Augustana College’s work in expanding access to higher education, strengthening student outcomes and shaping learning to meet today’s students’ needs is gaining it some national attention.
The Rock Island college announced it has received the 2026 Top Colleges for Innovation Award from “Insight Into Academia” magazine. Augustana is among only 19 higher education institutions nationwide – and the only private liberal arts college in Illinois – to receive the innovation award.
Holly Mendelson, ‘Insight Into Academia’ co-owner and publisher, said institutions recognized by the award are those who demonstrate adaptability and leadership.
“The Top Colleges for Innovation Award is a prestigious national distinction honoring institutions driving the next chapter of higher education,” she said in a news release issued Thursday, May 14.
“At a time when colleges and universities are increasingly being called upon to demonstrate their value, innovation needs to be a priority in today’s ever-changing landscape,” she added. “These award-winning institutions stand apart by anticipating and meeting today’s challenges, creating and activating bold ideas, and setting the standard for what excellence and forward-thinking leadership looks like across the academy.”
Read the full list of 2026 Top Colleges for Innovation Award recipients here.
“At Augustana, innovation is how we put thinking to work in impactful ways,” said President Andrea Talentino, who recently was named a 2026 QCBJ Woman of Influence. “This recognition affirms the education we have designed where students are supported, challenged and trusted from day one with opportunities that shape their futures and strengthen the communities they serve.”
Augustana innovation
Augustana’s selection recognizes work that shows innovation across the institution through a pattern of strategy, partnership and student-centered investment.
Some of its examples of the innovation include:
Expanding access: Driven by the Gerber Grand Challenge, Augustana Possible is a financial aid program that meets 100% of demonstrated financial need, up to direct costs, for qualifying students. In fall 2025, there were 411 students with an Augustana Possible Grant,137 of which were first-year students.
Community investment: Launched in 2025, the Hilltop Community Development Corporation (CDC) supports neighborhood revitalization through housing, local business development and long-term investment in the city’s College Hill District.
Expansion: Augustana has previously announced its plans to acquire Trinity College of Nursing to strengthen health care education and build on existing partnerships. The expansion includes a direct-entry 2+2 Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, launched in 2024, and an accelerated BA-to-MSN pathway.
Career exploration, skill application: Through Augie Choice, each student may receive up to $2,000 to support a qualifying learning experience. Nearly 550 students each year use Augie Choice for international study, faculty-mentored research or internships.
Engaged learning: About 20% of Augustana students work with faculty on research, and 83.5% of the Class of 2025 completed internships. Additional initiatives, including the STEM/Q Center, Augie Peers, Success Teams and expanded mental health resources, support students throughout their academic experience.
Kent Barnds, executive vice president for strategy and innovation, said Augustana focuses on connecting academic experiences to students’ futures.
In 2025, the college was named one of the nation’s Most Innovative Liberal Arts Colleges by U.S. News & World Report.
“Innovation at Augustana means creating new ways for students to connect what they’re learning with real-world experiences and meaningful opportunities,” Kent Barnds said. “Our goal is to improve student outcomes, expand access and respond to what our region and the future need, while meeting students where they are and helping them move confidently toward what comes next.”
Augustana will hold an inaugural Innovators Award reception at noon today, May 15, at The Peter J. Lindberg, M.D., Center for Health and Human Performance, 3501 7th Ave., where it will recognize faculty, staff and campus partners whose collaborative and forward-thinking work has helped advance initiatives tied to the college’s Bold & Boundless strategic plan.
For more information about the 2026 Insight Into Academia Top Colleges for Innovation Award, visit insightintoacademia.com.
