Southwestern University has been recognized as one of just 37 institutions in the nation to earn a 2024 Leading Colleges Award for Recruitment. The honor highlights colleges and universities across the United States and Puerto Rico that ensure ethical, fair, and transparent recruiting practices.

“It’s nice to be recognized for this kind of work because it’s not something that is measured by a lot of other publications,” Vice President for Strategic Recruitment and Enrollment Tom Delahunt said. “It’s really measuring how we treat people. Part of the University’s calling card is that we’re very student-centered, and we provide a one-on-one, personalized education. That experience begins with us in the admission process.”

In order to receive a Leading Colleges Award, institutions must be independently nominated by a school counselor, educational consultant, or community-based organization. The Leading Colleges Awards Selection Committee then reviews the nominations and identifies the top institutions based on their admission practices, a vital component considering that the first interaction that most students traditionally have with Southwestern is through the Office of Admission.

“Whether it’s one of our admission counselors, financial counselors, or coaches, we are the first contact with the vast majority of our applicants,” Delahunt said. “When we’re visiting a student at their high school or in their community, we represent who Southwestern should be all the way through a student’s experience, so it’s important that we accurately portray who we are.”

Leading Colleges is an organization that pledges to move beyond traditional rankings to help school and independent counselors identify outstanding educational options. The organization publishes annual awards across a variety of categories, including Recruitment, Retention, Outcomes, and Social Justice. The Recruitment Awards celebrate institutions that put students first in their recruitment and admission policies.

This year marks the first Leading Colleges Award for Southwestern, a sign that Delahunt believes reinforces that the future for the University is bright.

“We are trying to help build and shape the future of the Southwestern community,” Delahunt said. “In our interactions with students, families, teachers, counselors, and coaches, we are trying to spread the word about Southwestern – who we have been, who we are, and who we strive to be going forward, making sure that we’re always looking to the future.”

If you are interested in applying to Southwestern, start your journey by visiting southwestern.edu/apply.