Radford University has again earned recognition as a College of Distinction by the national guide for college-bound students.
Additionally this year, the university was named one of the best public schools in Virginia, and it was singled out for its undergraduate programs in business, education and nursing, as well as for its student support services for career development and military veterans.
Founded in 2000, Colleges of Distinction focuses on innovative, teacher-centered undergraduate education that empowers students through engagement and prepares graduates to succeed in their careers. For nearly the past quarter century, it has served as a trusted resource for parents, academic advisors, guidance counselors and hundreds of colleges and universities across the country.
Colleges of Distinction’s selection process is based on in-depth research and detailed interviews with the schools, with an emphasis on four distinctions: engaged students, great teaching, vibrant communities and successful outcomes.
With its designation as a College of Distinction 2023-2024, Radford has demonstrated excellence in each of those areas.
“Radford University’s dedication to experiential learning shows us that each of its students has the opportunity to play an active role in their education,” Tyson Schritter, the chief operating officer at Colleges of Distinction, said in a news release. “We are deeply inspired by how Radford immerses students in their academic pursuits, fostering a welcoming community that provides unwavering support throughout their college years and beyond.”
Radford has been deemed a College of Distinction each year for at least the past half-decade, dating back to 2018.
In addition to the institution-wide recognition, Colleges of Distinction this year also singled out the achievements of several of Radford’s academic programs and student support services, citing, among other qualities, their accreditation, collaborative learning experiences and stability.
The Radford University academic programs recognized by Colleges of Distinction this year were:
The undergraduate business program, which excels at graduating students into the workforce with solid, well-developed critical thinking skills and the ability to adapt to an ever-changing society.
The undergraduate education program, which delivers leading-edge undergraduate education programs as education transforms alongside constant changes in technology, public policy, employer demands, and more.
The undergraduate nursing program, which prepares its students to excel and take action in high-pressure situations and challenges them to remain curious and compassionate throughout their rigorous careers.
The Radford student services recognized by Colleges of Distinction were:
Career development, which is well-equipped to help students graduate with confidence through offering comprehensive four-year plans, advising and more.
Military support, which provides personal and academic support for the unique challenges veterans and active military personnel face, helping these students overcome obstacles and achieve success.
Neil Harvey for Radford University
