Katie Creel
Title: Chief Strategy Officer, Abound & Colleges of Distinction
Expertise: Higher education research, college selection, student success, international education
About Katie
Katie Creel serves as the Chief Strategy Officer for both Colleges of Distinction and Abound, where she plays a pivotal role in evaluating and selecting colleges for recognition. She leads the research and verification process for nominated schools, ensuring each institution meets the rigorous standards of the Colleges of Distinction Four Distinctions: Engaged Teaching, Student Success, Community Engagement, and Career Development.
In addition to her strategic role, Katie reviews and fact-checks category ranking pages, confirming that all program information, data sources, and methodology details are accurate and up to date. Her work directly supports the organization’s mission to provide trustworthy, expert guidance for students and families.
Katie first joined Colleges of Distinction in 2008 as an outreach partner. Prior to that, she served as a program coordinator in the Asia Division at the Center for International Private Enterprise in Washington, D.C. A passionate traveler and lifelong learner, she has studied abroad in France, Germany, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
Education
- Bachelor of Arts in History – Centre College