For the second year, Piedmont College has earned recognition from the national Colleges of Distinction, a student guide that highlights innovative undergraduate learning opportunities.
“We’re happy to recognize Piedmont College for developing skills relevant to graduates’ lives,” said Tyson Schritter, executive editor for Colleges of Distinction. “High student engagement in college is one of the keys to a successful undergraduate education. With an increasing emphasis on hands-on learning techniques, Colleges of Distinction applauds colleges for practicing methodologies that prepare students for their futures.”
Piedmont President James F. Mellichamp said the college’s selection was based on numerous factors, but especially its programs that engage students with the surrounding community and the wider world. All Piedmont undergraduate students participate in a program called “Compass, which among other goals gives students the opportunity to partner with community agencies and also documents their contributions as part of their college record. Mellichamp said other programs emphasizing learning outside the classroom include Piedmont’s internship, travel study, and semester abroad programs.
High school counselors and educators make nominations for Colleges of Distinction, and each school is evaluated on key indicators including student engagement, student empowerment, and curricular innovation. 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.
The Colleges of Distinction website provides online profiles of Piedmont and other colleges, customized tools, and resources for students, parents, and high school counselors.
