UM named to national Colleges of Distinction list for ninth-consecutive year

May 20, 2020

For the ninth consecutive year, the University of Montevallo has been named to the prestigious national Colleges of Distinction list, remaining one of only two public higher education institutions in the state to achieve the honor.

In addition to again earning the overall Colleges of Distinction designation, UM also achieved program-specific recognition for the Stephens College of Business and the College of Education & Human Development, and was awarded for its efforts to prepare students for their careers after graduation.

“We are very gratified to receive recognition again as a College of Distinction,” said Dr. John W. Stewart III. “This accolade reflects our institution’s unique commitment to teaching and learning and speaks to our faculty’s devotion to the success of the students we serve. Montevallo is a special University that offers a distinctive, affordable education in a safe and spacious campus setting.”

Colleges of Distinction’s selection process consists of detailed interviews and research for each institution’s freshman experience and retention efforts alongside its general education programs, career development, strategic plan, student satisfaction and more. Schools are accepted on the basis that they adhere to the four distinctions: engaged students, great teaching, vibrant community and successful outcomes.

“We complete a thorough review of the programs before granting the honors,” said Tyson Schritter, Chief Operating Officer for Colleges of Distinction. “We’re looking for qualities such as accreditation, breadth of program, advising and mentoring, integration of career services, and successful outcomes for students. It’s wonderful to see how the University of Montevallo really exemplifies these qualities.”