Samantha Villanueva
Contributing writer
Murray State was awarded the eighth position on the 2012 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges in the South rankings for the 21st consecutive year.
The schools on the list were ranked based on a total of seven criteria: graduation rate performance, alumni giving rate, undergraduate academic reputation, retention, faculty resources, student selectivity and financial resources.
University President Randy Dunn said the honor was a reassurance of the great things that made up this school.
“We’re certainly excited about yet another external affirmation of the quality and value of an education at Murray State University,” Dunn said. “These Top Tier rankings for 2012, including the solo spot for a Kentucky public institution on the top 25 list, validate our leading strategic imperative for excellence through quality, as demonstrated every day by our superb faculty, staff and students.”
Murray State was the only Kentucky public school in the Top 10 tier and one of two state-wide public schools in the Top 25. Murray State is ranked 14th top public university in the region.
Kristin Muir, freshman from Shepardsville Ky., said Murray State’s placement on the list only reassured her of the right choice she made.
“I’m glad to be attending Murray knowing that they are in the Top 25 of the region,” she said. “(It) makes me prouder to wear my Murray gear and I do think they deserved it because it is an all-around amazing school.”
Jordan Mitchell, junior from Irvington, Ky., said when he found out about Murray’s distinct honor, he was not shocked by it due to Murray’s wide-range of opportunities open to students.
“I think (the honor) is right because Murray has a small campus with very diverse fields of education,” Mitchell said. “It’s also very friendly.”
Jennifer Hyde, sophomore from Cadiz, Ky., said the University earned this award by having so many programs that help reach each individual student’s goals. Hyde agrees that because of the educational diversity offered, Murray State was easily chosen.
“Murray deserves it because we are a great school that attracts many people from across the country for the agriculture program offered here,” Hyde said.
Murray State was also recognized by G.I. Jobs magazine as a “2012 Military Friendly School.”
The ranking points out the University’s ties with nearby Fort Campbell US Army base, and how Hopkinsville extended campus, only a short drive from the base, provides local soldiers the higher education opportunities.
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