages students with character-building first-year seminars, community-based programs, service-learning programs, diversity programs, interdisciplinary programs, and a career readiness focus with undergraduate research, capstone projects, and internships.

 

Colleges of Distinction has also recognized Defiance's nursing, business, and education majors for their excellent programming. Additionally, DC was honored for its focus on military support and dedication to equity and inclusion.

With longstanding support for student-centered schools, Colleges of Distinction highlights those that traditional rankings often overlook. Founder Wes Creel created Colleges of Distinction to draw more attention to schools like Defiance College whose student-centered education prevails in applying theory to practice while fostering a dynamic learning community.

Colleges of Distinction's selection process comprises a sequence of in-depth research and detailed interviews with the schools about each institution's freshman experience and retention efforts alongside its general education programs, career development, strategic plan, student satisfaction, and more. They only accept those schools that adhere to the Four Distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community, and Successful Outcomes. These principles are all informed by the High-Impact Practices to prioritize the ways that institutions enable students to have a fulfilling, individualized college experience.

"Every student has their own unique set of abilities, their own goals, and their own ideal settings in which they would thrive," said Creel. "That's why we don't rank our schools. It's about finding the best opportunities for each individual's needs and desires. Defiance College's inclusion is informed by the unique ways it commits to achieving success."

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 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.