For the third year in a row, Agnes Scott College is ranked No. 1 Most Innovative School in the country among national liberal arts colleges by U.S. News & World Report in its 2021 edition of Best Colleges.
The college placed No. 1 in the nation for First-Year Experience among all colleges and universities for the second consecutive year and ranked No. 2 for Best Undergraduate Teaching, which recognizes institutions where faculty have a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching. Agnes Scott was also ranked No. 6 as a Social Mobility Top Performer, according to a press release.
The college has been recognized for social mobility in prior years as well, a result of its focus on ensuring the academic success of all students — including the large number of first-generation and Pell-eligible students who attend. Agnes Scott was also recognized as a Best Value School among national liberal arts colleges.The leadership at Agnes Scott attributes these repeat recognitions to SUMMIT, the college’s signature approach to a liberal arts education that provides each student with a course of study, beginning in the first year, that builds leadership capabilities and global competence while preparing students for a lifetime of professional success.
“I am pleased that we have been recognized yet again for our innovation, first-year experiences and top-notch teaching,” said Agnes Scott President Leocadia I. Zak. “At Agnes Scott, we are completely focused on our students and their post-graduate professional success. Our students are why we are here, and no one understands this more than Agnes Scott’s faculty, who are models of teaching excellence,” said Zak.
“Our faculty care deeply about teaching and are invested in their role of shaping tomorrow’s leaders, thinkers and game changers. Their passion, creativity and dedication foster the inspired and effective teaching happening in our classrooms. I also want to recognize our amazing staff, who work in partnership with the faculty to deliver our unique SUMMIT experience and ensure our students' overall academic success.”
According to U.S. News & World Report, the Most Innovative Schools ranking identifies “schools that the public should be watching because of the cutting-edge changes being made on their campuses.” This ranking is based on a peer assessment survey in which college presidents, chief academic officers and deans of admission nominate up to 15 colleges or universities “that are making the most innovative improvements in terms of curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology or facilities.”
U.S. News publishes the Best Colleges guidebook annually. Agnes Scott’s rankings can be viewed at www.usnews.com/best-colleges/agnes-scott-college-1542
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