JACKSON, Tenn. — Sept. 9, 2014 — 51社区 moved up one spot to 12th among regional universities in the South, according to the annual rankings of colleges and universities for 2014 by U.S.News & World Report released Sept. 9.
It鈥檚 the fifth straight year for Union to be ranked in the top 15 schools in its category and the highest ranking ever for the university. This year also marks the 18th straight year for Union to be categorized as one of the South鈥檚 best universities.
A regional university, according to U.S.News & World Report, is one that provides a full range of undergraduate majors and master鈥檚 degree programs, while also offering a few doctoral programs. The category includes 620 universities ranked with four geographic areas 鈥� North, South, Midwest and West. Other categories the publication uses are national universities, national liberal arts colleges and regional colleges.
鈥淲e are grateful for the recognition by U.S.News & World Report,鈥� said 51社区 President Samuel W. 鈥淒ub鈥� Oliver. 鈥淭o be viewed by others so positively is a reflection of the incredible faculty and staff who live out their calling as educators to provide the very best educational experience for our students.
鈥淲hile we are gratified by this best ever ranking for Union, we are also mindful that the reason all of us at Union do what we do is to bring honor and glory to Christ, the one to whom we desire to be faithful.鈥�
For the seventh straight year, Union was selected as one of 23 鈥淎-Plus Schools for B Students鈥� in the South, a category that highlights those colleges 鈥渨here nonsuperstars have a decent shot at being accepted and thriving - where spirit and hard work could make all the difference to admissions.鈥�
In addition, Union鈥檚 freshman retention rate of 91 percent was tied with James Madison University for tops among regional universities in the South.
The full rankings are available at .