SRU named as a ‘College of Distinction’

August 8, 2016

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - Citing engaged students, great teaching, a vibrant community and successful outcomes for its students, Slippery Rock University has been named a National "College of Distinction," a Pennsylvania "College of Distinction" and a Public "College of Distinction" by collegesofdistinction.com.

To be designated a "College of Distinction" a school's curriculum must emphasize core competencies such as critical thinking, writing, oral skills, research and global perspectives. The institution must also offer dynamic out-of-classroom learning and study abroad programs. SRU offers semester and yearlong programs with more than 20 international partners in more than 17 countries; 4-8 week summer study abroad programs; spring break seminars that provide short-term opportunities to combine studies with international travel; and CareBreaks, which are extended service-learning experiences that give students the opportunity to travel to areas in need across the U.S. and the world.

Collegesofdistinction.com describes its selection process as objective, in-depth, and qualitative, however, also taking into account quantitative data such as statistics on class size, faculty-to-student ratio, plus retention and four-year graduation rates.

"Our mission is simple: help parents and students find not just the best college, but also the right college," said Wes Creek, founder of collegesofdistinction.com.

"I founded Colleges of Distinction on the premise that there are hundreds of remarkable colleges across the country, each with a unique strength to offer the next generation of college-bound students. We connect these colleges to curious, talented students who are 'right-fits' for them.

"Our member colleges are the perfect size to ensure that each student is seen as an important member of the community, academically and in the day-to-day life on campus.

"You won't find many of our colleges in the commercial rankings and that is because those lists rely heavily on an impersonal, quantitative evaluation process that overlooks great teaching and successful outcomes."

The accolade is the third in a recent string of honors for SRU. MONEY Magazine recently named the University as a "best value in the country," while The Chronicle of Higher Education deemed SRU as one of the nation's "Great Places to Work For."

MEDIA CONTACT: Robb King | 724.738.2199 | robert.king@sru.edu