Graduation Rates Climb at More Than Two-Thirds of NAC&U Institutions
 In a December 5, 2010, article on The Chronicle of Higher Education’s website, reporter Jeffrey Brainard and Andrea Fuller analyzed nearly 1,400 four-year institutions, finding that one-third reported lower graduation rates for the six-year period ending in 2008 than for the one ending in 2003. Thirteen New American Colleges & Universities reported higher graduation rates, however, and one had no change. Samford University was among the private research institutions reporting a higher graduation rate, despite no change in admissions selectivity. The following members were listed in the private master’s institutions category: University of Redlands, Belmont University, Elon University, Quinnipiac University, Butler University, Arcadia University, Ithaca College, Hamline University, Valparaiso University, Wagner College, Pacific Lutheran University, and the University of Evansville. The University of Scranton reported no change in its graduation rate. Read the entire analysis at The Chronicle site.
USNews Ranks Ten NAC&U Members in Undergraduate Business Program Rankings
 In its Best Colleges 2011 premium online edition, U.S. News & World Report ranked ten New American Colleges and Universities as being among the top 386 undergraduate business programs in the country. Schools were ranked using feedback from deans and senior faculty at undergraduate business schools accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Rankings are as follows: Butler University, #135; Drake University, Ithaca College, Valparaiso University, tied for #184; Elon University, Samford University, The University of Scranton, tied for #215; Belmont University, Quinnipiac University, and the University of Evansville, tied for #260. For more information: Butler
Eleven NAC&U Members Cited in IIE Report
 The Institute of International Education recently released its annual Open Doors report ranking the top study abroad programs in the nation. Ten New American Colleges & Universities were on the list that measured percentage of undergraduate student participation, while seven were cited for overall number of students participating in their study abroad programs. Both lists captured the top 40 Masters-granting institutions across the country. Leading institutions according to percentage of undergraduates participating were ranked as follows: Arcadia (#1), Elon (#3), Redlands (#6), Evansville (#9), Pacific Lutheran (#10), Butler (#26), Valparaiso (#27), Wagner (#33), Ithaca (#34), and Quinnipiac (#36). Leading institutions according to the number of students participating were ranked as follows: Elon (#1), Arcadia (#6), Hamline (#9), Ithaca (#26), Quinnipiac (#27), Redlands (#32), and Pacific Lutheran (#37). More information: For the full report | Evansville | Arcadia | Elon | Wagner
Eight NAC&U Members Cited as Best Values in Higher Education
 The December 2010 issue of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine has ranked Belmont University, Drake University, Elon University, Ithaca College, Quinnipiac University, Samford University, The University of Scranton, and Wagner College among the nation’s top 100 best values in private higher education. In addition, The University of Scranton is among 198 colleges in the nation listed in the 11th edition of Barron’s “Best Buys in College Education.” For more information: Kiplinger | Belmont | Elon | Scranton | Wagner
Eleven NAC&U recognized for producing student Fulbright winners. Scranton, PLU, Ithaca Among Nation’s Top Producers
 The University of Scranton and Pacific Lutheran University were recognized among “Master’s Institutions” in the nation for the number of Fulbright scholarships that their students receive. Ithaca College was recognized as a top producer among “Master’s Institutions” in the nation for its number of Fulbright scholarships for faculty members, administrators and professionals. The lists were published in the Oct. 24, 2010, issue of The Chronicle of Higher Education online. Other NAC&U institutions with Fulbright winners were Valparaiso, Ithaca, and University of Evansville with two students each, and Drake, Drury, Elon, Hamline, North Central, and Redlands, with one.
For more information: For the entire student list | For the entire list | Scranton | See also our June story on NAC&U Fulbright Winners
Robinson Attends Teagle Foundation Listening
 From September 30 to October 1, 2010, NAC&U Executive Director Lynette Robinson attended the Teagle Foundation Listening in New York City, “Re-Imagining
Liberal Education.” The purpose of the Listening was to explore possibilities for a new Teagle Foundation Fresh-Thinking initiative focused on student learning outcomes in liberal education, especially as achieved through the practices of engaged learning.
NAC&U Featured in the Association for Integrative Studies Newsletter
In the October 2010 AIS newsletter, an interview with Executive Director Lynette Robinson highlights NAC&U’s commitment to interdisciplinary work.
Read more.
10 New American Colleges and Universities Named to Washington Monthly’s College Rankings
 A “different kind of college ranking” – one that measures how well universities are meeting their public obligations of providing research, service and social mobility - has ranked ten NAC&U institutions among the nation’s leading service-oriented colleges. Hamline University, Valparaiso University, University of Scranton, University of Redlands, Hampton University, Westminster College, Butler University, University of Evansville, Ithaca College, and Pacific Lutheran University were all listed among the top 100 Master’s Universities listed in the September/October issue of Washington Monthly. The national ranking recognizes universities inclined to “spend energy and resources on encouraging students to give back to their communities and their nation,” according to the article in Washington Monthly that accompanies the listings. Read more: Washington Monthly | Valparaiso | Scranton
Sixteen New American Colleges and Universities Named to Forbes’ Best Colleges List
Forbes Magazine’s online listing of “America’s Best Colleges 2010,” published on Aug. 11, includes sixteen NAC&U institutions, including Belmont, Butler, Drake, Drury, Elon, Hamline, Ithaca, North Central, PLU, Quinnipiac, Redlands, Russell Sage College, Samford, Scranton, Evansville, and Valparaiso. The ranking, compiled by Forbes with research from The Center for College Affordability and Productivity, is based on a dozen factors that seek to evaluate student satisfaction, post-graduate success, student success in garnering nationally competitive awards, student debt and four-year graduation rates. Read more.
New American Colleges and Universities Recognized for Quality
New American Colleges Highlighted in 2010 Princeton Review
 Ten New American Colleges and Universities were named in the 2011 edition of the Princeton Review’s annual college guide “The Best 373 Colleges” (Random House / Princeton Review). They are Elon University, Hampton University, Ithaca College, Quinnipiac University, Samford University, The University of Scranton, University of Redlands, Valparaiso University, Wagner College, and Westminster College. These same institutions were recognized in the previous edition. Rankings are based on institutional data during 2009-10 in areas such as admissions selectivity, financial aid, and attention to environmental concerns.
All ten were also cited as top college choices in their geographic regions, along with NAC&U members: Arcadia University, Belmont University, Butler University, Drake University, Drury University, Hamline University, North Central College, and University of Evansville.
The Princeton Review also polled 122,000 students at the 373 institutions to produce rankings for student life and satisfaction. Elon University moved up 15 spots from last year to earn a #1 ranking in the “School Runs Like Butter” category. Ithaca College’s student radio station earned a second-place ranking among college radio stations, and its college theater was listed as #8, up one place from last year. Wagner College’s theater ranked #5. Westminster students touted the school’s quality of life (ranked #13) and town-gown relations (ranked #15). Students at Samford also praised town-gown relations (ranked #11) while the university placed 14th on the “Most Beautiful Campus” list. Read more at member sites: Belmont | Butler | Drake | Drury | Ithaca | Scranton | Evansville | Redlands | Valparaiso | Wagner | Westminster
 NAC&U and Wagner College Mourn Passing of Thomas Carroll
The Wagner College community and NAC&U CFOs will remember Thomas Carroll for his professional dedication and positive outlook. For the past seven years, Tom was Wagner College’s Vice President for Finance and Administration. Tom also taught several graduate business classes at Wagner, and in 2008 a student poll named him top graduate professor. Read more.
Six New American Colleges and Universities Named 'Colleges of Distinction'
 Belmont University, Ithaca College, Quinnipiac University, Samford University, University of Evansville, and Westminster College have all been selected for the Colleges of Distinction, a Web site and college guide profiling more than 240 of America’s best bets in higher education. Based on the opinions of guidance counselors, educators and admissions professionals, Colleges of Distinction honors colleges that excel in four areas of undergraduate education: student engagement in the educational process, great teaching, vibrant learning communities and successful outcomes. Read more.
 Dehne Addresses NAC&U at Wagner
Noted higher education consultant George Dehne spoke to the New American Colleges & Universities Summer Institute at Wagner College on Friday, June 18, 2010, about the challenges facing higher ed in the coming decade. Read more.
The Chronicle of Higher Education Coverage of the NAC&U Executive Summit
Alexandra Tilsley, CHE reporter, interviewed 8 NAC&U members during Summer Institute on their discussions to leverage consortium partnerships. Read more.
Eleven New American Colleges and Universities Sending Students Overseas on Fulbright Grants
 Nineteen students from members of the New American Colleges and Universities, an organization known for its strong emphasis on global studies, will travel to 13 different countries as part of the prestigious Fulbright Program which emphasizes academic and professional excellence.
Students from the following New American Colleges and Universities have been awarded Fulbright grants: Drake University, Drury University, Elon University, Hamline University, Ithaca College, North Central College, Pacific Lutheran University, The University of Scranton, University of Evansville, University of Redlands, and Valparaiso University. Read more.
 Faculty From New American Colleges and Universities Receive Prestigious Fulbright Awards
Faculty from the six following New American Colleges and Universities received Fulbright Awards: Pacific Lutheran University, University of Evansville, Drake University, Samford University, Quinnipiac University, and Elon University. Read more.
NAC&U Students Present Research at National Conference
 Students from eleven New American Colleges and Universities institutions were represented at the 2010 National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR), held at the University of Montana this April. Elon University, Hamline University, Hampton University, Ithaca College, North Central College, Pacific Lutheran University, Samford University, The Sage Colleges, University of Evansville, Valparaiso University, and Westminster College all sent selected students to present their research. Established in 1987, the conference is dedicated to promoting undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative activity in fields of study by sponsoring an annual conference for students. For more information: List of participating institutions and students abstracts | Hamline | Ithaca.
 New American Colleges and Universities First-Year Experiences Recognized by US News & World Report
Four NAC&U institutions were recognized recently by US News & World Report for providing students some of the best first-year programs and experiences in the nation. Belmont University, Drury University, Elon University, and Wagner College were among 31 schools nationwide who received the distinction. Read more.
NAC&U Institutions Among Top Business Schools
Eleven NAC&U members were recognized among the top 433 business schools in the country in the in the 2011 edition of the U.S. News & World Report guidebook, published April 20, 2010. They include Belmont University, Butler University, Drake University, Elon University, Ithaca College, Pacific Lutheran University, Quinnipiac University, Samford University, the University of Evansville, the University of Scranton, and Valparaiso University. Read the issue. Scranton's site.
Five NAC&U Institutions Recognized in 'Guide To 286 Green Colleges'
 Drury University, Elon University, Ithaca College, Pacific Lutheran University, and the University of Redlands have all been named some of the country’s most environmentally responsible colleges and universities in a new guidebook produced jointly by Princeton Review and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The “Princeton Review’s Guide to 286 Green Colleges” is a free, comprehensive publication focused solely on institutions of higher education that have demonstrated an above average commitment to sustainability in terms of campus infrastructure, activities and initiatives. The guide can be downloaded at www.princetonreview.com and www.usgbc.org. Read more at member's sites: Drury | Ithaca | Redlands
NAC&U Director Participates in LaGrange College Inauguration
 On Friday, April 16, 2010, NAC&U Executive Director Lynette Robinson brought greetings from NAICU, CIC, and NAC&U at the inauguration of Dan McAlexander as the 25th President of LaGrange College. Attending the inauguration was a large contingent of former colleagues from Belmont University, including President Robert and Mrs. Judy Fisher, Provost Marcia McDonough and Vice President for Finance & Operations Steve Lasley. President McAlexander was Provost at Belmont for the past eight years and was an active member of The New American Colleges & Universities.
Four New American Colleges & Universities Schools of Business Named to Princeton Review’s Student Opinion Honors List
The Colleges of Business at Butler University, Ithaca College, Pacific Lutheran University, and The University of Scranton have all been named to The Princeton Review's 2010 Student Opinion Honors List, a poll that asks students for their opinion on how well their business school is preparing them in the core business competencies. Butler was specifically recognized in the field of Marketing, Ithaca in Operations, PLU for both General and Global Management, and Scranton for General Management. Read more about the rankings. Read more about the honored institutions: Butler | Scranton
Another Value of Consortium Membership: NAC&U Members Evaluate Student Affairs at North Central College
 Senior student affairs officers from four New American Colleges & Universities help North Central College assess its student affairs programs. A team of administrators from four New American Colleges & Universities member institutions visited North Central March 10-11. North Central’s Office of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs is undertaking a rigorous three-year self-evaluation of its programs. Tapping the expertise of NAC&U members for input and peer review is a concept that Laurie Hamen, North Central’s vice president for enrollment management, athletics and student affairs, proposed some time ago. Read more.
NAC&U and Hamline University Mentioned in The Chronicle of Higher Education's Cover Story
 The Chronicle of Higher Education's cover story "Saving the Life of the Mind" by reporter Goldie Blumenstyk examines "the new liberal arts" that combine a liberal education with real-world skills, citing NAC&U as being "in the forefront of the movement for this new approach." Blumenstyk quotes from her conversation with Linda Hanson, President of Hamline University and Chair of the NAC&U Board of Directors. (Subscription required.) Read more.
13 New American Colleges and Universities Named to President's Higher Ed Community Service Honor Roll
 Honorees of the 2009 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, the highest federal recognition a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement, were announced this week. Elon University, University of Redlands, The University of Scranton, and Westminster College were named to the Honor Roll with Distinction while nine members — Arcadia University, Belmont University, Butler University, Hamline University, Ithaca College, North Central College, University of Evansville, Valparaiso University, and Wagner College — made the Honor Roll. Read more about this award. Read more about the honored institutions: Arcadia University | Belmont University | Elon University | North Central College | University of Evansville | Wagner College | Westminster College
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