A growing business program has earned Oglethorpe further recognition among the nation’s 2017-2018 Colleges of Distinction, a national guide to colleges that highlights innovative learning opportunities at top schools.

To be designated a “college of distinction,” a school’s curriculum must emphasize such core competencies as critical thinking, writing, oral skills, research, and global perspectives. They must also offer dynamic out-of-classroom learning and study abroad programs.

“I am thrilled to acknowledge that, in addition to such an impressive implementation of High-Impact Practices, Oglethorpe University has enriched professional programs with a stellar foundation in the liberal arts,” said Wes Creel, founder of the Colleges of Distinction. “Oglethorpe University not only engages competent future employees in Business, but also inspires them to be critical thinkers with unique, well-rounded insight.”

Oglethorpe will open the Hammack School of Business in Fall 2019, and recently launched the full-tuition Hammack Scholarship for business-related study. Oglethorpe nurtures students’ entrepreneurial spirit and encourages valuable real-world experiences, such as internships, study abroad and civic engagement, via its Atlanta Laboratory for Learning.

Schools must demonstrate results across the Four Distinctions—Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community, and Successful Outcomes. High school counselors and educators make nominations and each school is evaluated on key indicators including student engagement, student empowerment, and curricular innovation. Colleges that have distinguished themselves in each of the Four Distinctions and that have demonstrated dedication to enriching student outcomes through innovative learning opportunities are then invited to join Colleges of Distinction.