Colleges of Distinction selects MC as an institution dedicated to engaged, experiential education
Aug. 21, 2025
In a higher education landscape often dominated by rankings and test scores, Maryville College has been recognized for what truly matters: a transformative undergraduate experience. For the 14th consecutive year, Maryville College 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 ones that fight their way to the top of rankings lists.
“Maryville College 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. “Its programs reflect the kind of innovation and intentionality that prepare students for life after graduation.”
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. Maryville College’s inclusion is a result of its commitment to these high-impact practices and the personalized support it offers students throughout their college journey.
“We’ve never believed in ranking schools,” Schritter continued. “Our goal is to celebrate institutions that help students find their place, their purpose, and their potential. Maryville College stands out for creating an environment where students thrive not just academically, but as whole people.”
Maryville College also received special recognition for business, education, career development, international student education and military support.
Other colleges and universities in Tennessee to be recognized by Colleges of Distinction include Belmont, Carson-Newman University, Christian Brothers University, Johnson University, Lee University, Lincoln Memorial University, Lipscomb University, Middle Tennessee State University, Milligan University, Tennessee Tech University, the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga and the University of Tennessee-Knoxville.
Business programs prepare leaders
According to Colleges of Distinction, MC’s liberal arts foundation and well-rounded curriculum prepare business students to enter the workforce with strong leadership skills and the ability to succeed in an ever-evolving society.
According to Schritter, the process of earning the Business College of Distinction label is based on several criteria.
“We look for qualities such as accreditation, program breadth, advising and mentoring, integration of career services, and successful student outcomes,” he said. “Thriving in a precarious economy requires one to be agile in the face of change. We applaud Maryville College’s emphasis on educating ethical, agile, and competent leaders.”
Maryville’s business-related programs of study include majors such as Finance/Accounting, Hospitality and Regional Identity (HRI), Human Resources Management, International Business, Management and Marketing.
“At Maryville College, our business program is firmly grounded in the liberal arts,” added Dr. Sharon May, professor of economics and chair of the Division of Social Sciences at MC. “Our faculty embraces a multidisciplinary approach to preparing the next generation of business leaders. We prompt our students to consider minors in programs across campus, to study abroad, and to engage in career exploration.
“Within our courses, we routinely invite local businesses and non-profits to share their real issues with our students and give our students the opportunity to craft strategies to address those issues. Being recognized as a ‘Top Business College of Distinction’ for 2025-2026 is an affirmation of our efforts to prepare ‘students for lives of citizenship and leadership,’ as we declare in our Mission Statement.”
Future educators prepared well at MC
Colleges of Distinction also gave its stamp of approval to Maryville College’s Division of Education by honoring it as an Education College of Distinction.
“An impressive undergraduate education is marked by its stability, practical experiences, advising and mentoring, high-impact practices, and successful student outcomes,” Schritter said. “It’s inspiring to see the next generation of teachers graduating from Maryville College with confidence. Beyond having a deep understanding of the topics they will teach, Maryville College students also gain the skills to lead their classrooms with empathy, patience, and creativity.”
This marks the sixth consecutive year that the College’s Division of Education has received this recognition. Dr. Cynthia Gardner, chair of the division, is honored that her division has been repeatedly recognized for its efforts in preparing future educators. “This distinction affirms our commitment to preparing teacher candidates through early and frequent classroom experiences, strong partnerships with local schools, and a focus on high-leverage practices. Our dedicated faculty provide exceptional advising and support, and we are proud to see their efforts reflected in this continued recognition.”
MC prioritizes career development
The Career Development recognition is given to a school with consideration of its integrated career exploration and preparation, accessible programs and trainings, dedicated career-centered staff, career services such as resume and cover letter writing, interview preparation and networking support — all of which are hallmarks of the work conducted by the Maryville College Career Center.
In addition to integrating career development into the curriculum, the Career Center hosts various networking and career preparation events throughout the year working closely with employers, graduate schools and faculty to encourage and support students at these events. The Maryville College Works program, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, prepares students to pursue post-graduation opportunities that they find meaningful and rewarding.
Dr. Niklas Trzaskowski, director of the Career Center, is excited about receiving this honor and credits the work of the Career Center’s team for their diligence in supporting the career preparation of the students.
“[This award] really speaks to the College’s commitment to supporting the career development of its students. The entire college community supports the career development of our students,” he said. “We are extremely thankful for the support we receive from employers and graduate school partners who visit our beautiful campus so that they can speak to our Scots.”
Support of international students noted
The International College of Distinction accolade highlights Maryville College’s unwavering commitment to providing exceptional support services for its international student community, ensuring that they thrive during their academic journeys.
Faculty and staff at Maryville College understand the unique challenges that international students face when studying abroad in the United States. With dedicated support teams who offer expert guidance on visas, immigration, and personalized advising, Maryville College believes that every student deserves the tools and comprehensive resources necessary to succeed.
“Maryville College has shown that it prioritizes the success of all of its students, from those in its state to those coming from around the world,” said Schritter. The International Badge also acknowledges the school’s efforts in offering academic resources that promote success. Maryville College continually fosters a vibrant campus life that celebrates various cultures through engaging events, peer mentorship programs, and cultural workshops, all designed to help international students feel at home.
“We recognize the importance of building strong relationships and a supportive community,” Kirsten Sheppard, Director of Global Engagement added. “This award reflects our commitment to nurturing the growth and success of every student on our campus.”
Military support initiatives recognized
MC also received recognition from Colleges of Distinction for its military support initiatives.
“Maryville College sets a new standard of excellence for military support services in higher education,” Schritter said. “Service members in higher education bring with them not only a unique set of challenges, but also a distinct set of skills. As a Military Support College of Distinction, Maryville College truly embraces the opportunity to give these students an unmatched educational experience.”
MC’s Military Student Center provides support for veterans and their families as they transition to and embark on their collegiate journey. The Center’s staff offers assistance in accessing essential resources and navigating the processes for enrollment, class registration, federal education benefits and other administrative procedures. The Center also aids in adapting to college life, career planning and post-graduation plans as well as providing a comfortable lounge area for veterans and students with military ties to relax.
“As the director of Veterans and Military Services at MC, it is an honor and privilege to receive this recognition, and it also represents an excellent precedent that the Veterans Center and the College have established and maintained,” said Dr. Jim Getman. “I will endeavor to continue to receive this honorable acknowledgment that our current and future student veterans richly deserve.”
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.