University of Arkansas Receives High Praise in Survey of National Higher Education Leaders

A new survey of college leaders across the U.S gives the University of Arkansas a top-10 ranking among national public universities for having made “the most promising and innovative changes” to advance academics and the student learning experience.

The survey was conducted as part of U.S. News & World Report’s annual college ranking, “Best Colleges 2013,” which was released Wednesday. Hundreds of university and college chancellors, presidents, provosts and admission deans took part in the survey, which was conducted earlier this year. Each participant was asked to nominate up to 10 public and private colleges and universities that have made noteworthy advances in their academic quality and student life.

Though the publication refers to the 19 public and private schools on the list as “The 2013 Up-and-Comers,” all but one of the schools on the list are well established research universities. The University of Arkansas was ranked ninth among public universities and 14^th overall.

“This recognition is a tremendous reflection of the U of A’s rise as a nationally prominent university,” said G. David Gearhart, the university’s chancellor. “It’s especially meaningful because it reflects the opinions of the nation’s higher education leaders. They have a unique knowledge and understanding of higher education. It says a lot about our university’s quality and direction to be among the most-cited universities in this category. Our students, faculty, staff and alumni should be very proud of this recognition. The taxpayers of Arkansas should feel proud as well.”

“From my perspective as a student, this honor means the ‘Students First’ philosophy is successfully bringing students, faculty, staff and administration together as collaborators in making the YOU of A the incredible place it has become,” said Tori Pohlner, president of the Associated Student Government.

“Around the nation universities are laying off faculty and cutting budgets. The University of Arkansas is hiring additional faculty and providing support – financial and professional support – for our teachers and researchers. It’s not surprising that our colleagues at other universities have noticed, and are impressed,” said Tim Kral, Chair of the Faculty Senate.

Along with the University of Arkansas, the other top public universities in the survey included Arizona State University, Clemson University (South Carolina), George Mason University (Virginia), Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis, North Carolina State University, Portland State University (Oregon), Ohio State University, the University of Central Florida, and the University of Maryland-Baltimore County.

Overall, the University of Arkansas was ranked 67^th among all public institutions in U.S. News & World Report’s “national university” category, which places the university in the top tier of the publication’s “national university” category. It ranked 134^th among the 270 public and private “national” universities.