The impact of a great teacher lasts a lifetime, and at North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU), aspiring educators are gaining the experience, knowledge, and values to make that impact from day one. Colleges of Distinction has honored NCWU with the 2025-2026 Education College of Distinction award, recognizing its proven ability to graduate confident, compassionate, and classroom-ready teachers.
“In a field where the stakes are high and the landscape constantly evolving, NCWU has built a program that blends strong academic foundations with real-world practice,” said Tyson Schritter, Chief Operating Officer at Colleges of Distinction. “They’re equipping future educators with the tools and heart to lead diverse classrooms with care.”
This national recognition is based on the institution’s demonstrated excellence in key areas, including:
- Stability – The School of Education has a longstanding presence, operating for at least 10 years with consistent enrollment and an established number of degrees awarded annually.
- Accreditation – The NCWU Education Programs holds regional accreditation from AAQEP, or the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation. Additionally, the NCWU Teacher Education Program is accredited by the state of North Carolina
- Multidisciplinarity – The Education Program offers students the opportunity to specialize in three or more distinct disciplines (Specifically, students can earn a license to teach in one of the following content areas: Elementary Education, K-6; Middle Grades, 6-9 (Math, Science, Social Studies, or English/Language Arts), Secondary, 9-12 (Math, Biology Social Studies, English), and Special Education, K-12).
- Practical Experience – Starting from the first year, students in the Education Program engage in real-world teaching experiences, including urban and rural settings, diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, and different school sizes.
- Non-Education Specialization – The Education Program requires students to graduate with a minor, emphasis, specialization, or related credential in a subject they intend to teach professionally.
- Dedicated Advising and Counseling – The Education Program provides high-quality academic advising, major-specific advising, and career advising tailored to Education majors.
- High-Impact Practices – Students in the Education Program enhance their undergraduate studies through high-impact practices such as common intellectual experiences in methodology and content, undergraduate research, diverse learning opportunities in and out of the classroom, common first-year experiences such as seminar attendance and field placement experiences of at least 30 hours in a respective school, writing-intensive courses, collaborative assignments and projects, service-/community-based learning like tutoring in our Award Winning After School Program, living-learning communities, internships, and capstone courses and projects.
- Industry Connections – Students enrolled in the Education Program have numerous opportunities to establish professional connections in their field through job placement, internships, co-op opportunities, advisory councils, and networking activities.
Dr. Kelvin Spragley, NCWU Director of Teacher Education and Chief Diversity Officer, states “The NCWU Teacher Education program has consistently proven that the personal and professional relationships developed between faculty and students are our formula for success. It is with this model in mind that we will continue our efforts at producing the next generation of quality, licensed teacher”.
Through these program elements, students are learning how to inspire, adapt, and lead. The Education Program at NCWU reflects the core belief that teaching is both a profession and a calling.
To learn more about NCWU’s award-winning programs, visit https://collegesofdistinction.com/school/north-carolina-wesleyan-university/.
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.
Heroes Served Here: NC Wesleyan Acclaimed…
In a higher education landscape often dominated by rankings and test scores, North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is being recognized for what matters most: a transformative, student-centered undergraduate experience. For the 2025–2026 academic year, NCWU has been named a College of Distinction, a prestigious designation awarded to institutions whose commitment to engaged learning, experiential education, and student success sets them apart.
This recognition is based on Colleges of Distinction’s unique evaluation framework known as the Four Distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community, and Successful Outcomes. Through extensive research and in-depth interviews, Colleges of Distinction identifies colleges and universities that make a meaningful, measurable impact on students’ lives—not those driven solely by rankings or prestige metrics.
“North Carolina Wesleyan University has cultivated 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 innovation, intentionality, and personalized support that prepare students not just for graduation, but for life beyond college.”
Unlike traditional rankings, Colleges of Distinction highlights institutions that prioritize educational impact through high-impact practices such as first-year seminars, collaborative projects, undergraduate research, global learning, and internships. NCWU’s selection reflects its long-standing commitment to these practices and to providing individualized support throughout the student journey.
Business College of Distinction
In addition to its institutional recognition, NCWU has also been named a 2025–2026 Business College of Distinction, honoring the University’s undergraduate business programs for their balance of academic rigor and real-world application.
This distinction is awarded to schools that demonstrate accreditation, a well-rounded and multidisciplinary curriculum, applied learning opportunities, and a strong record of graduate outcomes.
“NCWU understands that effective business education is about more than numbers—it’s about developing innovative, ethical leaders,” Schritter said. “Through faculty mentorship, interdisciplinary coursework, and immersive learning experiences, students gain the skills and adaptability needed to thrive in a rapidly changing global economy.”
Colleges of Distinction highlighted NCWU’s School of Business for its:
- Stability and longevity, with a well-established program and consistent enrollment
- Multidisciplinary offerings, including majors and minors across multiple business disciplines
- Hands-on learning, such as internships, consulting projects, and networking opportunities
- Collaborative coursework, including case-method teaching and business plan competitions
- Strong emphasis on business ethics and social responsibility
- Dedicated academic and career advising
- High-impact educational practices, including capstones and service-based learning
- Robust industry connections that support internships and job placement
Graduates of NCWU’s School of Business leave with more than technical proficiency—they develop leadership, critical thinking, and collaboration skills in environments that mirror the complexity of today’s marketplace.
Military Support College of Distinction
Further reinforcing its commitment to student success, NCWU was also named a Military Support College of Distinction, recognizing the University’s outstanding services and resources for veterans, active-duty service members, and military-affiliated students.
As more military students pursue higher education, Colleges of Distinction honors only select institutions that provide intentional, comprehensive support tailored to their unique needs.
“Rather than viewing military students as a statistic, NCWU supports them as individuals—each with their own goals, strengths, and challenges,” Schritter said. “We are proud to recognize institutions that go above and beyond to serve those who have served our country.”
Key elements of NCWU’s military support include:
- Comprehensive educational benefits, including participation in federal tuition assistance and training programs
- A dedicated Military and Veterans Affairs team to assist with enrollment, benefits, transition support, and career services
- Flexible academic options, such as online programs, flexible enrollment, and credit for military service
- Intentional campus community support, including dedicated spaces, student organizations, and counselors trained in areas such as PTSD and suicide prevention
“As a Military Support College of Distinction, NCWU has proven itself as a place where military-affiliated students aren’t just welcomed—they’re championed,” Schritter added.
Dr. Joseph Lane, NCWU Provost and Senior VP for academic affairs shares, “North Carolina Wesleyan takes pride in offering students degree pathways that fulfill our promise of a personal, practical, and purpose-driven education. We appreciate that Colleges of Distinction recognizes our superior educational outcomes and commitment to student success.”
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.
