SRU’s education programs earn badge of distinction
Slippery Rock University earned a Colleges of Distinction Field of Study badge for professional programming in education.
Aug. 14, 2018
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - The badges are coming in batches for Slippery Rock University. The Colleges of Distinction guide has awarded SRU with a 2018-19 Field of Study badge for professional programming in education. This award comes on the heels of SRU earning a Field of Study badge for its business programs. This year marks the second straight year that both the education and business programs have been recognized by COD.
The COD Field of Study badges represent programs that invest in student engagement in fields that demand innovative, critical thinking. COD awards badges after a comprehensive vetting process, individually selecting schools based on such qualities as accreditation, breadth of program and a track record for success.
"We are thrilled again to have received this recognition," said Keith Dils, dean of SRU's College of Education. "Our faculty are a big reason for this award. They are practitioners, scholars and experts in their field who do a terrific job of passing on their expertise to our students."
College of Education faculty conduct research with students, such as a recent phonemic awareness study with local preschool teachers, offer study-abroad programs and develop unique opportunities, such as the College's "Professor Protégé" program, Dils noted.
"We also have talented and dedicated students and graduates, many of whom go on to earn regional and national 'educator of the year' awards," said Dils. "This is a testament to the great job they do of applying what they learn at SRU to the teaching of their students out in the schools."
SRU alumni have recently earned awards such as the Milken Educator Award and SHAPE America Teacher of the Year.
In addition to two Field of Study badges, COD has recognized SRU with three "College of Distinction" awards for 2018-19, including National, Regional and Public College of Distinction. Overall, COD evaluates institutions for their commitment to "Four Distinctions:" engaged students, great teaching, vibrant community and successful outcomes.
"SRU continues to impress with its exceptional commitment to student success," said
Tyson Schritter, chief operating officer for Colleges of Distinction. "Its extensive liberal arts curriculum informs and enriches everything students do both in and out of the classroom. And with such an involved engagement of experiential high-Impact practices, SRU continues to go the extra mile in professional education."
According to COD, "SRU's future educators are bolstered by an enriching liberal arts perspective, allowing them to be empathetic, creative and efficient mentors for their students."
SRU's College of Education offers 25 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in counseling and development; elementary education/early childhood education; physical and health education; secondary education/foundations of education; and special education. Click here for more information about the College of Education.
MEDIA CONTACT: Justin Zackal | 724.738.4854 | justin.zackal@sru.edu