FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 20, 2009
Contact: Anika Mitchell Perkins
(662) 329-7124
aperkins@pa.muw.edu

U.S.News recognizes MUW for its `strong commitment to teaching’

COLUMBUS, Miss. – Once again, Mississippi University for Women has garnered top honors by U.S.News & World Report. The latest rankings recognize MUW for its strong commitment to teaching as well as being a top Southern public master’s university.

MUW was the only Mississippi institution to appear in the strong commitment to teaching category, landing at No. 7 among other Southern institutions including Elon, James Madison and Mercer universities. MUW also was ranked No. 34 in the Best Universities--Master’s Southern region category and the highest ranked school from Mississippi in this category as well.

The commitment to teaching is a new classification, according to U.S.News’ sources. “These 80 colleges and universities were singled out most often when experts were asked to identify schools where the faculty has an unusual commitment to undergraduate teaching.”

This news should come as no surprise to MUW given its 13:1 student-faculty ratio. Small classes are taught by professors who are not only experts in their fields but also demonstrate a genuine concern for their students.

Dr. Claudia A. Limbert, MUW’s president, said, “Not only are we providing our students a quality education, we also are providing it in a highly personalized learning environment, which is made possible through the dedication of our faculty.”

Dr. Hal Jenkins, who is currently serving as MUW’s interim provost and vice president for academic affairs, added, "At MUW, outstanding teaching is our primary focus. Many universities treat teaching as something faculty may do if they have time after research. At our school, quality teaching is prized. Our faculty does research that contributes to their discipline but also improves the quality of their teaching. Our faculty is to be commended.”

MUW has been prominently ranked in other leading publications such as Kiplinger’s Personal Finance and Consumer’s Digest magazines.

Highlights of the college rankings will be published in the September issue of U.S.News & World Report, available for newsstand purchase Monday, Aug. 24. The 2010 America's Best Colleges guidebook will be available Tuesday, Aug. 25.