Alcorn State University rises in U.S. News & World Report Best College rankings
Alcorn State University’s innovative approach to education is recognized in U.S. News & World Report’s annual ranking of the nation’s best colleges. This year’s notable increases in rankings underscore Alcorn’s growing academic reputation.
In U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-23 “Best Colleges,” the University advanced to No. 12 public and No. 23 overall ranking of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The University also earned for the first time No. 16 on its Most Innovative Schools–Regional Universities South. Alcorn rose 11 spots to No. 24 in Top Public School–South, No. 28 in Best Colleges for Veterans, No. 58 in the Social Mobility–South, and jumped 15 spots to No. 59 in Best Regional Universities–South.
Alcorn holds the distinction of being the only college in Mississippi to be included in this year’s national or regional Most Innovative School rankings.
“Alcorn is rising, not only among HBCUs but colleges and universities in the region,” said Dr. Felecia M Nave, president of Alcorn State University. “Alcorn has long been recognized for its supportive learning environment and providing an exceptional educational experience that prepares graduates for a lifetime of success. We believe, as national and regional college rankings continue to highlight, Alcorn is a great educational choice.”
U.S. News & World Report asked college presidents, provosts, and admissions deans to nominate colleges or universities that are making the most innovative improvements in curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology, or facilities. The Most Innovative School designation identifies schools the public should be paying close attention to because of the leading-edge transformation the colleges are making on their campuses.
An innovative project nearing completion on Alcorn’s campus is the construction of the School of Business’s Rudolph E. Waters Classroom Building. The 38,000-square-foot building is a state-of-the-art facility equipped with a stock ticker and a simulated trading room.
The University has also received funding from tech giant Google to develop Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) courses. In 2021, the Google Machine Learning Research Team worked with the academic community to support universities in developing Machine Learning courses to offer college students. Google’s research team contacted Alcorn’s Department of Mathematics and Computer Science to help computer science professors develop ML courses.
Alcorn also recently announced a multimillion-dollar partnership with IBM on an educational and outreach program designed to develop cutting-edge technological skills that align with evolving industry demands and trends. The grant allows students and faculty to expand the tangible skills they need for today’s IT workforce and the jobs of the future.
“Innovative learning is the key to our students thriving in today’s corporate world,” said Dr. Ontario S. Wooden, the University’s current Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. “Alcorn prioritizes the well-being of our students, both academically and professionally. Our commitment is to use modern learning practices to equip them to be leaders of tomorrow. We are proud of this recognition as we look forward to excelling further in the future.”
