Georgian Court University has once again been recognized by Colleges of Distinction, which assesses higher education institutions in four areas that reflect a fulfilling undergraduate education: Student Engagement, Teaching, Community, and Outcomes. GCU, one of 11 New Jersey four-year colleges named in The Best Colleges for You – Colleges of Distinction 2021, was first named to this select list in 2015.
“The Colleges of Distinction evaluators truly understand what excellence in the undergraduate experience looks like, so we are very pleased Georgian Court meets its rigorous standards,” said Chris Krzak, GCU vice president for enrollment and Retention. “Our inclusion affirms the feedback we receive from students and alumni, and at the same time, challenges us not to rest on our laurels. We constantly look for opportunities to build on the Georgian Court experience for students, in and out of the classroom.”
In addition to overall honors, the program recognized GCU in six other categories: as a Catholic College of Distinction and a New Jersey College of Distinction; for its career development offerings; and for its undergraduate degree programs in business, nursing, and education.
“We complete a thorough review of the programs in question before giving the awards,” said Tyson Schritter, chief operating officer for Colleges of Distinction. “We’re looking for such qualities as accreditation, breadth of program, advising and mentoring, integration of career services, and successful outcomes for students. It’s wonderful to see how Georgian Court really exemplifies these qualities.”
Those qualities reflect some of GCU’s many points of pride, including:
- nursing, which is GCU’s fastest-growing program, and through the Georgian Court-Hackensack Meridian Health School of Nursing, students are taught by doctoral-level professors, many of whom also work in hospitals and/or conduct research;
- GCU’s business administration program, recognized by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, which requires internship experiences so graduates are even more prepared for the real world;
- the advantages of small class sizes and individual mentoring in GCU’s School of Education—experiences that prepare emerging educators to help diverse student populations succeed;
- GCU’s approach to career services, which begins well before the job search, through experiential learning, career exploration, internships, and more; and
- the university’s founding by the Sisters of Mercy of New Jersey, a legacy that prepares students for ethical service and leadership in the Catholic Mercy tradition.
