Accolades

  • NCAA Division III National Championships

    The Virginia Wesleyan softball program boasts three NCAA Division III National Championships (2017, 2018, 2021), and is home to the all-time winningest pitcher in Division III history (Hanna Hull ’21) and a two-time National Coaching Staff of the Year (led by Head Coach Brandon Elliott ’03).

  • The Princeton Review

    Chosen as one of the nation’s best by The Princeton Review, selected for inclusion in the 2026 edition of The Best 391 Colleges and featured in the Mid-Atlantic category of 2026 Best Colleges: Region by Region.

  • Guide to Green Colleges

    Selected by The Princeton Review as one of the most environmentally responsible colleges; profiled in its Guide to Green Colleges: 2025 Edition.

  • Tree Campus Higher Education

    Recognized for its commitment to effective urban forest management, the University received a 2024 Tree Campus Higher Education designation from the Arbor Day Foundation.

  • The Civic 50 Hampton Roads

    Virginia Wesleyan University has been named an honoree of The Civic 50 Hampton Roads by VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads and Points of Light, recognizing the University as one of the most community-minded organizations in the region.

  • U.S. News & World Report

    Recognized by U.S. News & World Report in multiple categories of its Best Colleges guide, including Ethnic Diversity, National Liberal Arts Colleges, and Social Mobility.

  • Best Online Bachelor's Programs

    Selected for inclusion among U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs, with the undergraduate online business degree highlighted.

  • Colleges of Distinction

    Honored among the 2021–2022 Colleges of Distinction for excellence in student-focused higher education and successful outcomes.

  • Equity & Inclusion College of Distinction

    Recognized as a 2021–2022 Equity & Inclusion College of Distinction, committed to equal opportunity for all students, faculty, and staff.

  • HEED Award

    Recipient of the 2021 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity.

  • Campus Pride

    One of just 40 institutions selected by Campus Pride among the Best of the Best Colleges for LGBTQ+ Students.

  • Virginia Living Top Schools

    Named to Virginia Living’s Top Schools & Colleges 2023, recognizing innovation across the Commonwealth.

  • Carnegie Community Engagement

    Earned the Carnegie Foundation’s Community Engagement Classification, recognizing deep institutional commitment to community partnerships.

  • NACEP

    One of 500 members of the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships, representing excellence in dual enrollment programs.