LOS ANGELES (July 25, 2016) — With its teaching-centered culture, global perspective and commitment to critical thinking, Woodbury University has been recognized as a 2016-2017 “College of Distinction,” the university announced today.
Since 2001, Colleges of Distinction has been a trusted resource for more than 40,000 guidance counselors across the United States, thousands of parents and students, and hundreds of colleges and universities. The organization’s mission is simple: help parents and students find not just the “best college,” but the right college.
“Woodbury University continues to provide an innovative, engaged experience that prepares students for successful careers, active citizenship, and lifelong learning,” said Wes Creel, founder, Colleges of Distinction. “Our selected institutions excel at our four overarching distinctions: Engagement, Teaching, Community, and Outcomes, the fundamental elements of an effective undergraduate education.
“Colleges of Distinction stands apart from other college recognition publications,” Creel said. “Statistical formulas and reputation surveys ignore what goes into a great undergraduate education. A truly great school must emphasize core competencies such as critical thinking, writing, oral communication, research, and global perspectives. They must also offer dynamic, out-of-classroom learning, intensive study abroad programs, and other experiential learning opportunities. Our goal is to find schools, such as Woodbury University, that provide these types of high-impact practices.”
“We’re delighted that Colleges of Distinction has again honored Woodbury for our success in developing competencies that measurably improve our graduates’ professional careers and their lives beyond the university,” said Dr. David Steele-Figueredo, Woodbury University President. “Students increasingly demand access to hands-on learning, and we continue to develop and pursue new methodologies that prepare our students for the future.”
To achieve College of Distinction status, schools must demonstrate results in four areas: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, 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. Colleges that have distinguished themselves in each of the Four Distinctions and that have demonstrated dedication to enriching student outcomes through innovative learning opportunities are then invited to join Colleges of Distinction. 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,” Creel said. “We identify colleges that offer every student an educationally rewarding experience. The Colleges of Distinction have earned solid reputations for nurturing and serving their students across every measure. Like Woodbury University, our member schools provide the affirming undergraduate experience every student deserves.”
To view Woodbury’s profile or to find more information about the innovative learning experiences it offers, visit CollegesofDistinction.com.
About Colleges of Distinction
For 15 years, Colleges of Distinction has been a trusted resource for more than 40,000 guidance counselors across the United States, thousands of parents and students, and hundreds of colleges and universities. Our mission is simple: help parents and students find not just the “best college,” but the right college. Colleges of Distinction is founded on the premise that there are hundreds of remarkable colleges across the United States – 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. These high-performing colleges cover the full range of academic offerings – from the arts and sciences to the humanities to those that excel in engineering and research. 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.
About Woodbury University
Founded in 1884, Woodbury University is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in Southern California. The university ranks 15th among the nation’s “25 Colleges That Add the Most Value,” according to Money Magazine, and is a 2016-17 College of Distinction. With campuses in Burbank/Los Angeles and San Diego, the university offers bachelor’s degrees from the School of Architecture, School of Business, School of Media, Culture & Design, and College of Liberal Arts, along with a Master of Business Administration, Master of Architecture, Master of Interior Architecture and Master of Science in Architecture. The San Diego campus offers Bachelor of Architecture and Master of Architecture, Master of Interior Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture degrees, as well as a Master of Architecture degree with a concentration in Real Estate Development. Visit woodbury.edu for more information.
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