Maryville University has been named an Apple Distinguished School for 2021–2024. This marks an unprecedented third recognition as a center of innovative leadership and educational excellence. The University previously received the recognition in 2016 and 2018.

“Maryville remains the revolutionary leader in how technology can expand access and opportunity across higher education,” said Maryville University President Mark Lombardi, PhD. “This generation of students comes to Maryville with a very different skill set, attitude and background than ever before. Our revolutionary model for the future of higher education provides the learning environment, flexibility and career outcomes our students expect.”

Apple Distinguished Schools are recognized for personalized learning, fueling creativity, deepening collaboration and a culture of continuous innovation that connects students to the world.

Through Maryville’s Digital World initiative, all on-campus undergraduate students and select on-campus graduate students receive a free iPad loaded with more than 200 free learning apps and digital access to all course materials. Digital World is a new model for higher education — a model focused on learning technology and data analytics to create a student-centered, accessible, affordable, academically rigorous and innovative learning environment.

In addition to the Digital World initiative transforming student learning in existing academic programs, Maryville has expanded the curricular offerings to include an iOS App Development minor, designed to be a complement to Digital World and requiring no prior coding experience.

Maryville continues to build on the Digital World foundation leveraging the latest technology to modernize student learning, service and engagement. Maryville’s digital identification system, Saints ID, allows students, faculty and staff to leave physical ID cards behind and access campus with just their mobile device. Maryville’s implementation of Wi-Fi 6 uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to transmit data to more devices, faster and with less battery drain. Maryville also provides continuous support for learning space renovations including implementation of enhanced technology solutions.