Colleges of Distinction retains MacMurray on list.
For the second year in a row, MacMurray College was included among the nation’s Colleges of Distinction, by the organization of the same name, for the MacMurray’s innovative learning opportunities during 2014–2015.
“We are honored to again be included among the Colleges of Distinction,” said MacMurray President Mark Tierno. “The award is confirmation of the special qualities of a MacMurray education. We are particularly proud of the service-learning aspect of this award, for which our students gain professional experience in the community,” he continued. “We are working to make that even stronger in the coming academic year.”
To be named a College of Distinction, schools must demonstrate excellence across four areas — engaged students, great teaching, a vibrant community, and successful outcomes. High school counselors and educators make nominations, and each school is evaluated on key indicators, including student engagement, student empowerment, and curricular innovation, according to the organization. Colleges that have distinguished themselves in each of the four areas and that have demonstrated dedication to enriching student outcomes through innovative learning opportunities are then invited to join Colleges of Distinction.
“Colleges of Distinction is delighted to honor MacMurray College for its success in expanding programming by developing competencies relevant to graduates’ lives,” said Tyson Schritter, executive editor for Colleges of Distinction. “Active engagement is well recognized as a key to ensuring that undergraduates get the most out of their educations, and it has proven correlation with on-time graduation as well. Students increasingly demand access to hands-on learning, and Colleges of Distinction congratulates MacMurray for leading the way in the development of new methodologies that prepare students for the future.”
Colleges of Distinction noted that MacMurray students earned valuable life experience while participating in a variety of community service and volunteer projects, internships, job-shadowing and a variety of other service-learning activities.
The annual process to select the nation’s Colleges of Distinction also includes a review of each institution’s freshman experience, as well as its general education program, strategic plan, and alumni success and satisfaction measures.
“Colleges of Distinction provides more than just a ranking or a tally of test scores. We identify colleges that offer every student an educationally rewarding experience,” said Schritter. “The Colleges of Distinction have earned solid reputations for nurturing and serving their students across every measure. Like MacMurray, our member schools provide the affirming undergraduate experience every student deserves.”
For 15 years, the Colleges of Distinction website and e-guidebook have recognize and honored schools throughout the U.S. for excellence in undergraduate-focused higher education. The member schools in the Colleges of Distinction consortium distinguish themselves through their focus on the undergraduate experience. For more information, visit CollegesofDistinction.com.
