Concord University expands presence on Colleges of Distinction roster

PRESS RELEASE

ATHENS, WV — Concord University officials are pleased to announce its continued recognition  by the esteemed Colleges of Distinction. 

For the 2026-2027 academic year, Colleges of Distinction has named Concord a College of  Distinction, a designation reserved for institutions whose dedication to the undergraduate  experience speaks volumes about value, service, successful futures, and more. 

This award signifies a school’s adherence to what Colleges of Distinction calls its Four Distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community, and Successful Outcomes. Each year, Colleges of Distinction conducts in-depth research and direct interviews with each institution, selecting only those whose campuses reflect a genuine, student-first philosophy. 

“Concord is honored to again be recognized as a College of Distinction,” CU President Bethany  Meighen said. “Every day, we strive to engage students through inspired teaching, foster a  caring campus community, and prepare graduates for meaningful success. Receiving this  recognition affirms Concord’s commitment to providing an affordable, accessible education  that opens doors and transforms lives.” 

In addition to being recognized as a comprehensive College of Distinction, CU’s  Business, Education, and Nursing departments earned honors as individual colleges of  distinction, as officials noted Concord’s stability, accreditation, multidisciplinary approach,  practical experience, non-educational specialization, dedicated advising and counseling, high impact practices, and industry connections — all of which go an extra mile to serve students.

“Today’s students are navigating a college landscape shaped by rising costs, rapid technological  change, and real uncertainty about the future of work,” said Tyson Schritter, chief operating  officer at Colleges of Distinction. “What they need from higher education isn’t just a credential,  but preparation for the world ahead. Concord University delivers that through the kind of  intentional, high-impact education that equips students for whatever comes next.” 

Concord was also named a Military Support College of Distinction by working to understand  veterans’ backgrounds, navigate benefits on their behalf and create a community where they  belong. 

Key features of CU’s military support initiatives include comprehensive educational  benefits, a veterans affairs team, flexible and accessible educational options, faculty and staff  training, dedicated spaces for veterans, student organizations, and peer networks that help  veteran-students navigate the transition from military to civilian life. 

“For veterans, recognitions like this matter because they signal that Concord is genuinely  committed to supporting military-connected students both inside and outside the  classroom. “Many veterans are looking for more than just GI Bill certification. They want a  university where they feel understood, supported, and connected to a community,” Veterans  Affairs Director George Williams said, adding that recognitions such as this reflect a culture of  commitment to student-veterans and their families, which he believes is one of the reasons  veterans continue to choose CU. 

Colleges of Distinction was founded on a deeply held belief that still holds true: The most  meaningful measure of a college is the experience it provides. Concord University’s inclusion  reflects its mastery of that measure. From undergraduate research and collaborative  coursework to immersive service-learning and mentored internships, its students are  active participants in every step of their education. 

To view Concord University’s full profile, visit Concord University.