The University of Minnesota Morris has been recognized as a 2024-2025 College of Distinction, a prestigious honor that highlights its unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional undergraduate education. The award reflects UMN Morris’s dedication to fostering experiential learning, strong student-faculty relationships, an active campus community, and stellar student outcomes.
“Several key features of the Colleges of Distinction Guide are at the core of the mission of UMN Morris, and this was well demonstrated by the interviews and research that went into our achievement of this designation,” said UMN Morris Chancellor Janet Schrunk Ericksen. “We have a small, supportive, diverse, and inclusive campus with academic rigor and the strength of the University of Minnesota System. We offer undergraduate research opportunities, and we are internationally recognized for our environmental sustainability.”
In addition to earning the College of Distinction honor, UMN Morris received specialized recognition for its business and education programs as well as its equity and inclusion efforts. These accolades were borne out of a need for curricula that are comprehensive not only in course material, but also in practical- and soft-skills development. UMN Morris has met these needs with a blend of liberal arts education, program-specific training, and abundant opportunities for real-world, experiential learning that ensures equitable treatment and accessibility at every level, offering resources and programs that provide additional support to underserved communities among students, faculty, and staff.
Since its founding in 2000, Colleges of Distinction has awarded schools for their successful implementation of high-impact educational practices and hands-on learning. Unlike traditional ranking systems based on numerical data, its rigorous selection process involves extensive research and detailed interviews with the institutions, accepting only those that adhere to the Four Distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community, and Successful Outcomes. UMN Morris has demonstrated exceptional performance in each of these areas, ensuring a supportive and enriching environment that equips students for future academic and career success.
To be listed among the Colleges of Distinction, UMN Morris demonstrated its unique ways of helping students be active in their education.
“A college degree opens the door to many opportunities,” said Tyson Schritter, chief operating officer at Colleges of Distinction. “But a truly worthwhile education prepares students to thrive once they walk through that door. The curriculum at UMN Morris encourages meaningful student-faculty collaboration through experiential learning that is relevant and applicable to the real world.”
About University of Minnesota Morris
Founded in 1960, the University of Minnesota Morris is a nationally ranked top 10 public liberal arts university dedicated to its students and the environment. Our beautiful, sustainable campus in the heart of the prairie gives students the space to be themselves, follow their passions, and find their purpose. Regardless of their major, students can take courses in everything from art and music to math and science, working closely with faculty in a small classroom setting. With numerous opportunities for hands-on learning, undergraduate research, and study abroad, students will get a comprehensive, well-rounded education while mastering transferable skills like critical thinking, effective communication, and creative problem-solving.
About Colleges of Distinction
Since 2000, Colleges of Distinction has been dedicated to honoring schools across the U.S. for their excellence in higher education. Member schools within the Colleges of Distinction consortium distinguish themselves through their unwavering focus on providing exceptional undergraduate experiences. The organization's website offers dynamic college profiles, customized tools, and valuable resources for students, parents, and high school counselors. For more information and to explore how to become a College of Distinction, visit CollegesofDistinction.com.