ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅

JACKSON, Tenn. — Sept. 6, 2001 — For the fifth consecutive year, ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ University has again been ranked in the top tier of U.S. News and World Report’s β€œAmerica’s Best Colleges,” released this week, despite changing categories. In addition, the university is reporting record enrollment numbers for the Fall 2001 semester.

Formerly in the β€œregional liberal arts universities” category and ranking in the top 10 last year, ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ was moved this year to a new category – β€œBest Universities – Master’s” – that includes larger institutions which provide a full range of undergraduate- and master’s level programs. ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ is the only school in West Tennessee, outside of Memphis, to be recognized in the top tier.

β€œTo be ranked among the nation’s best universities is a high honor for ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ University,” said ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ President David S. Dockery. β€œTo be considered in the top tier with these other prestigious universities is a real compliment to the quality of ΒιΆΉΚΣơ’s faculty, staff and students.”

In addition to the recently announced rankings, ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ is reporting record enrollment numbers for the Fall 2001 semester. The total number for undergraduate and graduate students has jumped to 2,603 (150 more students than last year), with record numbers on both Jackson and Germantown campuses – 2,214 for Jackson, 389 for Germantown. Residential students are also at an all time high, with more than 1100 living in the dorms, bringing student housing to 99% capacity. More than 72% of all ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ students are Southern Baptists.

β€œWe are blessed with such a strong enrollment and such outstanding students,” said Dockery. β€œWe are excited about what is happening on our campus and the potential it holds. The future for ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ is indeed very bright.”