SMSU Named 2025-26 College of Distinction
Published Friday, July 18, 2025
In a higher education landscape often dominated by rankings and test scores, Southwest Minnesota State University has been recognized for what truly matters: a transformative undergraduate experience. For the 2025-2026 academic year, SMSU has been named a College of Distinction, a prestigious designation awarded to schools whose commitment to engaged, experiential education sets them apart.
This recognition is based on Colleges of Distinction’s unique evaluation criteria known as the Four Distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community, and Successful Outcomes. Through extensive research and interviews, Colleges of Distinction identifies institutions that make a meaningful impact on students’ lives, not just the ones that fight their way to the top of rankings lists.
Southwest Minnesota State University is recognized as a Minnesota Public College of Distinction, an Affordable College of Distinction, a Business College of Distinction, and an Education College of Distinction.
“It is an honor to be recognized by Colleges of Distinction. At Southwest Minnesota State University, we embody the four distinctions through our dedicated faculty, engaged student body, integrated hands-on learning, and a strong sense of community,” said Dr. David P. Jones, SMSU interim president. “We are committed to fostering an environment where every student can explore their interests, gain real-world experience, and realize their full potential.”
Unlike rankings that focus on prestige-driven metrics, Colleges of Distinction highlights schools that champion educational impact. That includes everything from first-year seminars and collaborative projects to undergraduate research, global learning, and internships. SMSU’s inclusion is a result of its commitment to these high-impact practices and the personalized support it offers students throughout their college journey.
“Southwest Minnesota State University has crafted a campus culture where students are empowered to take ownership of their learning,” said Tyson Schritter, Chief Operating Officer at Colleges of Distinction. “Our goal is to celebrate institutions that help students find their place, their purpose, and their potential. SMSU stands out for creating an environment where students thrive.”
About Colleges of Distinction
Since 2000, Colleges of Distinction has been committed to recognizing schools across the United States for their exceptional contributions to higher education. Member institutions within the Colleges of Distinction consortium distinguish themselves through their unwavering focus on providing an outstanding undergraduate experience. Their website offers dynamic college profiles, customized tools, and valuable resources for students, parents, and high school counselors. For more information and to discover how to become a College of Distinction, visit CollegesofDistinction.com
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