Reinhardt University Earns College of Distinction Designations

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Innovative learning opportunities at Reinhardt University expanded in 2014–2015 school year earned the institution national, state, and religious recognitions as a College of Distinction, a Georgia College of Distinction and a Christian College of Distinction.

Reinhardt is one of only two colleges recognized as a distinctive Georgia Christian institution.

“The honor is noteworthy because it recognizes institutions that focus on student engagement and achievement,” said Dr. Mark A. Roberts, vice president and dean for academic affairs. “All in this category have unique aspects which include great teaching and the data to back that up,” he said. “Just like the others in the group, Reinhardt has a vibrant community where students are engaged on campus. Our successful outcomes show students are benefiting from the Reinhardt experience in very real ways.”

Selected schools must demonstrate positive results in all four key areas: engaged students, great teaching, vibrant community and successful outcomes.

High school counselors and educators make nominations, and each school is evaluated on indicators such as student engagement, student empowerment and curricular innovation.

Colleges that have distinguished themselves in each of the four distinctions and have demonstrated dedication to enriching student outcomes through innovative learning opportunities are then invited to join Colleges of Distinction.

Director of Admissions Lacey Satterfield added the designation will help prospective students know what to expect.

“Being named a College of Distinction confirms to others what we’ve known internally all along. Reinhardt creates opportunities for students to have unique, life-changing experiences while they earn their degrees.”

Tyson Schritter, executive editor for Colleges of Distinction, said the distinction does more than providing a ranking or a tally or test scores. It also identifies colleges that ”offer every student an educationally rewarding experience.”

“Active engagement is well recognized as a key to ensuring that undergraduates get the most out of their educations, and we congratulate Reinhardt for leading the way in developing new methodologies that prepare students for the future,” Schritter added.

The College of Distinction web site highlights many of the ways Reinhardt addresses each of the fours distinctions:

• The Robert L. Driscoll Convocation of Artists and Scholars, an annual week-long series of student performances and presentations, highlights student excellence and engagement;
• Professors who provide opportunities for students to use their classroom knowledge to help others are an example of great teaching and of learning while serving;
• The University’s Year Of program, which provides numerous programs and events focused on a selected region of the world, helps to internationalize the campus and is evidence of a vibrant community; and
• One of the many examples of successful outcomes is the high percentage of seniors who complete capstone experiences.

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Photo 1: Ivonne Ramirez, a junior, wows the crowd with traditional Mexican dancing during the Year of Mexico festival in celebration of Mexican Independence Day on Sept. 15, 2015. The University’s Year Of program, which provides numerous programs and events focused on a selected region of the world, helps to internationalize the campus and is evidence of a vibrant community. The emphasis for this year is on Mexico.
Photo 2: Professors who provide opportunities for students to use their classroom knowledge to help others are an example of great teaching and of learning while serving. As part of their project management or international business class, Reinhardt University students, Sam Jones (from left), Warren Staples, Carmen Lockhart, John Rogers, JJ Johnson, Samantha Pass and Shane McCleskey spent a morning in March of 2015 volunteering in the SERV International facility in Canton, Ga. The classes helped SERV by raising $1500 to address food and clothing shortages and help the House of Hope orphanage in Kenya.
Photo credits: Reinhardt University