There is a summertime celebration taking place at Central Methodist University today. Officials have learned that CMU has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for its unique implementation of Apple technology.

Central implemented a “Digital U” pilot program four years ago, “and we continued to build each year,” said President Roger Drake, who announced the prestigious honor Thursday to faculty and staff. “It really takes the buy-in from the whole campus to make this work. I can’t say enough about the effort of the folks who made this happen. And the faculty members who not only made it work in the classroom, but became innovators.”

Apple Distinguished Schools are centers of innovation, leadership, and educational excellence. They use Apple technology to connect students to the world, fuel creativity, deepen collaboration, and make learning personal. 

Each full-time student on the Fayette campus gets an iPad and Apple Pencil before classes start in the fall. The “Digital U crew” helps distribute the devices, and provides workshops and tutorials for students who are experiencing iPad for the first time.

The selection of Central as an Apple Distinguished School “highlights our success in creating an innovative and compelling learning environment that engages students and provides tangible evidence of academic achievement,” said Chad Gaines, vice president for technology and planning.

Central uses Apple TV in classrooms across campus and students utilize their devices in courses from nursing to music, and from biology to public speaking. There are dozens of App Store apps used in classes, with the most popular being Notability. 

Faculty members are focused on transforming learning experiences with iPad, redefining engagement, and encouraging innovation and creativity, not only in students, but also in their own approach to pedagogy, said Gaines.

When making the announcement Thursday, Drake recognized the hard work of numerous people in helping the institution achieve the honor, particularly Carrie Strodtman, CMU’s director of digital learning.