Gwynedd Mercy University Named a College of Distinction
Gwynedd Mercy 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, GMercyU confirms its honor as one of the renowned Colleges of Distinction.
In addition to being named a College of Distinction, GMercyU was also recognized in the following areas:
- 2021-2022 Pennsylvania College of Distinction
- 2021-2022 Catholic College of Distinction
- 2021-2022 Business College of Distinction
- 2021-2022 Education College of Distinction
- 2021-2022 Nursing College of Distinction
- 2021-2022 Career Development College 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. This model prioritizes the opportunities institutions have for students that make for a fulfilling, individualized college experience.
GMercyU's inclusion in Colleges of Distinction was informed by the unique ways it commits to achieving success. The metrics that are most critical to the student experience were the kinds of engaging experiences that are found at GMercyU: first-year seminars, Alternative Spring Break mission trips, collaborative assignments and projects, undergraduate research, capstone projects, study abroad programs, internships, and more.
"It's inspiring to see Gwynedd Mercy University commit to the learning styles and community involvement that will best allow their students to thrive," said College of Distinction founder Wes Creel.
Creel traces Colleges of Distinction's beginnings back to when he was helping his eldest daughter search for schools. The institutions that dominated the rankings were drowning out all the others, and not speaking to what the student experience would be like. He then created Colleges of Distinction to draw more attention to schools like GMercyU whose student-centered education prevails in applying theory to practice while fostering a dynamic learning community.