U.S. News and World Report names university 'school to watch'

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jevans@pickenssentinel.com

CLEMSON - Making Clemson University one of the top 20 schools in the nation has long been a goal of university President James Barker

That goal is almost in reach, according to U.S. News and World Report, which recently named the school the 22nd best public university in the nation.

Results of the magazine's annual survey hit the stands last week.

Clemson was also named as a "school to watch," appearing in a new "up and coming" category.

Officials said many programs contributed to the rise in ranking, including a creative inquiry curriculum philosophy that emphasizes communication, reasoning, critical thinking and ethics, smaller class sizes and an academic success center for students.

Such rankings are important because they help tell the Clemson story, said Marvin Carmichael, director of financial aid at Clemson.

Carmichael also serves on the university's administrative council.

"Those statistics have meaning because they tell the story about the type of students we attract, how well they perform and the value of a Clemson degree," he said.

That value will only increase with the new ranking, Carmichael said.

"The value of a Clemson degree will increase significantly with this new change," he said. "It's making our graduates more marketable. People throughout the country and throughout the world are gaining more appreciation for Clemson graduates. I know this will create more job opportunities for our students."

With the top 20-ceiling in sight, officials aren't content to rest on their laurels, Carmichael said.

"One thing you will continue to see is change," he said. "We're on the cutting-edge of change. We're preparing our students for jobs that have not been created yet."

The magazine's rankings come on the heels of a Princeton Review ranking naming Clemson students the happiest students in the nation.

That distinction is also a combination of elements, Carmichael said.

"There's a spirit of support, an attitude of success, a caring nature at Clemson," he said. 'It's part of the culture here. It's an expectation students have."

Creating a positive atmosphere for students begins at the highest level, he said.

"President Barker believes that students come first and the students know that."

Placing students first helps university officials make the tough decisions that have to be made, Carmichael said.

"When decisions are made based on what's best for the students, that has to be the kind of environment students feel good about," he said.

Location is also a large factor in student happiness, Carmichael said.

"Look at where we are," he said. "It's a beautiful place. We've got lakes, mountains, green space. People tell us we don't sell this part of the country like we should."

Such rankings often help parents Clemson University is the best choice for their child, Carmichael said.

"I know families that have used the Princeton Review to make a decision to attend Clemson," he said.

Clemson also scored highly in a number of Princeton Review categories, including town-gown relations, quality of life, athletic facilities and job placement services.