Roanoke again recognized as Up and Coming National Liberal Arts College by U.S. News

For the fourth time in recent years, Roanoke College is ranked among the nation's top Up and Coming National Liberal Arts Colleges in the U.S. News & World Report's annual Best Colleges rankings. College presidents and deans surveyed for the 2015 rankings, released Tuesday, were asked to nominate schools that have made innovative changes in academics, faculty, student life and facilities. This marks the fourth time Roanoke has been recognized on this list. Roanoke is tied for the No. 4 spot with Franklin & Marshall College in Pennsylvania.

"I'm pleased to see Roanoke consistently recognized as one of the innovative institutions of higher education," said Roanoke College President Michael Maxey. "Progress and steady improvements are a hallmark of the Roanoke College model, both for our students and for the College. Roanoke's faculty and staff are dedicated to our students' success and that makes all the difference."  

Roanoke also is one of 86 liberal arts colleges that U.S. News named an A-plus school for B students, joining such institutions as Sewanee University of the South, Concordia College - Moorhead, Hope College, Furman University and Wheaton College. This ranking identifies institutions that are highly effective with students who demonstrate potential.  

Roanoke's innovative core curriculum, called Intellectual Inquiry, is one of the college's strongest programs and is on the leading edge of curricular reform in the United States. The campus has changed physically in recent years with the renovation of Lucas Hall and the construction of new residence halls. Currently, a new athletics and academic facility, the Cregger Center, is under construction. The Cregger Center will contain space for the College's Health and Human Performance academic department, along with a performance gymnasium and a 200-meter indoor track. Roanoke is currently in a comprehensive fundraising campaign, Roanoke Rising, which includes scholarships, academic program support, faculty development as well as the Cregger Center and a renovation of Roanoke's science buildings. 

Roanoke College helps students find and sharpen their true calling by providing the mentorship and challenge students need to discover their untapped interests, talents and abilities. Consistently ranked in the top 10 percent of all colleges in the country, Roanoke is committed to preparing students for their futures through an academic program that combines strong majors with an innovative core curriculum and transformative real-world experiences.