U of M rated among nation's top

The University of Memphis has made "Washington Monthly" magazine's annual list of the top universities in the United States.

The U of M was 100th on the list, behind Stoney Brook University of New York at 99th and ahead of Catholic University of America at 101.

No. 1 on the list of 248 schools was The University of California San Diego.

The list, which was started in 2005, is based on social mobility, how well the university promotes scientific and humanities research and how well the school supports service to the country.

U of M Provost Ralph Faudree said that he's pleased that The University of Memphis was included in the list.

"This is exactly what we want to do," he said.

Faudree cited The U of M's ongoing effort to stay technologically up-to-date and committed to international research as a reason for the "top university" distinction.

He said there's a simple way The University can make the list in the future - just keep doing what its doing.

"Stay on this path because it's the right path," Faudree said.

"Growing up in Memphis, there is a stigma that The U of M is not the school to go to," said Brandon Dahlberg, junior English major. "But this list benefits the student body."

Lyndsay Saunders, a PhD biology student, said that "it's a real honor" for The U of M to make the list.

"There is always room for improvement, but I recognize the effort," Saunders said. "This needs to be ongoing."