University of Massachusetts President Jack M. Wilson today, March 10,said the new Times of London survey that ranks the University of Massachusetts as the 19th best university in the world based on reputation for teaching and research, "confirms that the academic and research programs of the University of Massachusetts are being recognized for their cutting-edge excellence and quality."
"The rising tide of quality that we see on all five campuses is something that we have been aware of for some time, but it is truly gratifying to see that this is being recognized by academic leaders throughout the world," President Wilson added.
"This is a dramatic, global expression of approval," said James J. Karam, chairman of the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees. "As a UMass trustee and UMass graduate, I am pleased to know that our reputation for excellence echoes across the globe."
The Times of London's 2011 World Reputation Rankings, released today, are based on a survey of more than 13,000 academic experts in 131 countries.
"This magnificent ranking is a testament to the work of the students, faculty, staff and administrators of the University of Massachusetts and to the power of five campuses working together to serve and advance the interests of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts," President Wilson said.
In addition to placing 19th in the world, the University of Massachusetts is the 13th-highest ranked American university, according to the reputation-based survey. Two other Massachusetts institutions appear in the global Top 20: Harvard, ranked first, and MIT, which placed second.
The 2011 World Reputation Rankings was described as the first of its kind looking solely at the reputations of institutions for excellence in teaching and research.
Contact: Robert P. Connolly, 617-548-0238