From BOWLING GREEN STATE UNIVERSITY
Bowling Green State University has been named a finalist for the 2026 Excellence in Student Success Award from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. BGSU is the only university in the Midwest – just one of three in the nation – to earn the distinction.
The award recognizes universities that demonstrate a comprehensive, systemic commitment to advancing student success.
At BGSU, that commitment includes academic programs, one-on-one coaching, and support designed to help students navigate college, overcome challenges, and prepare for careers.
“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.”
Bowling Green’s student success efforts have contributed to gains in retention and graduation rates and reductions in student debt.
First-year retention has been at or above record highs for three consecutive years and has increased 4.4% since 2021. The four-year graduation rate has increased 6.9% since 2018.
Average loan debt among graduating senior has decreased 13.4% since 2020, in part through efforts such as 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 setbacks, and pivot when needed, equipping them with skills that help them stay on track even in the face of challenges.
The university also uses its Early Alert program to identify students who may need additional academic support early in the semester. Faculty members, advisers, and other student support professionals use academic checkpoints to connect students with resources while there is still time to address challenges.
From 2021 through 2025, the retention rate of first-year students who received early alerts increased by 8%.
Every BGSU undergraduate and graduate student is assigned an outreach coordinator as part of a student success team. Support also extends to residence halls, where directors monitor engagement indicators related to academics, health, and well-being.
“We’re honored to have this work recognized nationally,” Davis said. “BGSU is committed to continuing to find new and better ways to help every student succeed.”
