FHU, Union University and UT Martin Ranked as Top Tier Schools
JACKSON, Tenn. — Union University, Freed-Hardeman University and UT Martin were all ranked as top tier schools among regional universities in the South, according to the annual rankings of colleges and universities for 2014 by U.S.News & World Report. Freed-Hardeman University moved up four spots to 35th, while Union University moved up one spot to 13th this year. UT Martin ranked 18th among southern regional public universities. The rankings, released this week, rate colleges and universities using information gathered from multiple sources. FHU and Union have both been top tier schools for the past 13 years. It‘s the fourth straight year for Union to be ranked in the top 15 schools in its category and the highest ranking ever for the university. This year also marks the 17th straight year for Union to be categorized as one of the South‘s best universities. “To be recognized among the top 15 universities in the South is a remarkable affirmation of the extraordinary education provided by Union’s high quality faculty and staff for our outstanding students,” Union President David S. Dockery said. “To have been recognized now for 17 consecutive years as a top tier institution and to have watched Union consistently move up in these rankings through the years has been quite heartening for the entire Union University community.” StateUniversity.com ranked Freed-Hardeman University as the #7 safest school in Tennessee, according to a message sent to the school Aug. 23. The ranking is based on crime reports made in 2012. The scale used by StateUniversity.com in compiling the ranking accounts for both severity and frequency of crime. “The safety of our students is a priority of the university,” Rodney Weaver, FHU director of campus safety and security,” said. “Over the past year we have increased the number of security officers and incorporated programs to increase crime awareness among our students.” AT UT Martin, increases in enrollment occurred among out-of-state students, transfers, sophomores and returning graduate students. Enrollment also increased at off-campus centers and for online students. “UT Martin maintains a strong reputation in this region and beyond as reflected in the new U.S. News rankings,” said Dr. Tom Rakes, university chancellor. “We‘re recognized for offering high-quality academics at an excellent value, and UT Martin continues to have the highest graduation rate among public universities in Middle and West Tennessee.” A regional university, according to U.S.News & World Report, is one that provides a full range of undergraduate majors and master‘s degree programs, while also offering a few doctoral programs. The category includes 621 universities ranked with four geographic areas – North, South, Midwest and West. Other categories the publication uses are national universities, national liberal arts colleges and regional colleges.
