National recognition for a program expanding college access
Linfield University has received the 2025 Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities’ (NWCCU) Beacon Award for Excellence in Student Achievement and Success, recognizing a program that is quietly — and powerfully — changing lives.
In December, the NWCCU honored Linfield’s Provisionally Admitted Student Program at its annual conference. The NWCCU applauded the program’s replicable model for helping students who might otherwise be turned away from higher education. Linfield’s program allows students to not only enter college but thrive in it. The award includes a $2,500 gift to support continued program innovation.
Supporting the provisionally admitted student at Linfield University
Created in 2022, the Provisionally Admitted Student Program supports students with extraordinary potential whose academic preparation may not yet reflect their talent, drive or circumstances. Many are the first in their families to attend college; many come from underrepresented or low-income backgrounds. At Linfield, they are met not with barriers, but with a structured, compassionate path toward success.
“The Provisionally Admitted Student Program,” said Joe Latulippe, associate provost for academic support and accessibility. “These students have incredible potential. When we surround them with community, guidance and a clear roadmap, they show us exactly what they’re capable of.”
Provost Beth Concepción said the award reinforces Linfield’s commitment to meeting students where they are — and helping them go further than they ever imagined.
“Provisionally admitted students bring resilience, creativity and determination to our campus,” Concepción said. “Our job is to unlock that potential by giving them the tools and support that allow them to thrive. Their success strengthens the entire university community.”
The program’s strength lies in its intentionally woven support system:
- The Summer Academy gives students an early, judgment-free introduction to college life. The weeklong program includes classes with professors, hands-on experiences and an instant sense of belonging.
- A first-semester Learning Skills course equips students with practical strategies for tackling academic challenges with confidence.
- Dedicated advising and guided course selection help students begin their Linfield journey on solid footing.
Measurable outcomes for provisionally admitted student achievement
The results are both measurable and meaningful. Over the last three years, student participants have achieved higher GPAs, stronger credit completion and sharper academic performance than previous cohorts — closing gaps that once felt discouragingly wide. As non-provisionally accepted students’ performance remained steady, the gains point directly to the program’s impact.
Latulippe sees the transformation firsthand.
“The most rewarding part is watching students realize they belong here — and that they can succeed here,” he said. “Their confidence grows, their world opens up and you can almost see their futures expanding in real time.”
The Beacon Award recognizes Linfield’s success and positions the Provisionally Admitted Student Program as a model for other institutions aiming to expand access and boost first-year student success.
“When universities choose to open doors wider — and walk alongside students as they step through — extraordinary things happen,” Latulippe added.
