Davis & Elkins College has again been recognized for its commitment to engaged, hands-on education by Colleges of Distinction, a one-of-a-kind guide for college-bound students. The honor is based on the College’s primary goals of student success and satisfaction.
Colleges of Distinction’s longstanding support for student-centered schools highlights those that traditional rankings often overlook. Founder Wes Creel created Colleges of Distinction to draw more attention to schools like Davis & Elkins College whose student-centered education prevails in applying theory to practice while fostering a dynamic learning community.
“More than just marketing, the terms ‘engaged’ and ‘hands-on’ are the hallmarks of the educational experience at Davis & Elkins College,” said D&E President Chris A. Wood. “It is gratifying to be recognized by Colleges of Distinction for who we are and the very core of our mission. Rather than being one of thousands of students in an entering class, new students to D&E quickly discover we exist to provide ‘engaged hands-on’ education that meets our students where they are and takes them to where they need to be.”
Colleges of Distinction’s selection process comprises a sequence of in-depth research and detailed interviews with the schools about each institution’s freshman experience and retention efforts alongside its general education programs, career development, strategic plan, student satisfaction and more. Colleges of Distinction accepts only those that adhere to the Four Distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community and Successful Outcomes. These principles are all informed by the High-Impact Practices to prioritize the ways that institutions enable students to have a fulfilling, individualized college experience.
“Every student has their own unique set of abilities, their own goals and their own ideal settings in which they would thrive,” said Creel. “That’s why we don’t rank our schools. It’s about finding the best opportunities for each individual’s needs and desires.”
Creel and his colleagues found that the most popular college rankings systems rely on metrics like peer reputation, size of endowment and alumni salaries. They knew instead that the effective strategies for student satisfaction and outcomes were the kinds of engaging experiences found at Davis & Elkins College, including first-year seminars, service-learning programs, diversity and global learning programs, interdisciplinary programs, collaborative assignments and projects, living-learning communities, capstone projects, study abroad programs and internships.
“It’s inspiring to see Davis & Elkins College commit to the learning styles and community involvement that will best allow their students to succeed in and beyond their college years,” Creel said.
About Colleges of Distinction
Since 2000, Colleges of Distinction has been committed to honoring schools throughout the U.S. for true excellence in higher education. The member schools within the Colleges of Distinction consortium distinguish themselves through their dedicated focus on the undergraduate experience. Its website provides dynamic college profiles, customized tools and resources for students, parents and high school counselors. For more information, and to learn how to become a College of Distinction, visit CollegesofDistinction.com.
