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Good News about UA Academics, Part 9

Posted by ROBERTUS on April 15, 2001

This is the 9th in a continuing series of "Good News" FACTS about UA Academics. The University of Alabama has a fine tradition of winning on the field and in the classroom. The following are some current facts for your enjoyment.


-The University of Alabama's debate team claimed their 14th National Championship at the National Finals, held in Colorado Springs, Co. this spring. UA topped competition from such institutions as Cornell University, Colorado State University, The University of Notre Dame, The University of California-Berkley, The University of Florida, and The United States Air Force Academy. The 2001 National Championship is the Alabama Forensics Council's third since 1998.

-The University of Alabama School of Law held onto its ranking as the 46th best Law School in the nation in this years edition of the 2002 US News and World Report "Best Graduate Schools". This is the third consecutive year the law school has received a top 50 ranking in the magazine. Among public universities, UA Law ranked 21st in the nation. The University of Alabama and UAB were the only college or university to be ranked in this years edition.

-The University of Alabama's MBA program took second place in the WORLD in the presitgious George Washington/KPMG International Case Competition held this spring in Washington, D.C. ESADE, an internationally ranked program from Spain, took first place. UA finished ahead of such programs as, Baylor University, The University of North Carolina, Vanderbilt University, William and Mary, Wake Forest, Hong Kong University, Georgetown University, and The University of Pittsburg.

-The 2000 entering freshmen class at The University of Alabama had an average high school GPA of 3.39, an average ACT score of 24, and 55% of UA freshmen were ranked in the top 25% of their high school class.

-Five University of Alabama Alumni have won six Pulitzer Prizes. 1.)Harper Lee won the 1961 Pulitzer Prize in fiction for "To Kill a Mockingbird." 2.) Hazel Brannon Smith won in 1964 for editorial writing on the race issue for the Lexington, Miss. Advertiser. 3.) Ron Casey of the Birmingham News won in 1991 for editorial writing analyzing inequities in Alabama's tax system and proposing needed reforms. 4.) Edward O. Wilson has won twice, both in the non-fiction category, in 1979 for his book "On Human Nature" and in 1991 for his book "The Ants." 5.) Howell Raines of the New York Times won in 1992 in the feature writing category for "Grady's Gift", an account of his childhood friendship with his family's black housekeeper and the lessons of their relationship.

-According to the April 13, 2001 issue of The Chronicle of Higher Education, The University of Alabama's endowment continues to be ranked among the largest in the nation. At $620 million, UA's endowment ranks 79th nationally and 3rd among SEC member institutions. Among SEC insitutions; Vanderbilt University ($2.3 billion) ranks first; followed by The University of Florida ($681 million); The University of Alabama ($620 million); The University of Tennessee ($440 million); The University of Georgia ($388 million); The University of Kentucky ($370 million); The University of Mississippi ($291 million); Te University of South Carolina ($268 million); The University of Arkansas ($244 million); Auburn University ($238 million); Louisiana State University ($212 million); and Mississippi State University ($154 million).

-In athletics, for the second year in a row, The University of Alabama Gymnastics Team dominated the Academic All-SEC list with a record 12 athletes making the team. For the third straight season, every Crimson Tide athlete meeting the class requirement (only sophmore or higher standing are eligible for Academic All-SEC) has earned the award. The University of Alabama is far ahead of all SEC gymnastics schools in total numbers with 108, compared to second place UGA (83).

-The University of Alabama has been listed among the top 25 universities in the most federal support for Chemical Engineering research and development. The October 30 issue of "Chemical and Engineering News" lists UA as 22nd in the nation in federal expenditures. This ranking is a reflection of the quality of the Chemical Engineering program at UA. Other top 25 institutions include Stanford University, Johns Hopkins, MIT, Cal Tech, and Purdue University.

As you can see, The University of Alabama continues to impress as its programs and people continue to succeed in national competition. At UA, success is expected, therefore, expect more "Good News" updates in the near future. If possible, print a copy as a reminder of the postive things going on at the Capstone. Also, be sure to spread the "Good News". ROLL TIDE FOREVER!!!!!