ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Named a 2026-27 College of Distinction
Colleges of Distinction is once again honoring ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ for its enriching student experience and commitment to student success.
The University has been named a , a Catholic College of Distinction, and a Pennsylvania College of Distinction. ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ has also received specialized recognition as a national leader in undergraduate nursing programs.
“Being recognized once again as a College of Distinction is an affirmation of ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence and the holistic development of our students,” said Provost Terese Wignot, PhD. “This honor reflects the dedication of our faculty and staff to creating an engaged learning environment, fostering a campus community in which all students have a sense of belonging, and preparing graduates for lives of purpose and impact. We are especially proud that this distinction continues to acknowledge our Catholic Salesian mission at the heart of everything we do.”
Since 2000, Colleges of Distinction has been committed to recognizing schools across the United States for their exceptional contributions to higher education. Rather than relying on traditional metrics like selectivity or institutional size, schools are selected based on four core principles: engaged students, great teaching, vibrant community, and successful outcomes.
ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½'s ongoing recognition in the nursing category reflects the program's strength in preparing students for the demands of a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. To earn distinction in nursing, schools are evaluated on hands-on clinical experiences, high NCLEX mastery rates, positive student outcomes, and their ability to equip graduates for the realities of professional practice.
“This recognition of our undergraduate nursing program is a testament to our excellent students, who are compassionate and dedicated to providing the best care to patients during their clinical education and after graduation. Our stellar faculty prepare them with both the knowledge and the confidence to excel in practice,” said Deborah L. Whittaker, EdD, MSN, RN, RNC-MNN, Chair of Undergraduate Nursing Programs and Professor of Clinical Nursing. “Our program is designed to combine a rigorous and relevant academic nursing curriculum with meaningful patient care experiences. Our nursing graduates are known for their ability to provide compassionate, safe, and high-quality patient care, which contributes to improved patient outcomes. This distinction affirms that we are not only meeting our goals but exceeding them, which is great news for our community, and we are proud to be a part of it.”
This latest round of honors marks the fifth consecutive year ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ has earned College of Distinction recognition, underscoring the University's sustained investment in undergraduate teaching, student engagement, and community life rooted in its Catholic Salesian identity.