Graphic by Helena Bologna
The 2011 edition of ‘Best Colleges,’ published by the U.S. News Media Group, saw Southern Methodist University rise in the ranks.
Since last year’s ranking, SMU jumped from the No. 68 spot of 191 institutions to No. 56, according to an SMU press release. SMU’s 12-spot climb makes it the third ranked Texas university after No. 17, Rice University and No.45, the University of Texas at Austin.
The U.S. News and World Report Guide recognized SMU for its faculty resources, peer assessment, small classes, graduation and retention rates and alumni giving. SMU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Paul Ludden sent a letter to SMU faculty and staff Wednesday, Aug. 18, congratulating them on the success of the ranking and being a part of SMU’s integral day-to-day operations.
“I wish to congratulate you as the SMU Faculty, who more than any other group, are responsible for the components that lead to the ranking,” Ludden said. “The peer assessment component, which is the largest component of the score, reflects a vote by University leaders across the nation in the quality of the SMU faculty.”
Pamela Chiu, SMU advising assistant director, said the ranking will influence the way the Dallas community and larger global community views SMU. She said although a ranking is impressive, what really matters are the students, faculty and staff that make up SMU.
“Our job as pre-major advisors is bittersweet because the sign that a student has found that academic satisfaction also means that the student moves on to mentors in their area of study,” Chiu said. “In Dedman College, I pass them on to world-class faculty scholars that I admire and appreciate.”
Rahul Patel is an international student working toward a masters in telecommunications. Patel said he was satisfied to hear the ranking has improved; however, he would like to see the engineering ranking improve as well.
“Every year SMU hikes up fees, so international students do not apply as much,” Patel said.
Pavankumar Surabathula is a first year international student who selected SMU for its offerings and location.
“SMU has a very good infastructure, situated in a location that’s a hub for telecommunications with a good hope for getting a job,” Surabathula said.
SMU political science professor Dr. Dennis Simon, said the ranking will bring positive reactions to the campus, along with new students.
“Regardless of what you say about the ranking, people do look at them,” Simon said. “In our department [political science], and I speak for all, the courses we offer with an emphasis on small classes with writing and research means there is a lot of opportunity for faculty and students to work together outside of the classroom, and that adds to a student’s belief that they are getting a quality education.”
Chiu said advising and the campus experience is enriched when a student’s academic and social lives connect.
“When I see those two worlds [academic and social] start to merge for a student, or when a reluctant student comes in and tells me she likes reading and talking about her classes for the first time, then I know that student will stay at SMU and will graduate and give back ten-fold because of the rich academic experience, as well as a positive social experience,” Chiu said.
Alumni giving is an integral part of the score for the ranking of the ‘Best Colleges,’ and SMU’s alumni have increased their giving rate.
“The increased giving rate by alumni is a component of the score and indicates that our alumni value what they received and wish to invest in what future students will receive at SMU,” Ludden wrote.
