Little Apple Times

The college is recognized for excelling in the areas of student engagement, teaching, community, and successful outcomes. 

Wichita, KS: — Friends University has been recognized for its honorable commitment to helping undergraduate students learn, grow, and succeed by Colleges of Distinction, a unique guide for college-bound students. Friends University has been named a 2022-2023 College of Distinction, Kansas College of Distinction and Christian College of Distinction. 

Colleges of Distinction believes that a thorough selection process requires more than an overview of institutional data, statistics, and size of endowment. Instead, the Colleges of Distinction selection process comprises a sequence of in-depth research and detailed interviews with the schools, accepting 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 both inside and outside of the classroom. To earn recognition, Friends University demonstrated the following programs and experiences:  

• Engaged Students – Students at Friends University have the opportunity to take an active part in their own learning through common intellectual experiences, undergraduate research, and diversity and global learning. 
• Great Teaching – Students at Friends University have meaningful interactions with faculty in first-year experiences, writing-intensive courses, and collaborative assignments and projects.   
• Vibrant Community – Creating connections with peers outside of the classroom is an important part of a well-rounded college experience. Friends University offers service/community-based learning and living-learning communities to help students find a sense of belonging and meaning throughout their campus experience. 
• Successful Outcomes – The undergraduate experience works cohesively to prepare students not only for graduation, but for life after graduation. Some of these experiences at Friends University include internships, capstone courses and projects.  

“When we focus all of our attention on how schools stack up against one another, we lose track of what really matters: the students themselves,” said Wes Creel, Founder of Colleges of Distinction. “Every student has individual needs and their own environment in which they’re most likely to thrive. We want to extend our praise to the schools that prioritize and cater to students’ goals.” Friends University’s inclusion is informed by the unique ways it commits to achieving success. The effective strategies for student satisfaction and outcomes were the kinds of engaging experiences found at Friends University.  

Creel continued, “We’re inspired by the ways in which Friends University immerses students in their fields, all while fostering a welcoming community that will support them through and beyond their college years.”  

Aside from overall undergraduate recognitions, Colleges of Distinction also awards recognition in individual areas. Friends University has earned additional recognition in the areas of Business and Education.  

Learn more about Colleges of Distinction here.  ^{https://collegesofdistinction.com/}

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. 

Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives. 

_{Source: https://www.friends.edu/news/2022/06/29/friends-university-named-a-2022-2023-college-of-distinction/}