Photo: Ashland University/Allison Waltz
Ashland honored as a College of Distinction, also awarded five program distinctions
ASHLAND, Ohio – For the first time, Ashland University has been named a College of Distinction, a prestigious designation awarded to schools for their commitment to an engaged, experiential undergraduate education that sets them apart. The trusted resource guide also awarded AU program distinctions in business, education, nursing, career development and military support.
“Being recognized by Colleges of Distinction for the first time is a tremendous achievement for Ashland University,” said Dr. Jon Parrish Peede, president of AU. “It speaks to the fact that our dedicated faculty and staff are making a transformative impact on our students’ lives every day. Our recognition in five categories—business, education, nursing, career development and military support—demonstrates that we are excelling across the educational experience.”
The Colleges of Distinction recognition is based on the organization’s unique evaluation criteria known as the four distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community and Successful Outcomes. Through extensive research and detailed interviews with university leaders, Colleges of Distinction identified AU as an institution that establishes excellence in each area and provides meaningful impact on students’ lives.
“Ashland University has crafted 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 kind of innovation and intentionality that prepare students for life after graduation.”
Business College of Distinction AU’s Dauch College of Business and Economics (COBE), where students gain both theory and real-world application in small classroom settings, was named a 2025-26 Business College of Distinction for its proven commitment to preparing students for the demands of today’s global economy. COBE offers a wide variety of undergraduate academic programs, ranging from traditional disciplines like accounting, finance, management and marketing to more specialized areas like entrepreneurship, fashion merchandising and brand management, industrial and systems engineering and sport management.
Education College of Distinction AU’s Dwight Schar College of Education (COE), which prepares aspiring educators to make a profound difference in the lives of all children, their families and communities, was named a 2025-26 Education College of Distinction for its proven ability to graduate confident, compassionate and classroom-ready teachers. In addition to its highly-regarded undergraduate program, COE offers flexible opportunities for teacher certification, graduate programs and professional growth and advanced preparation in leadership.
Nursing College of Distinction AU’s Dwight Schar College of Nursing and Health Science (CONHS), where individuals are educated to become healthcare professionals who are committed to their practice, leadership and service, was named a 2025-26 Nursing College of Distinction for preparing compassionate, highly-skilled nurses through innovative undergraduate education. CONHS is guided by its ICARE core values: Integrity, Caring, Accountability, Respect and Excellence.
Career Development Distinction AU’s career development distinction is a nod to its innovative Career Center for Life Calling (CCLC), which has demonstrated a clear dedication to helping students translate their college experience into meaningful careers by offering integrated career exploration and preparation, accessible programs and training and a dedicated, career-centered staff. CCLC is embedded in the AU student experience, as it provides guidance and resources, establishes networks and connections and promotes personal and professional growth through jobs, internships and opportunities.
Military Support Distinction The military support distinction highlights AU’s Military Family & Veteran Services program and honors its dedication to building a campus environment where military-affiliated students can thrive both personally and professionally. Services for AU’s more than 400 military-connected students includes comprehensive educational benefits, a military and veterans affairs team, flexible and accessible options, faculty training and campus activities and community support.
About Colleges of Distinction
Since 2000, Colleges of Distinction has been committed to recognizing schools across the U.S. for their exceptional contributions to higher education and 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.
Ashland’s profile at Colleges of Distinction can be found here.