BGSU earns national recognition for innovative approach to student success

University named one of three finalists - and the only one in the Midwest - for the 2026 Excellence in Student Success Award from the Association for Public and Land-grant Universities

At Bowling Green State University, students have never been expected to navigate college alone.

Instead, Bowling Green students have access to innovative programs, one-on-one coaching and comprehensive support that help them make the most of their college experience and prepare for their careers from the start.

That multifaceted approach to student success, which has led to record retention and graduation rates and reduced student debt, is gaining national recognition. 

The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities named Bowling Green as a finalist for the 2026 Excellence in Student Success Award, making BGSU the only university in the Midwest to earn that distinction.

“Every university is focused on ensuring their students are successful, but at BGSU, we’ve defined what that success means and developed systems and strategies that confirm our commitment to reaching every student, not just those who ask,” said Glenn Davis, Ph.D., the University’s vice president for Student Engagement and Success. “And what we’re doing is working. We’ve built an approach that meets students where they are and provides them with the tools and support structures they need to own their educational experience.

“We’re honored to be recognized by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities for this work, but we also know there’s always more we can do. We’re committed to continuing to find new and better ways to help every BGSU student succeed.”

The award recognizes universities demonstrating a comprehensive, systemic commitment to advancing student success.

Bowling Green’s continued efforts to enhance and broaden student support have contributed to the increasing numbers of students who stay and complete their degrees. 

First-year retention at BGSU has been at or above 81% for three consecutive years and has increased 4.4 percentage points since 2021. Four-year graduation rates have risen 6.9 percentage points since 2018.

Bowling Green also has reduced the average loan debt among graduating seniors by 13.4% since 2020 through efforts that include expanding access to open educational resources. 

One of the University’s most innovative support structures is its Career and Life Design program. Established more than six years ago, the comprehensive program – which is available to every undergraduate – provides students with tools to navigate college and prepare for life after graduation.

Students learn how to overcome obstacles, reframe failures and pivot when needed, equipping them with skills that help them stay on track even in the face of challenges.

Another example of BGSU expanding student support beyond traditional expectations is its Early Alert program, which provides key academic checkpoints early in a semester. These checkpoints allow faculty, advisors and other student support professionals to identify needs and intervene while there is still time to make a difference.

From 2021 through 2025, the retention rate of first-year students who received early alerts rose by 8%.

The system has experienced success largely because Early Alerts lead directly to human interaction and support. Every BGSU student, both undergraduate and graduate, is assigned an outreach coordinator as part of an overall student success team available to help them throughout their college experience.

Support also extends to residence halls, where directors monitor key engagement metrics regarding academics and health and well-being.