Alvernia's business programs earn 2025-26 colleges of distinction honor

Recognition highlights applied learning, mentoring and career-aligned outcomes

Alvernia University has been named a 2025-2026 Business College of Distinction by Colleges of Distinction, an online guide that recognizes institutions and academic programs for student-centered, outcomes-focused excellence.

"Recognition like this is really a recognition of our students: their drive to learn by doing, their willingness to lead with integrity, and their commitment to using business as a force for good," said Dean of the College of Innovation, Discovery and Enterprise David Shoup, Ph.D. "Whether they're working with entrepreneurs, analyzing markets with industry tools, or building experience through applied projects, our students graduate prepared to add value on day one and to lead with moral courage."

The honor recognizes the strength of Alvernia's undergraduate business programs in the The Header School of Business, including its well-rounded curriculum, emphasis on experiential learning, ethical leadership and career preparation.

"Alvernia University understands that effective business education is about more than numbers, but also about nurturing innovative, ethical leaders," said Tyson Schritter, Chief Operating Officer at Colleges of Distinction. "Through faculty mentorship, interdisciplinary coursework, and immersive learning opportunities, their students are gaining the insight and experience needed to adapt in a rapidly changing landscape."

As advanced technology, alternative business models and growing entrepreneurship reshape global commerce, Alvernia's business programs are designed to help students lead in a changing marketplace through applied learning and career-aligned experiences.

Business education at Alvernia blends classroom learning with real-world experiences and prepares students for careers in accounting, finance, marketing, human resources and specialized areas of management. Students learn from accomplished practitioners who research and publish on current business trends, with an emphasis on ethical business practices grounded in the university's Franciscan tradition.

The Header School of Business faculty bring strong academic preparation and years of business experience, with coursework refreshed as faculty research and professional practice bring contemporary, cutting-edge knowledge into the classroom. Alvernia business interns and graduates have built experience with globally recognized organizations, including the Philadelphia Eagles, Amazon, Ernst & Young, Penske and Bank of America.

Program highlights that reflect Business College of Distinction criteria include:

• The Header School of Business offers majors and minors in distinct disciplines (accounting, business administration and management, digital media marketing, economics, healthcare administration, human resource management, marketing, and sport management. Students across disciplines engage in coursework that cultivates quantitative and qualitative critical thinking skills, as well as critical soft skills like leadership, public speaking, and information literacy.
• world-class ethics training means the leadership undergraduate business programs prioritize business ethics, emphasizing the broader responsibilities of companies toward customers, employees, investors, communities, suppliers, and the environment.
• industry-relevant learning spaces and tools including the John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne and access to the Bloomberg Terminal, which provides real-time and historical data, market-moving news and analytics
• faculty-led, experiential learning through opportunities such as the O'Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship Fellows Program and Spark Business Incubator, connecting students with local entrepreneurs and hands-on business problem-solving
• student support and access through the Header Family Foundation Scholars Program, an endowed scholarship initiative supporting eligible business students who demonstrate financial need
• program accreditation through the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs

For more information about the programs housed in the Header School of Business and its national recognition, click here.

About Colleges of Distinction

Since 2000, Colleges of Distinction has been committed to honoring schools with a dedicated focus on the undergraduate experience. Member institutions within the Colleges of Distinction consortium distinguish themselves through high-impact practices and holistic student development. For more information, visit CollegesofDistinction.com.