Recognized by U.S. News and World Report magazine, Georgia State ranked fifth on a list of the country’s most innovative schools on its 2015 “America’s Best Colleges” edition.
According to the magazine, schools were ranked based on the most innovative improvements in terms of curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology or facilities.
The Georgia State spokesperson Andrea Jones said the university is developing and implementing innovative student success programs that garner results.
“Our graduation rates have increased 22 points in the last decade and we are proving that students from all backgrounds can achieve at similar rates,” Jones said.
Sarah Davis, a sophomore biology major at Georgia State, said she feels that the urban setting advocates innovation.
“You get more of a feel of urgency. People around here are a little bit more motivated to do what they need to be doing,” she said.
U.S. News said Georgia State also ranked the 14th most diverse university in the nation.
“Georgia State’s diversity is an enormous point of pride,” Jones said.
Davis also attributed the university’s diversity to the downtown location. She believes the diversity encourages innovation.
The Georgia State spokesperson Andrea Jones also agrees.
“In a campus community that celebrates diversity of thought and background, students, faculty and staff expand their understanding of the world and learn from the perspectives of people from all cultures,” she said.
