Auburn University, the University of Alabama and the University of Georgia are each rated by U.S. News and World Report as one of the “Top 50 Public Research Universities” – but LSU is not.
The ranking is part of U.S. News’ annual “America’s Best Colleges” edition, released this month.
U.S. News’ rankings are based on peer assessment, retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, graduation rate performance and alumni donation rate.
Kevin Smith, vice chancellor of Research and Graduate Studies, said he thinks the ratings given by companies like U.S. News are fairly subjective.
Twenty-five percent of the rating score is determined by other institutions’ views of LSU.
For this reason, Chancellor Mark Emmert has made informing other universities of LSU’s advancement one of his top priorities.
“I’m surprised and disappointed that we aren’t on that list,” said Smith.
Smith said research is essential to the value of the University.
“Research affects the stature of the University; the stature of the University affects the quality of [students’] degrees; the quality of the degree affects the kind of jobs [students] can get,” he said.
Smith said he is surprised because the University has received national recognition for its commitment to research.
The University is the only public Carnegie Designated Doctoral/Research Extensive Institution in Louisiana. This distinction is awarded based on the number of doctoral degrees and advanced degree programs the University offers.
Also, LSU has both a land grant and a financed by the federal government and used by the University for research, education and outreach. There are fewer than 30 universities in the nation that hold both grants.
Where innovation and improvement are concerned, LSU is making many attempts to increase its research ability and stature.
The University’s outside funding is increasing. In 2002, funds increased by almost $10 million to total $100 million. In 2003, funds increased by an additional $22 million.
This past week, Chancellor Mark Emmert notified faculty they would be receiving a 5 percent increase in funds from rebated grants from the federal government.
Also, Emmert increased funding for seed grants, which create new research. They are given to researchers, who can obtain additional grant money for the University through their projects.
“It’s clear, we’re really doing lot,” Smith said.
Biological sciences is one of the departments Smith is most impressed with, because of its success in obtaining outside funds.
Meredith Blackwell, a biological sciences professor, said Emmert’s decision to increase funds will make a big difference in her research.
“Seed grants are so helpful because you can use them on anything,” she said.
Blackwell said normally most grants are restricted to supplies.
“With seed grants, I can pay students, buy software; I can do more research,” she said.
Blackwell also was surprised LSU was not ranked among universities such as Auburn and Alabama for research.
“From my viewpoint, we’re doing a great job and making strides,” she said.
Blackwell said she thinks through the University’s increasing funding and Emmert’s efforts to inform the academic community of the University’s progress, LSU will move up in research ratings.
Smith said, “I believe we are doing well. It’s only a matter of time until we’re recognized and reach that Top 50 status.”