Hartsville, SC (PRESS RELEASE) Coker College is one of only seven colleges in South Carolina selected for the 2015-16 edition of CollegesofDistinction.com, a website and e-guidebook that recognizes U.S. colleges for excellence in undergraduate-focused higher education. This is the fifth consecutive year that Coker has been named a College of Distinction.
“This acknowledgement only confirms what we know to be true about Coker: that the student experience is at the center of everything we do here,” said Coker College President Robert Wyatt. “Credit goes to our faculty and staff for working to create the kind of innovative programs and experiential opportunities that foster a meaningful learning experience for our students.”
“Colleges of Distinction is delighted to honor Coker College for its success in expanding programming by developing competencies relevant to graduates’ lives,” said Tyson Schritter, executive editor for Colleges of Distinction. “Active engagement is well recognized as a key to ensuring that undergraduates get the most out of their educations, and it has proven correlation with on-time graduation as well. Students increasingly demand access to hands-on learning, and Colleges of Distinction congratulates Coker for leading the way in the development of new methodologies that prepare students for the future.”
To be recognized by Colleges of Distinction, schools must demonstrate results across the Four Distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community and Successful Outcomes. High school counselors and educators make nominations and each school is evaluated on key indicators including student engagement, student empowerment and curricular innovation. Colleges that have distinguished themselves in each of the Four Distinctions and that have demonstrated dedication to enriching student outcomes through innovative learning opportunities are then invited to join Colleges of Distinction.
The annual process to select the nation’s Colleges of Distinction also includes a review of each institution’s freshman experience, as well as its general education program, strategic plan and alumni success and satisfaction measures.
“Colleges of Distinction provides more than just a ranking or a tally of test scores. We identify colleges that offer every student an educationally rewarding experience,” said Schritter. “The Colleges of Distinction have earned solid reputations for nurturing and serving their students across every measure. Like Coker College, our member schools provide the affirming undergraduate experience every student deserves.”
To view Coker’s profile or to find more information about the innovative learning experiences it offers, visit CollegesofDistinction.com.
About Colleges of Distinction
Since 1999, the Colleges of Distinction website and e-guidebook have recognized and honored schools throughout the U.S. for excellence in undergraduate-focused higher education. The member schools in the Colleges of Distinction consortium distinguish themselves through their focus on the undergraduate experience. CollegeofDistinction.com provides dynamic college profiles, customized tools, and more for students, parents, and high school counselors. For more information, visit CollegesofDistinction.com
Release written by Director of Institutional Identity Laura Hoxworth.Coker College readies undergraduates for personal and professional success through a distinctive four-year program that emphasizes a practical application of the liberal arts as well as hands-on and discussion-based learning within and beyond the classroom. Coker is ranked among the “Best Colleges” in the South by U.S. News & World Report as well as The Princeton Review. Located in Hartsville, S.C., Coker is within two hours of the cultural, financial and recreational resources of Charlotte, Columbia, Charleston and Myrtle Beach.
