Angelo State Named National College of Distinction for 8th Consecutive Year

SAN ANGELO, TX - For the eighth straight year, Angelo State University has been named a national "College of Distinction" by the Colleges of Distinction print and online college guide that recognizes colleges and universities implementing best practices in higher education.

Angelo State is one of only 420 schools, representing 47 states, and one of only seven Texas public universities to earn the national 2025-26 "College of Distinction" designation.

In addition to its national recognition, ASU earned the following designations for 2025-26:

• "Public College of Distinction"
• "Texas College of Distinction"
• "Affordability College of Distinction"
• "Military Support College of Distinction"
• "International College of Distinction"

Schools are selected for the various designations for employing High-Impact Practices and demonstrating excellence in four key areas identified by Colleges of Distinction as the "Four Distinctions" - Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community and Successful Outcomes.

"Annually earning this recognition is rewarding because those four distinctions are encompassed in Angelo State's mission, vision and core values," said ASU President Ronnie D. Hawkins. "The entire Ram Family works hard to provide exceptional academic and campus life experiences that prepare our students for successful and impactful careers and lives. Being honored for that is great, but more importantly, it helps spread the word nationwide that ASU is an attractive destination for prospective students that will help them achieve their goals and dreams."

ASU has also been recognized for three individual academic programs, being named a "Business College of Distinction," "Education College of Distinction" and "Nursing College of Distinction." These designations are based on accreditation, breadth of program and a track record for success.

"Angelo State University has crafted a campus culture where students are empowered to take ownership of their learning," said Tyson Schritter, COO at Colleges of Distinction. "Its programs reflect the kind of innovation and intentionality that prepare students for life after graduation. We've never believed in ranking schools. Our goal is to celebrate institutions that help students find their place, their purpose and their potential. Angelo State stands out for creating an environment where students thrive not just academically, but as whole people."

An in-depth profile of ASU will be published in the 2025-26 Colleges of Distinction guidebook and on the CollegesOfDistinction.com website, which provides the information to college-bound students, their parents and high school counselors without a subscription fee.

All of the 2025-26 Colleges of Distinction lists are available at collegesofdistinction.com/best-colleges-of-distinction/.