The University is Only Private Christian School in N.C. to Receive the New Honor; Also Recognized as an Elite Christian University and Top Private School in N.C.

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—�۶�ֱ�� University has received the latest award from Colleges of Distinction that recognizes its outstanding support for international students. The “International College of Distinction” accolade highlights GWU’s unwavering commitment to providing exceptional support services for its international student community, ensuring that they thrive during their academic journeys. For the 2024 Fall Semester, �۶�ֱ�� welcomed undergraduate, online and graduate students from 36 foreign countries.

Out of the nine North Carolina schools recognized, �۶�ֱ�� University is the only private Christian university in the state to receive this prestigious international award. Additionally, Colleges of Distinction recognizes �۶�ֱ�� as the only N.C. school on the national list of elite Christian colleges. �۶�ֱ��’s programs in nursing, business, education and career development are also recognized for preparing students for success.   

As a College of Distinction, GWU is ranked in the top 11 private universities in North Carolina. The overall award is based on four overarching qualities—student engagement, teaching, community, and outcomes.

�۶�ֱ�� President Dr. William M. Downs noted, “While we may just have the one stoplight in our college town, �۶�ֱ�� embraces the broad geographic diversity of our student body. Our campus community benefits greatly from having students from all across the globe here to live and learn with us, and it is gratifying to receive external recognition for the work done by our staff to take good care of our international population.”

Faculty and staff at �۶�ֱ�� understand the unique challenges that international students face when studying abroad in the United States. With dedicated support teams who offer expert guidance on visas, immigration, and personalized advising, the University believes that every student deserves the tools and comprehensive resources necessary to succeed.

�۶�ֱ�� Vice President of Student Development and Dean of Students Lesley Villarose noted that receiving the award recognizes the University’s commitment to foster an inclusive and supportive environment. “Students from all over the world can thrive at �۶�ֱ�� both academically and personally,” Villarose affirmed. “Our team works diligently to help international students feel at home and succeed. This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our staff, faculty, and student organizations who go above and beyond to ensure our campus remains a place of cultural exchange, growth, and opportunity. We look forward to continuing to enhance the experiences of our international students and celebrating the diversity they bring to our campus community!”

The International Badge also acknowledges the school’s efforts in offering academic resources that promote success. From customized tutoring programs to personalized first-year experiences, �۶�ֱ�� is dedicated to ensuring that international students excel as scholars and feel a sense of belonging within the community.

“Our Colleges of Distinction have always been noted for their hands-on approach to undergraduate education,” said Tyson Schritter, Chief Operating Officer of Colleges of Distinction. “�۶�ֱ�� has shown that it prioritizes the success of all of its students, from those in its state to those coming from around the world.”

In celebration of this achievement, �۶�ֱ�� reaffirms its dedication to enhancing the educational experience for international students. Prospective students and their families are encouraged to learn more about the programs and services offered by visiting �۶�ֱ�� Admissions here.

About Colleges of Distinction

Since 2000, Colleges of Distinction has been dedicated to honoring schools with a strong focus on the undergraduate experience. Its website offers dynamic college profiles, customized tools, and resources for students, parents, and high school counselors. To learn more about the International Badge and how to become a College of Distinction, visit .

About �۶�ֱ��

�۶�ֱ�� University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., �۶�ֱ�� prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at �۶�ֱ��.edu.

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Students Share Why GWU Was Their Choice

From the small island of Curacao to the large country of Canada and 44 other lands across the globe, a record number of 108 international students have made �۶�ֱ�� their college home this year. While many of these students will be away from their home country for several months, and even have to rely on others for transportation needs, �۶�ֱ�� is fast becoming their new home.    

Recently, a group of eight international students gathered to talk about why they attend GWU. All of them shared that a recommendation from a friend or family member affected their decision.

The pull to attend GWU was so strong for Savannah Ward, of Hong Kong, that she came without actually stepping foot on campus. Her decision was made after an interview and a virtual tour. “I fell in love with the atmosphere, the campus and most importantly, the people,” she asserted. “I felt so welcomed and so at home, which was the ultimate reason that I chose to come to �۶�ֱ��. Also, for the fact that they have a very good biology program.”

Ward is a sophomore pursuing the biomedical science concentration. Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, she has also lived in South Korea. Her dad, who had been coming to the United States to minister, told her about a Christian university in Boiling Springs. “I love that there are so many outdoor places to go, and it’s so peaceful to just walk around or sit outside by the lake,” she described. “I thought that I would have trouble making friends, but I made friends before classes even started. I really love the faculty, because they are invested in the lives of their students. I am also thankful to be at a campus where I can openly profess my faith and meet with others to talk more about Jesus.”

Cathal “Randy” Butler, of Ireland, also decided to investigate �۶�ֱ�� because of a recommendation. A member of the men’s tennis team, Butler is studying international business. When he began looking at schools in America, a GWU alumnus introduced him to Head Coach Mike Griffith. “It’s a small tennis community in Ireland, and everyone knows everyone,” shared Butler, a junior. “I ended up coming here and absolutely loved it. You meet a new person, and you are going to see them the next day. I remember my first night walking in to the Snack Shop. My first time in America, and they treat you like family. Everywhere you go it’s the same; they go out of their way to be nice.”

He also likes the team’s camaraderie. “We are all brothers and our coach is a great leader, a great man,” Butler affirmed. “Our coach would do anything for us. We work hard and we have fun.”

Klara Ovefelt of Stockholm, Sweden, is a member of the women’s soccer team. She discovered �۶�ֱ�� through an agency. “I had a really good feeling and they also had a Swedish girl here a couple years ago,” she related. “I talked with her, and I just got such a good impression.”

Ovefelt only planned to stay at �۶�ֱ�� for one year, but “I just realized that I love this life. It’s so much more than just soccer,” she asserted. “The best part is the people—100 percent. Like I love soccer here. I’ve never had so much fun, but I’ve also met people here that I think I’m going to like for the rest of my life.”

Lorenzo Bartolini, of Italy, plays on the men’s soccer team, but that’s only part of the reason he chose GWU. He was looking for a master’s program in strength and conditioning and discovered �۶�ֱ��’s. He was impressed with the courses offered and what people said about the program and decided to attend.

Jinwon Suh, of South Korea, is a freshman who was recruited to play soccer. He plans to major in exercise science. “I liked how they focus on the players to develop themselves,” he said. “I thought this place will help me become a better player. I thought it was really a quiet place and fresh air, good views. I will really need a car to drive.”

Connor Enslin of Australia is a senior economics/finance major and a member of the tennis team. He heard about �۶�ֱ�� from a student-athlete in Australia, who had come to America to play tennis at another college. The guy told him about playing �۶�ֱ�� and being impressed by the team and the coach. “He put me in touch with the coach, and we went from there,” Enslin recounted. “I was keen to come here to become the best tennis player I could be. It’s been a memorable experience.”

Luis Ramirez, of Venezuela, plays on the men’s soccer team. He described his freshman year as amazing. He appreciated the help and encouragement he received from his professors as he worked on improving his English. An economics/finance major, his decision to come to �۶�ֱ�� was also based on the reputation of the Godbold College of Business. “I did my research about �۶�ֱ�� and the business program and found it interesting,” he stated. “The professors are really nice, especially with internationals. They really help you.”

Although, Joao Espinheira, of Brazil, graduated from �۶�ֱ�� in December 2021 with a degree in international business, he came back for graduate school. A member of the men’s soccer team for four years, he’s pursuing an international MBA. He is GA (Graduate Assistant) in the Writing Center. He is no longer eligible to play, but he likes helping his former teammates and the new players. His reason for returning? “The people are Number 1,” he confirmed.

*Data reflects reported numbers as of Aug. 10, 2022.

�۶�ֱ�� University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to six professional schools, 14 academic departments, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., �۶�ֱ�� prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at �۶�ֱ��.edu.

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