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The University of New Haven has once again been named a , earning national recognition from a trusted resource for students, parents, families, and guidance counselors for the 2025-2026 academic year. In addition to being honored as a 2025-26 College of Distinction and a Connecticut College of Distinction, the University also earned specialized accolades in Business and Engineering.

These recognitions are based on the Colleges of Distinction鈥檚 four pillars: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community, and Successful Outcomes. The University鈥檚 commitment to hands-on learning, industry-connected faculty, and strong student support stood out in every category.

For students such as Amna Al-Azdee 鈥�27, the value of a University of New Haven education embodies these pillars, especially the commitment to real-world application. Her experiences as a Charger include winning the Innovation Sprint as a first-year student, interning at a chemical company after just one year.

A chemical engineering major, she is currently on co-op at NASA鈥檚 Johnson Space Center, and she is now working on space propulsion systems that could help astronauts reach the moon.

鈥淓very day at NASA felt like something new,鈥� said Al-Azdee 鈥�27. 鈥淓ven on days when we were years away from launch, there was always a task that mattered, and I knew my work was contributing to something historic.

鈥淢y professors supported me every step of the way,鈥� she continued. 鈥淭hey believed in my dreams and encouraged me to take time off to pursue something this big.鈥�

For Kaitlyn Benes 鈥�24, 鈥�25 M.S., who earned both herbachelor鈥檚 and 尘补蝉迟别谤鈥檚 degrees in chemical engineering through the University鈥檚 4+1 program, the blend of rigorous coursework and professional development prepared her for a role in nuclear safety engineering at Consolidated Nuclear Security.

鈥淚鈥檝e been fortunate to have incredibly dedicated professors and mentors,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hey challenged me academically and supported my goals outside the classroom. The personalized attention I have been receiving is immensely important to my success.鈥�

Benes points to the University鈥檚 strong emphasis on communication, leadership, and teamwork as key to her success. Whether serving as a Resident Assistant, participating in a sorority for women in technical studies, or conducting research in the lab of Huan Gu, Ph.D., assistant professor of chemical engineering, she always found ways to connect her technical skills with her broader career goals.

鈥淭he practical experience gave me confidence,鈥� she said. 鈥淔rom a research lab to a nuclear facility, I know how to apply what I鈥檝e learned. That鈥檚 what employers are looking for.鈥�

The University鈥檚 Tagliatela College of Engineering is known for providing students with research opportunities, projects based on real industry challenges, and a supportive environment that encourages innovation. Faculty are praised by students for their ability to make complex topics engaging and accessible.

The University鈥檚 Pompea College of Business is equally distinguished. Its continued recognition by Colleges of Distinction reflects a student experience that is hands-on, career-focused, and connected to industry at every level.

Business students write business plans in their first year, work directly with real companies through consulting projects, and take part in mentorship programs that include an advisory board of accomplished executives and distinguished alumni. They also gain experience through internships and co-op opportunities that are central to giving them a competitive edge.

鈥淪ummer internships have been huge in helping me grow professionally,鈥� said Sadie Perkins 鈥�26, 鈥�27 MBA, a business management major. 鈥淭esting out my knowledge in the field helped me clearly identify areas of strength and improvement. I鈥檝e met amazing people and felt like I was making the most of my time in college.鈥�

Perkins says the variety of perspectives offered by faculty in the Pompea College has helped her shape her goals. 鈥淚鈥檝e met professors from a wide range of business disciplines. I absorb bits of knowledge from each one, and use that to synthesize a career that fits who I am.鈥�

鈥淓ven though I studied engineering, the business courses I took helped shape my understanding of leadership and strategy,鈥� added Benes. 鈥淭hat interdisciplinary mindset has been crucial in the field of nuclear safety. And we鈥檙e not just learning theory, we鈥檙e applying it.鈥�

The Pompea College of Business also offers an active student community, with clubs and organizations that prepare students for real-world leadership.

鈥淚 proudly serve as president of the ,鈥� said Perkins. 鈥淟eading others has given me so many opportunities to grow in ways I never predicted. I鈥檝e learned how to manage a team, plan strategically, and maintain professionalism with external partners while balancing coursework and other commitments.鈥�

This combination of academic excellence, applied learning, and mentorship sets the University apart.

鈥淗aving applied experience has allowed me to build my career on a solid foundation and start off with an advantage,鈥� Perkins said. 鈥淓specially in today鈥檚 competitive market, I鈥檓 grateful for the University鈥檚 push toward real-world readiness.鈥�

Whether working alongside astronauts, contributing to national safety efforts, or launching their own ventures, University of New Haven students carry their Charger experience with pride. Many cite the community atmosphere as a defining aspect of their time on campus.

鈥淚 made my closest friends through the Engineering Living Learning Community,鈥� said Al-Azdee. 鈥淲e supported each other through the stress of our major, and I never felt like I was going through it alone. The University offers a strong sense of community and belonging鈥�

The recognition from Colleges of Distinction celebrates this very experience of both academic rigor and a learning environment where students thrive as individuals and future professionals.