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Saint Francis University Named a College of Distinction in 20-Year Anniversary Cohort

by Erin McCloskey

Loretto, PA (06/04/2020) — Saint Francis University has been recognized for its honorable commitment to engaged, experiential education by Colleges of Distinction, which is celebrating its 20-year anniversary as a one-of-a-kind guide for college-bound students. Colleges of Distinction boasts its longstanding support for student-centered schools that traditional rankings often overlook. As an institution whose primary goals are based on student success and satisfaction, Saint Francis University confirms its honor as one of the renowned Colleges of Distinction.

While higher education has changed over the last 20 years, Colleges of Distinction's selection process has stayed consistent-conducting in-depth research and detailed interviews with the schools themselves about each institution's freshman experience and retention efforts alongside its general education programs, career development, strategic plan, student satisfaction, and more-and accepting only those that adhere to the Four Distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community, and Successful Outcomes. Overlaid in the last few years have been a look into High-Impact Practices. This model prioritizes the opportunities institutions have for students that make for a fulfilling, individualized college experience. Saint Francis University is a natural fit for the recognition.

Founder Wes Creel and his colleagues identified that the most pervasive rankings systems rely on metrics like peer reputation, size of endowment, and alumni salaries. They knew instead that most critical to the student experience were the kinds of engaging experiences that are found at Saint Francis University: community-engaged learning, diversity and global learning programs, a focus on fundamental skills such as writing and analysis, interdisciplinary programs, undergraduate research, a purposeful residential experience, study abroad programs and internships.

Creel comments, "It's inspiring to see Saint Francis University commit to the learning styles and community engagement that will best allow their students to thrive."

Since 2000, Colleges of Distinction has been committed to honoring schools throughout the U.S. for true excellence in higher education. The member schools within the Colleges of Distinction consortium distinguish themselves through their dedicated focus on the undergraduate experience.

Saint Francis University (www.francis.edu) in Loretto, PA is the oldest Catholic-Franciscan college in the United States. Its mission is to help students grow into compassionate, successful professionals through a culture of generosity, respect, discovery and joy.

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Saint Francis University once again is recognized by College of Distinction for its commitment to engaged learning.

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