FLORENCE – The latest rankings from U.S. News & World Report are out, and the University of North Alabama has achieved its highest rankings to date, climbing in three key categories, including Top Public Schools in the South, Most Innovative Schools, and Best Colleges for Veterans.
“The rankings from U.S. News & World Report are an indicator that the University of North Alabama arc is in clear ascent,” said UNA President Dr. Ken Kitts. “We take pride in our innovative academic programs throughout each of our colleges, and we know that we provide a place where learners at all stages in their academic careers can excel and grow.”
The University of North Alabama official rankings are:
- 9th in Top Public Schools in the South, ranked 13th in 2022
- 8th in Most Innovative Schools, Regional Universities South, unranked in 2022
- 8th in Best Colleges for Veterans, Regional Universities South, ranked 11th in 2022
- 25th in Top Regional Universities South, ranked 27th in 2022.
“These Top 10 rankings reflect UNA’s positive trajectory, innovation, and momentum as an institution,” said Dr. Ross Alexander, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. “Most importantly, these rankings evince the quality of our academic programs and the resonance of our brand among all types of students locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.”
In addition to recognition as a top college in the South, the University of North Alabama was named one of the best colleges to work for, according to the Great Colleges to Work For program. This is the fourth time UNA has achieved “Great Colleges to Work For” recognition since 2010.
The results, released today in a special insert of The Chronicle of Higher Education, are based on a survey of 212 colleges and universities. In all, 68 of those institutions achieved “Great Colleges to Work For” recognition for specific best practices and policies. Results are reported for small, medium, and large institutions, with UNA included among medium universities with 3,000 to 9,999 students.
“This is a very satisfying affirmation of all that is right about our University, but our real goal is not recognition – it is being a community that values the needs and contributions of every individual,” Kitts said. “In that sense, everyone at UNA helps to make this a great place to work.”
UNA won honors in a number of categories this year, including:
- Compensation and Benefits
- Confidence in Senior Leadership
- Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
- Faculty and Staff Well-Being
- Job Satisfaction and Support
UNA was also named to the Great Colleges to Work For Honor Roll, a status granted to only 42 colleges each year who are highlighted most across the recognition categories.
“UNA consistently endeavors to create an empowering and rewarding workplace for all faculty and staff,” said Catherine White, associate vice president Human Resources. “It is truly an honor for UNA to receive this distinction as it reflects our employees’ satisfaction with the positive and vibrant culture we have collectively created. There is no better way to serve our students than to ensure we have talented, esteemed employees who truly love what they do.”
U.S. News publishes the Best Colleges rankings each year to provide prospective students and their families with helpful data and information on factors such as graduation rates, social mobility, and graduate indebtedness.
The Great Colleges to Work For program is one of the largest and most respected workplace-recognition programs in the country. For more information, visit the Great Colleges program website at www.GreatCollegeProgram.com and www.GreatCollegesList.com. ModernThink, a strategic human capital consulting firm, administered the survey and analyzed the results.
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