VCU news

By Anne Buckley

U.S. News and World Report today named Virginia Commonwealth University a 2014 “Up and Comer” among national universities in its annual Best Colleges rankings.

VCU ranked 14thamong national universities, tying with Boston University, Carnegie Mellon University, Tulane University and six others.

College administrators, including presidents, provosts and admissions deans who were surveyed in the spring of 2013 for the 2014 U.S. News Best Colleges rankings also were asked to nominate institutions that they believe have recently made the most promising and innovative changes in the areas of academics, faculty, student life, campus or facilities.

"Being listed among America's rising national universities is an honor that reflects our commitment to brightening VCU's star on the national map," VCU President Michael Rao said. "Our mission as a new type of research university is to transform the human experience through education, innovation, service and a focus on human health, and our efforts have begun to attract national attention in countless ways.

“This latest example, as voted by our peers, is really a tribute to the success of our people who advance this mission every day,” Rao said. “I am grateful for the contributions of my colleagues on the faculty and staff, our students and alumni, and our many partners and friends. This is their honor."

VCU is in the third year of its ambitious strategic plan, Quest for Distinction, which has at its core a focus on student success at all levels, unparalleled innovation through research, a university-wide commitment to human health and engagement and empowerment in the communities VCU serves.