For the fifth consecutive year, the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has been named a College of Distinction by the Colleges of Distinction website and e-guidebook.
To be chosen for the recognition, colleges must demonstrate results across four distinctions — engaged students, great teaching, vibrant community and successful outcomes.
High school counselors and educators nominate schools, and each 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 and retention efforts alongside its general education programs, alumni success, strategic plan, student satisfaction and more.
“We are pleased to have received this recognition,” said Dr. Catherine Koverola, Pitt-Bradford’s president. “The educators who nominated our campus recognized that Pitt-Bradford offers excellent academic programs and provides a transformative educational experience on a welcoming campus that prepares our students for post-graduation success.”
Colleges of Distinction made note of Pitt-Bradford’s real-world learning opportunities for students, such as monitoring the health of streams in the Allegheny National Forest, and groundbreaking facilities, such as the Crime Scene Investigation House used by criminal justice and forensics majors.
Colleges of Distinction also pointed to the many opportunities for students to gain leadership experience through campus clubs and activities.
Pitt-Bradford was one of eight public institutions and one of only 35 public and private institutions in Pennsylvania that was recognized.
There are 164 colleges and universities in the state.
Additionally, Pitt-Bradford received program-specific recognitions in education, nursing and business.
Colleges of Distinction granted these awards after a comprehensive vetting process, individually selecting schools based on such qualities as accreditation, breadth of program, and a track record for success.
Colleges of Distinction said Pitt-Bradford’s education programs employ an enriching liberal arts perspective that bolsters future educators, allowing them to be empathetic, creative, and efficient mentors for their students.
Pitt-Bradford’s education programs include biology, chemistry, English, mathematics and social studies for grades 7-12; business, computer information and technology and health and physical education for grades K-12; and early level education preK-4.
Pitt-Bradford’s accredited nursing program was recognized for giving students hands-on experiences in the simulation lab and during clinical hours, which equips students with the ability to take calculated action, even in high-pressure situations.
Their well-rounded perspective allows them to think on their feet and care deeply for their patients. Pitt-Bradford offers an Associate of Science in Nursing, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and an RN-to-BSN program.
In addition to business management, Pitt-Bradford offers accounting as a major and tailored management degrees in hospitality management and sport and recreation management, both of which include an internship component. It also offers minors in accounting, business, economics, finance, international business, management information systems, marketing and public relations.
