MUW Gets High Marks From National Publication

COLUMBUS, Miss. — Different from other ranking publications, Washington Monthly asks, “What are colleges doing for the country?” Mississippi University for Women answered and is now among the top 100 master’s universities in Washington Monthly’s 2012 College Rankings.

MUW is at No. 15, moving up from No. 89 after appearing in Washington Monthly’s rankings for the first time two years ago.

“This recognition affirms the quality of students’ educational experiences at MUW, and our faculty understand the role of education and how it benefits the community. Our students are demonstrating their focus on service by using their educational opportunities to better our world.” said MUW President Jim Borsig.

The ranking formula is based on three broad factors including social mobility, which gives colleges credit for enrolling many low-income students and helping them earn degrees; research production, particularly schools whose undergraduates go on to earn PhDs; and commitment to service.

“The students in our best colleges are taught by example and design to look beyond themselves and give back,” according to Washington Monthly editors.

MUW students, faculty and staff will be giving back to the community with various events planned the month of September:

A campus community team will participate in United Way’s Annual Day of Care Tuesday, Sept. 11

The MUW Office of Community Service will host a blood drive with United Blood Services Tuesday, Sept. 18, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., W Room

Hearin student leaders will teach arts and crafts related to recycling and sustainability to children at the Farmer’s Market Saturday, Sept. 22

Hearin student leaders will travel to Winfield, Ala., and volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, Friday, Sept. 28 and Saturday, Sept. 29

In addition to Washington Monthly’s ranking, MUW was recognized on the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for the second year in a row last year.

Students, faculty and staff completed 263,000 hours of community service in 2010-2011.