Hardin-Simmons faculty and staff started the day with the best kind of news. U.S. News & World Report released its 2007 listing of “America’s Best Colleges”, and not only did HSU retain its tier-one ranking in the universities-masters category (for the 4th consecutive year since HSU broke into this elite category), it climbed 4 places on the list from 42 to 38. In a year when most west Texas colleges and Universities lost ground in the listing, a gain like this is major news.

Each year, U.S. News and World Report ranks universities based upon both quantitative measures and on their non-partisan view of what is important in education. Hardin-Simmons University is among 573 universities in the “universities-master’s” category. According to U.S. News & World Report, these universities “offer a full range of undergraduate degrees and some master’s degree programs; but few, if any, doctoral programs.”

University President, Dr. Craig Turner was delighted with the news, “We are extremely pleased to be so highly rated by U.S.News. Peer institutions see the continued successes and innovations at HSU--ATS accreditation of our seminary, endowment of our honors program, funding of the magnet school, record enrollment, surpassing our university endowment goal a year early--and they recognize that great things are happening at our school. Our climb through the ranks of Tier One universities is gratifying, but it is a natural result of faculty, staff, alumni, students, and friends who love this institution. It is in the very nature of each member of the HSU family to continually improve the institution, and to guide tomorrow’s leaders with strength, love, and grace. As a Christian university, we have a responsibility to equip our graduates with the finest tools in academia, while placing that excellence firmly in the context of a moral, ethical, and spiritual family of faith.”

For all of you freshmen coming to New Student Orientation next week, you chose well!