ODU Earns National Colleges of Distinction Recognition
August 01, 2019
By Joe Garvey
Old Dominion University has been named one of the nation's Colleges of Distinction for the 2019-20 academic year.
ODU also received "Field of Study" badges for its business, education, engineering, nursing and career development programs.
"We are very pleased to receive this recognition," said Don Stansberry, interim vice president of Student Engagement and Enrollment Services (SEES). "It speaks to the effectiveness and success of our entrepreneurial, collaborative, inclusive and innovative approach to learning. Our students leave here well-equipped to begin careers and make a difference in their communities."
Among the other colleges on list are William & Mary, James Madison, Richmond, UNC Wilmington and Wake Forest.
The selection process for Colleges of Distinction 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 their commitment to "Four Distinctions" - engaged students, great teaching, vibrant community and successful outcomes.
"We are so proud to see Old Dominion University walking the walk," said Tyson Schritter, chief operating officer for Colleges of Distinction. "Colleges of Distinction knows that a truly valuable education can't be measured by rank or reputation. Students learn and thrive best when they embrace hands-on learning in a vibrant, welcoming community. That's why it's so encouraging to find ODU taking such an innovative approach with its curriculum. Its high-impact educational practices ensure that the undergraduate experience is worthwhile and unique."
Old Dominion University's academics and support resources are backed by superb faculty devoted to their disciplines and their students, who benefit from the resources of a large research institution but experience the closeness and culture of a smaller metropolitan college.
ODU engages students with content-specific first-year seminars, community-based learning programs, service-learning programs, entrepreneurships, diversity and global learning programs, intensive writing courses, interdisciplinary programs, collaborative assignments and projects, undergraduate research, learning communities and living-learning communities, common intellectual experiences, capstone projects, ePorfolio initiatives, study-abroad programs and internships.
"Old Dominion puts the student experience first, providing all the tools and opportunities they need to become lifelong learners who are ready to take on any challenge in today's ever-evolving society," Schritter said.
