October 23, 2019 (Jackson, Miss.) - U.S. News & World Reporthonored Belhaven University with several awards for its excellence in higher education.
The University earned accolades in three major categories of the U.S. News Best Colleges 2020 list: Best Regional Universities in the South, Best Undergraduate Teaching for Regional Universities, and Top Performers on Social Mobility.
“I'm pleased that U.S. News & World Report and others have recognized the significance of a Belhaven education,” said Belhaven University President Dr. Roger Parrott. “We have consistently been recognized for our value, academic quality, Christian principles, and military friendly programs. These accolades affirm what we already know about the quality of our programs, faculty and students.”
Belhaven's top ranking for Best Regional University in the South saw a significant move-up from 65 to 47. This is the first time Belhaven has been ranked in the top 50 and the sixth timethey were honored as a Best Regional University in the South. Improvements were noted in almost every category.
U.S. News highlighted the University's improvements in its overall score, graduation rate, peer assessment and first year retention, faculty-to-student ratio, ACT scores of accepted students, and alumni giving. The rankings also emphasize outcomes, with graduation and retention rates carrying the most weight in the methodology.
This year, Belhaven was included on a list of distinguished universities, both regionally and nationally, that include John Brown University, King University, Lee University, and Anderson University.
Top college administrators voted on the Best Undergraduate Teaching accolade and recognized Belhaven's focus and strong commitment to undergraduate teaching. “The recognition reflects our academic strength, but it is when students interact with our faculty, they understand Belhaven's heart for Christian care, and our commitment to assure that every student develops their God-given gifts to full potential,” observed Parrott.
The Top Performers on Social Mobility accolade honored Belhaven for advancing social mobility by enrolling and graduating disadvantaged students who were awarded with Pell Grants.
“We are thrilled to be recognized with these awards by U.S. News and World Report,” said Belhaven University Provost Dr. Bradford Smith. “We're proud of the faculty assembled here at Belhaven who care about each student and are focused on making the classroom experience stimulating and life-changing. At Belhaven, students from anywhere-small town, big city, or anywhere in between-can discover their life dreams and graduate prepared to pursue them.”
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