All Clemson graduates have something to be proud of this day. Since President Barker has taken the helm of Clemson University he has made a pledge to mold Clemson into a “top 20” public university which grants doctoral degrees. The national standard for this measure of achievement is according to US News and World Report. This year Clemson has moved from their no.27 ranking in 2008 to no. 22 for 2009.
“It is truly great news for Clemson that we are now ranked No. 22 among national public universities and second on a new list of ‘up and coming’ institutions,” said Clemson President James F. Barker. “What this means to our students and alumni is that their Clemson degree is more valuable now than ever. For faculty and staff it means we will continue to recruit great students and be even more competitive for grants and so forth. “What it means to all of us is that Clemson can work together to achieve anything,” Barker added. “We set our sights very high, and we are close to making our vision a reality. For that I have to thank all parts of the Clemson family.”
I remember, while at Clemson, Barker pushing for this initiative. Behind closed doors, It was considered long term, required the supports of every student, organization, faculty member, alumni and friend of Clemson alike. Becoming a top 20 University seemed to be an impossibility within the timeline which was set. This is now becoming a reality and I can not be more proud of the school which I hold a degree from. More and more I am hearing the schools UNC Duke and Clemson used in the same sentence. Receiving this news just make me want to return to campus even sooner this season. What a wonderful place to have spent 5 years of my life.
National Up-and-Coming National Universities
Clemson University Press Release
