Georgia State Named Fifth LeadingInnovative University in Nation

Newswise — U.S. News and World Report magazine has recognized Georgia State University as one of the most innovative institutions in the nation and a national leader in its commitment to undergraduate teaching. In its 2016 “America’s Best Colleges” edition, U.S. News ranked Georgia State 5th in the country among the top “most innovative” universities, a list of schools nominated by college and university leaders. The list includes institutions “that are making the most innovative improvements in terms of curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology or facilities,” according to the magazine. Georgia State ranked 6th place in a similar category in 2015. Georgia State was also recognized for its strong commitment to undergraduate teaching, ranking 14th in the nation among institutions, including Yale, Stanford, Duke and the University of Michigan. The publication identified schools “where the faculty has an unusually strong commitment to undergraduate teaching.” “These rankings reflect the work we have done in pursuing new models and new approaches in helping students earn their degrees,” said Mark P. Becker, president of Georgia State. “Our faculty and staff must be commended for their outstanding efforts in teaching, engaging and mentoring our students.” Georgia State also ranks as one of the most diverse universities in the nation, ranking 14th among the country’s most diverse institutions, according to U.S. News. The university ranked 12th last year. The university’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business ranked 50th in the magazine’s ranking of undergraduate business programs. It was 45th last year. It tied with 10 other institutions: Auburn University, Bentley University, Pepperdine University, University of California-San Diego, University of Connecticut, University of Massachusetts –Amherst, University of Missouri, University of Oregon, University of Tennessee and University of Utah. The business school and program rankings are based on a survey of deans and senior faculty at institutions around the nation.