University of Mary Once Again Championed as a College of Distinction for 2021
BISMARCK, ND — For the sixth straight year, University of Mary has been recognized for its honorable commitment to engaged, hands-on education by College of Distinction, a one-of-a-kind guide for college-bound students. As an institution whose primary goals are based on its mission of service to others and student success and satisfaction, University of Mary claims its honor as one of the renowned College of Distinction. The University of Mary is once again recognized as one of the nation’s top places of higher learning for its programs in business, education, nursing, and engineering, while also providing the gold standard for the military.
Colleges of Distinction advocates for schools whose undergraduate experiences are grounded in a philosophy of well-rounded, individualized engagement. University of Mary has excelled at having students graduate and enter the workforce with solid, well-developed critical thinking skills as well as the ability to adapt in an ever-changing society.
Now more than ever, it’s important for those entering the job market to have the kind of experiential education offered in business, education, nursing, and engineering, as well as for its support of the military.
Already honored as a College of Distinction for its high-impact approach to education, University of Mary has received specialized recognition in business, education, nursing, engineering, and military support. These additional accolades were borne out of a need for college curricula that are comprehensive not only in course material, but also in practical- and soft-skills development. University of Mary has met these needs with a blend of liberal arts education, program-specific training, and abundant opportunities for real-world application.
“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 University of Mary really exemplifies these qualities.”
Colleges of Distinction’s longstanding support for student-centered schools highlight those that traditional rankings often overlook. Founder Wes Creel created Colleges of Distinction to draw more attention to schools like University of Mary whose student-centered education prevails in applying theory to practice while fostering a dynamic learning community.
Education: University of Mary’s future educators are bolstered by an enriching liberal arts perspective, allowing them to be empathetic, creative, and efficient mentors for their students. University of Mary’s education programs include biology education, business education, early childhood education, English education, health education, history education, mathematics education, music education, physical education, social studies education, special education, speech education, elementary education, master’s in education, human support services, and Doctorate of Education.
Nursing: The National Council of State Boards of Nursing exam results, along with nursing’s national benchmarking service, Mountain Measurement, ranked the University of Mary’s nursing program as #1 in our region and #1 of 2,061 nursing programs nationwide in 2019 and 2021. Their well-rounded perspective allows them to think on their feet and care deeply for their patients. Nursing programs include LPN to BSN, RN to BSN, accelerated second degree BSN, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, master of science in nursing (MSN – nurse educator), MSN/MBA (dual degree), and Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP). And, academically eligible students also receive their senior year free through the generous CHI St. Alexius Medical Center Scholarship.
Business: The fast-paced, modern world of business requires effective communication and innovative strategies. University of Mary programs in accounting, computer information systems, financial services and banking, information technology management, Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science in Business (MSB), Master of Project Management (MPM), business administration, sports and leisure management, marketing, and business management, keep their future leaders ahead of the curve and ready to grow alongside the industry.
Engineering: The engineering badge honors University of Mary for its civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering programs. Students in these programs are guided to take their creativity into their own hands early and often from freshman through senior year, innovating and evolving as quickly as the technological landscape in which they study. It’s University of Mary’s unique approach to education and their desire to network their students with engineering firms in North Dakota and across America that helps students be prepared for the workforce and work toward a better future.
Military: As the number of veterans pursuing higher education increases, so too does the demand for their personal and academic support. Veterans can be some of the most dedicated, hard-working, and capable students on a college campus, but the unique challenges they face can impede their success. That is why University of Mary has been selected as a stand-out institution dedicated to helping veterans overcome their obstacles and achieve success.
The military support Colleges of Distinction care primarily about the individual student rather than the size of their GI Bill package. Schools like University of Mary, who continually earn the Military Friendly® schools designation, ensure that military students are supported through comprehensive education benefits, a committed military and veterans affairs team, flexible options, trained faculty, and dedicated campus activities and community support.
About the University of Mary
True to its motto “lumen vitae”—The Light of Life—the University of Mary offers education for the whole of life through cutting-edge professional programs and graduate programs animated by moral courage and leadership in chosen professions and service to the community. A private, co-educational Catholic institution, the University of Mary welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds.
A Christian, Catholic, Benedictine institution founded in 1959 by the Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery, Mary offers nearly 60 bachelor’s, 15 master’s, and five doctoral programs—in Business Administration, Education, Nursing Practice, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy. The 19-sport Athletic Department adheres to its Greatness Through Virtue mission under the governance of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) conferences. With more than 3,800 students, Mary has locations in North Dakota, Montana, Kansas, Arizona, Rome, Italy, as well as vibrant online offerings.