OBU Recognized as a 2018-19 College of Distinction

July 26, 2018

Oklahoma Baptist University was recently named as a 2018-19 College of Distinction, a nationally prestigious designation for universities that demonstrate an innovative application of high impact educational practices.

Along with being named a national College of Distinction, Oklahoma College of Distinction and a Christian College of Distinction, OBU also received program-specific recognition as a Business College of Distinction, Education College of Distinction and Nursing College of Distinction.

Since 2000, the Colleges of Distinction website and guidebook have recognized and honored schools throughout the U.S. for their excellence in undergraduate-focused higher education. The member institutions of the Colleges of Distinction consortium distinguish themselves through their focus on the undergraduate experience by engaging students, hiring exceptional instructors, creating a vibrant community and preparing students for success outside of school.

Will Brantley, director of admissions at OBU, is humbled and gratified by the recognition.

“Being recognized as a college of distinction is an honor for OBU,” he said. “This recognition is different than most college rankings because it represents the overall excellence of the student experience at OBU. This recognizes our efforts at engaging students in and out of the classroom to help them be successful in all areas of life.

“OBU stands apart from many other colleges and universities because of our unique approach to focusing on a student’s academic, spiritual and social engagement. We want to see students grow in all areas of their life while at OBU. Being recognized as a College of Distinction should let prospective students know that we care about them and their growth while they attend OBU and that they aren’t just another student to us.”

Tyson Schritter, chief operating officer for Colleges of Distinction, is thrilled to recognize OBU for its dedication to student success.

“Oklahoma Baptist University has proven itself to be at the forefront of American higher education with a modern, student-centered approach to teaching,” he said. “With a unique learning environment, its programming engages students through its many programs and student opportunities.”

The College of Distinction’s field of study badges are true marks of honor in the world of higher education, representing programs that invest in student engagement within fields that demand innovative, critical thinking. This recognition acknowledges OBU’s commitment to prepare its students to take on the post-graduate world through an education that reaches beyond the basics.

“OBU continues to impress with exceptional commitment to student success,” Schritter said. “Its extensive liberal arts curriculum informs and enriches everything students do both in and out of the classroom. And with such an involved engagement of experiential high-impact practices, OBU continues to go the extra mile in professional education.