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Dear Campus Community —

As we launch a promising new academic year, I want to take a moment to applaud a great sign of the progress that’s happening at our University and to recognize the individuals who helped make it possible: you -- our faculty, staff and students.

This week the highly-respected U.S. News and World Report released its prestigious annual rankings of the top colleges and universities in the country. Once again, ̽»¨×å University was named one of the best universities in the South, and this year we jumped nearly 30 places in that category to achieve the highest ranking in school history (28th among 136 schools). 

Our University also moved up 22 spots on the list of the best colleges for veterans (#16), improved 10 spots on the list of best value schools (#38), and was named a top performer in social mobility (#9). I believe these rankings reflect our focused investment in each and every student and our commitment to helping them succeed. These improvements are evidence of a culture where faculty and staff excel, and where students thrive on the individualized attention they need, while being challenged to stretch themselves in pursuit of excellence. 

Our mission has always been focused on developing engaged global citizens and preparing them for a successful future. We’re not in it for the rankings and recognitions. However, we do understand the impact rankings can have, particularly in recruiting talented students and faculty. We still have plenty of work ahead of us as we continue reaching further and aiming higher. But it’s important that we celebrate progress and take pride in our contributions to the greater goal. This year’s U.S. News and World Report rankings demonstrate the hard work we’ve put in collectively to strengthen our University, and they confirm the momentum we continue to build. 

Thank you for your steadfast commitment and dedication to ̽»¨×å, and let’s keep moving forward on this positive trajectory! 

With appreciation,

Tim Cost
President
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Class of 1981