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Young Harris College Earns Colleges of Distinction Honor for Sixth Year in a Row
YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – For the sixth consecutive year, Young Harris College has been named a College of Distinction for providing students with the best learning experiences in undergraduate education. YHC is among fewer than 300 colleges and universities from across the country and one of only 10 in Georgia to earn the honor in 2016-2017.
Colleges of Distinction is a web-based guide that takes a fresh look at colleges and universities appealing to students’ unique and varied interests. Based on the opinions of guidance counselors, educators, and admissions of quantitative data including graduation rates and classroom size, Colleges of Distinction honors colleges and universities excelling in key areas of educational quality.
“A truly great school must emphasize core competencies such as critical thinking, writing, oral communication, research, and global perspectives,” said Founder of Colleges of Distinction Wes Creel. “They must also offer professionals and range dynamic, out-of-classroom learning, intensive study abroad programs, and other experimental learning opportunities.”
In order to qualify, YHC was required to demonstrate excellence in four distinctions: engaged students, great teaching, vibrant communities and successful outcomes.
The goal of Colleges of Distinction is to provide students, counselors, and parents with information about colleges and universities that excel in these four areas. Featured schools take a holistic approach to admissions, consistently excel in providing undergraduate education and have a truly national reputation.
This achievement showcases the YHC’s commitment to graduating students with marketable skills that pave a path to success. In May, the College conferred 187 degrees on graduates, many of whom are preparing to enter distinguished graduate programs including the University of Georgia’s Master of Public Administration program, Mercer University’s Walter F. George School of Law, the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy, the University of Vermont’s Master of Arts in English program, a medical pathway program at UCLA, the University of Tennessee’s Higher Education Administration doctoral program, and Boston College’s Master of Arts Higher Education Administration program. Other graduates are embarking on careers or paid internships with notable companies such as NASA’s Johnson Space Center and Disney.
As of 2016, the College now offers 21 innovative baccalaureate majors—art, biology, business and public policy, chemistry, communication studies, creative writing, early childhood education, English, environmental science, history, interdisciplinary studies, mathematics, middle grades education, music, music education, musical theatre, outdoor leadership, psychology, religious studies, Spanish and theatre—as well as a full array of minors, pre-professional programs and teacher certifications.
To learn more about the online guide, visit collegesofdistinction.com.
About Young Harris College
Young Harris College is a private, baccalaureate degree-granting college located in the beautiful mountains of North Georgia. Founded in 1886 and historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church, Young Harris College educates, inspires and empowers students through the highest quality liberal arts education. The College currently has more than 1,200 students across five divisions—Education, Fine Arts, Humanities, Mathematics and Science, and Social and Behavioral Sciences. The historic campus in Young Harris, Ga., has completed major campus improvements to accommodate the College’s growth. Recent LEED-certified campus improvements include the 121,000-square-foot Rollins Campus Center, new residence facilities, and a 57,000-square-foot recreation and fitness center. The College is an active member of NCAA Division II and remains a fierce competitor in the prestigious Peach Belt Conference. YHC is among fewer than 300 colleges and universities nationwide named to the 2016-2017 list of Colleges of Distinction. For more information, visit yhc.edu.
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