UW-Whitewater lauded by Colleges of Distinction for its support of transfer students

UW-Whitewater lauded by Colleges of Distinction for its support of transfer students

September 14, 2026

For the 10th consecutive year, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has been named among the Colleges of Distinction - a national honor that recognizes campuses for exceptional teaching and dedication to student success. UW-Whitewater is one of just six public universities in the state to receive this distinction in 2026.

This year, UW-Whitewater adds a record 11th accolade - the transfer badge - for its demonstrated success in supporting students transferring from a community college or other four-year institution.

"It is an honor to be recognized for the concerted efforts we put into supporting transfer students throughout their academic journey at UW-Whitewater," said Chancellor Corey King. "Our university is a longtime leader in transferability, and our faculty and staff operate with intentionality to ensure transfer students feel a sense of belonging and know their community is committed to their professional and personal success."

"We have dedicated staff working one-on-one with our prospective students," said David Hahn, assistant director of admissions and transfer coordinator. "They travel the state and participate in many transfer events, talking to students face to face and answering their questions."

Knowing that transfer students may be choosing among several universities, UW-Whitewater works hard to get them the information they need as soon as possible.

"Students have access to their Stellic degree audit - the number of credits expected to be transferred in - just four days after being admitted, without ever having talked to an advisor," said Hahn. "That way they can learn how quickly they can expect to earn their degree if they come here and compare that with their other options."

Laurie Harvey, right, a nontraditional student, crosses the stage to be congratulated by UW-Whitewater Chancellor Corey A. King. Harvey was one of the first graduates of UW-Whitewater's Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) program, which is designed to accept transfer credits from technical colleges and other institutions and fast-track students to degrees. She participated in the 2023 spring commencement at Kachel Fieldhouse. (UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)

As highlighted on its College of Distinction webpage, UW-Whitewater remains the only university among the Universities of Wisconsin to earn a badge in military support, recognizing an institution's efforts to support and cultivate the skills that military students bring to the classroom while helping them achieve their personal and professional goals. And the university retains its international student badge, the only one awarded among the public regional comprehensive universities in Wisconsin.

The international and military support badges round out existing badges that highlight UW-Whitewater's excellence in business, education, equity and inclusion and as a public institution in Wisconsin. And it continues to be the only university in the Universities of Wisconsin to earn the career development badge and one of just four universities in the state to be awarded the affordability badge.

To be named a College of Distinction, UW-Whitewater demonstrates continued excellence in undergraduate education in such factors as student engagement, teaching excellence, outcomes-based learning, and community involvement. This evaluation process differs from other college rankings publications, whose formulas grade institutions based on factors like faculty salaries, endowment size, and peer opinion.

The Colleges of Distinction selection process consists of a review of each institution's freshman experience and retention efforts alongside its general education programs, alumni success, strategic plan, student satisfaction, and other criteria. Schools are accepted on the basis that they adhere to the four distinctions: engaged students, great teaching, successful outcomes and vibrant community.

Distinction 1: Engaged students

Hands-on learning at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater translated into real-world recognition alongside world-class artists for students and alums working with metals and jewelry. Liina Heikkinen, an art major from Madison, was approached by her mentor, Teresa Faris, professor of art and design, about exhibiting in Seoul, South Korea. (UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)

Read more about engaged student Liina Heikkinen

Distinction 2: Great teaching

Kim Kostka, a champion of student success as a faculty member at UW-Whitewater at Rock County, received the 2025 W.P. Roseman Excellence in Teaching Award, UW-Whitewater's highest honor for teaching given annually to a faculty member. Through lessons based on the everyday objects of their lives, Kostka, who was a first-generation college student, engages her students of all different backgrounds in a communal and connective way. (UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)

Read more about great teaching and Kim Kostka

Distinction 3: Vibrant communities

Students from several learning communities make dog biscuits with residents at Fairhaven Senior Services, a local retirement community. Students in campus learning communities cleaned, painted, and harvested on campus as well as warmed some hearts in the community on their annual fall day of service on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025. (UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)

Read more about our community impact

Distinction 4: Successful outcomes

Tyler Brasington, UW-Whitewater alum from the Class of 2017, has always had a fascination observing bears, but didn't know how to turn it into a career. With the help of faculty, he was able to leverage his undergraduate research experience with the National Parks Service to land a job as a bear management ranger at a national park. After years out in the field, Tyler has found a new calling to share his passion with the next generation at his alma mater. (UW-Whitewater photo/Kyle Winter)

Read more about successful outcomes and Tyler Brasington