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By DONALD MOTTERN | Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO – The University of Montevallo recently garnered distinction for the upcoming 2024-2025 academic year, with school officials announcing the institution’s recognition as a College of Distinction on Friday, June 1.

This selection further marked the 13th consecutive year that the university had received the designation from Colleges of Distinction—an organization that seeks to highlight educational institutions nationwide and aid prospective students in choosing the college that is right for them.

“The University appreciates very much this recognition, which reflects our unique identity and the commitment of our outstanding faculty and staff,” UM President Dr. John W. Stewart III said. “Designation as a College of Distinction for 13 years in a row is indicative of an institution putting students first.”

The organization further recognized the University of Montevallo as a 2024-2025 Alabama College of Distinction and 2024-2025 Public University College of Distinction.

Alongside these institution-wide awards, Colleges of Distinction also bestowed specific recognition and highlights toward the Stephens College of Business and UM’s College of Education and Human Development.

The university’s career development initiatives aimed toward undergraduate students, and the institution’s support of military-related students and employees were also recognized by the Colleges of Distinction among a number of other honors presented to UM.

“We are so impressed to see how Montevallo brings life to the traditional undergraduate experience,” said Tyson Schritter, chief operating officer at Colleges of Distinction. “With a welcoming community, an immersive curriculum and strong support networks, UM is undoubtedly nurturing the growth of tomorrow’s leaders.”

Since its founding in 2000, Colleges of Distinction has awarded schools across the country for their successful implementation of influential and effective educational practices as well as hands-on learning opportunities. Unlike traditional ranking systems, Colleges of Distinction does not solely rely on numerical data but instead bases its selection process on in-depth research, detailed investigation and interviews with students, professors and past graduates.

In issuing its distinctions, Colleges of Distinction looks for institutions that it believes are adhering to four primary points:

• Engaged students – Providing opportunities that encourage students to make the most of their education
• Great teaching – Encouraging an atmosphere of exciting thought and action, led by professors who care about helping students learn to think for themselves
• Vibrant community – Offering activities and events that help students keep on learning even after the books are closed
• Successful outcomes – Producing alumni who are prepared for anything, from graduation and beyond

In total, more than 400 colleges and universities are recognized with distinctions and honors from Colleges of Distinction every year.

Those interested in viewing Colleges of Distinction’s breakdown and methodology, as well as their statistics sheets for the University of Montevallo, can visit their website at Collegesofdistinction.com/school/university-of-montevallo.