University noted for contributions to U.S., state
, judith@rustonleader.com
08-31-2006
Louisiana Tech University has received recognition for its contributions to Louisiana and the nation by being named the state’s second-ranked school in The Washington Monthly College Rankings of national universities.Tech ranked 183rd among the 245 schools listed.
Terry McConathy, director of Tech’s graduate school, said she was proud of Tech’s success.
“This demonstrates the commitment the university has in participating fully in the community, state and region,” McConathy said.
“We are responsive to the environment around us, which helps us grow.”
The other state schools on the list were Louisiana State University-Baton Rouge at 181st and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette at 242nd.
The research was based on criteria following the theme of, “What are reasonable indicators of how much a school is benefiting the country?” The schools were judged on:
• How well the university performed as an engine of social mobility, i.e., helping the poor to get rich rather than the rich to get very rich;
• How well the school does in fostering scientific and humanistic research; and
• How well it promotes an ethic of service to the community.
The magazine’s editors said taxpayers should know if their money is being put to good use.
“When colleges are doing what they should, they benefit all of us. (Colleges and universities) undertake vital research that drives our economy,” the magazine stated.
“They help Americans who are poor to become Americans who will prosper. And they shape the thoughts and ethics of the young Americans who will soon be leading the country.”
McConathy mentioned that while she felt Tech has been helping the nation for some time, the devastation of hurricanes Katrina and Rita brought Tech to the spotlight.
“It’s increased our visibility and demonstrates our long-term commitment,” McConathy said.
“(The hurricanes) highlighted and brought Tech’s (successes) to national attention while we worked through Katrina.”
McConathy added she expected another year of community and national involvement due to the synergy between students and administrators.
“I think this year’s going to be a challenge in responding to the shock we went through last year, but it will be an opportunity to grow,” she said.
“Students play a huge role because they made the decision to come to Tech because of what we have to offer, and we have to offer what will make them successful.”
Tech’s ranking comes with the second such list compiled by the magazine, which uses criteria different from those used by other publications that rank higher educational institutions in published lists.
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