Brescia University has been honored as a College of Distinction for the 2014-2015 school year. Brescia is one of a select group of colleges to earn this prestigious designation, based on its excellence in Four Distinctions: engaged students, great teaching, vibrant campus communities and successful outcomes.
The Colleges of Distinction looks beyond rankings and test scores to find colleges that are the ideal places to learn, grow and succeed. The selection process reviews such factors as the school’s first year experience, general education program, experimental components of the curriculum, the strategic plan and alumni success and satisfaction.
“We focus on colleges that are deeply dedicated to students’ learning,” said Tyson Schritter, executive editor of Colleges of Distinction. “Schools designated as ‘Colleges of Distinction’ offer innovative learning experiences that educate, nurture and transform students.
This award comes on the heels of another prestigious honor, as the university was named as one of only twenty 2014 Best Value Schools, an award issued by University Research & Review.
This rigorous selection process begins with an examination of nearly 8,000 postsecondary institutions.
“Our committee prides itself on combining our extensive experience, knowledge of postsecondary education and insight into what provides students with good value when selecting a Best Value award recipient,” said URR Founder Joseph Schmoke.
The Selection and Nominating Committee, made up on former college presidents, university CEOs, provosts and professors, pay close attention to cost, diversity of programs, default and retentions rates and whether a school serves its students well while adhering to it mission.
Student comments found online among social media sites and other mediums are also taken into consideration.
These two distinguished honors join a host of other honors the university has received thus far in 2014, including being named “A Best in the Southeast” college by The Princeton Review, a “Best Regional College in the South” by U.S. News & World Report and receiving the President’s Volunteer Service Award for the second year in a row.
“Obviously, we are honored to have received these awards and recognitions, but I am also thankful for our faculty, staff, students and alumni who put the Brescia Difference in practice thereby gaining for us these affirmations of our mission,” stated Father Larry Hostetter, President of Brescia University.
Brescia was also recognized by Victory Media Inc’s Military Friendly Schools® List as being among the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools in the country that are doing the most to embrace military students and dedicate resources to ensure their success in the classroom.
To round out their award-winning year, the university recently announced their kickoff to a $10 million capital campaign to take place over the next five years. The Campaign for Brescia University: Gateway to Our Second Century will provide many enhancements to the campus including renovations to current buildings and the addition a signature building to the campus.
“The Owensboro/Daviess County community is truly blessed to have Brescia University as a cornerstone in the education and development of future leaders,” stated Joseph D. Moore, Executive Vice President and CFO of Vanguard Health Systems who has already pledged a donation to the campaign. “As a Brescia graduate and member of the Board of Trustees, I have seen firsthand the unparalleled dedication of the faculty, staff and administration that makes this University great.”
To view Brescia’s profile or find more information about the Colleges of Distinction, visit http://collegesofdistinction.com/.
For more information on the University Research & Review, LLC or the Best Value School award, visit http://www.bestvaluecolleges.org/.
