Photo by Nathan Gray

Anderson University was listed on the “Top Tier of U. S. News & World Report’s America’s Best Colleges” and was cited as an “Up and Coming School.”

ANDERSON — Anderson University has moved up within the “Top Tier of U. S. News & World Report’s America’s Best Colleges,” and has been cited as an “Up and Coming School,” one that “schools everywhere should be watching,” according to a statement from the school.

This spring, for the first time, U.S. News asked the experts who respond to its annual peer assessment survey to identify schools that fit the profile of an “Up and Coming School.” The 70 that received the most nominations included Anderson and others, including Belmont, James Madison, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, and Wofford.

Anderson improved on the Top Tier list of Southern Baccalaureate Colleges, moving up a spot to rank 33rd among all baccalaureate institutions in the South.

In its announcement, U.S. News & World Report said, “It’s striking how clearly our up-and-coming schools are looking to the future.” The schools were cited for “recently making the most promising and innovative changes in academics, students, campus, or facilities.”

Anderson’s President, Dr. Evans Whitaker, said he believes his institution’s inclusion reflects a combination of improvements within all the categories used to determine eligibility for the list.

In 2004 the university adopted an aggressive strategic plan to become known as a premier comprehensive university.

“We have been implementing that plan and as a result, practically every aspect of the institution is flourishing,” he said in a statement. “We’ve been increasing quality and coupling it with affordability, which is obviously a winning combination for students.”

Recent advancements at Anderson include the new 50,000-square-foot Thrift Library, the introduction of a unique study abroad program, additional national accreditation in academic programs, the achievement of an active campus life program, the introduction of three graduate programs with plans for additional programs on the way, campus beautification and refurbishment of campus facilities, a new residence hall, and increased donor interest and support, according to a statement.

“We’ve been seeing our students respond positively to campus advancements for several years, but we knew we had reached a new tipping point last spring when more upperclassmen signed up for fall campus housing than ever before — more than 100 more — making it necessary for us to triple rooms for the first time in our history. That speaks volumes to us about the growing demand for the Anderson University experience,” Whitaker said.

Anderson University is a comprehensive university affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention offering bachelors and masters degrees.