University of Charleston is a small gem of a school in Charleston West, Virginia of 3000 students. 1300 study at this location, and 1000 of them are undergrads. Of those 1000 students, 600 are recruited Division 2 athletes, many of whom are international students from 40 countries. The athletic director told us that the athletes bring the diversity to this campus, and I think she is right. UC is the most diverse institution in the state of West Virginia. The University of Charleston also has a strong online presence with non-traditional students, many of whom are active military. In fact, UC graduates more Navy Seals than any institution in the country.

President Marty Roth has had a large impact on UC since he came here 6 years ago. Specifically, retention, alumni engagement, and grant awards from donors, foundations, and federal sources have all increased significantly, all directly impacting the student experience here, which is taken very seriously. President Roth and his wife often have students over to their home for meals and celebrations, and invite newly engaged UC couples to their home and gift them with a bottle of champagne and 2 flutes. Here's something I love: the admissions office has faculty available to chat when students show up for tours. All colleges should do that!

Student outcomes here are excellent. The NCLEX pass rate for the direct-admit nursing program is 100%, as is the pass rate for the PA exam. Furthermore, every second or third year, the highest CPA exam score in the state is a UC student. And 90% of applicants are admitted to medical school.

Some of the traditions here are wonderful. Every Labor Day they celebrate Labor of Love, and all students do community service. Then there's Enlightened Living Week when they have local and national speakers and discussions focused on social justice. It's a week set aside to share perspectives and opinions. And I love the Innovation Scholar Program. The inspiration for this came because West Virginia is last in the nation in terms of innovation, so the university decided to promote innovation inside the classroom as well as through the community with an Innovative Hub downtown.

My favorite part about the University of Charleston was the students. We had a wonderful student panel and more than a couple of them said something like this: "I came to UC, I met people from all over the world, and it changed my worldview." How great is that?