U.S. News Ranks Agnes Scott College No. 1 Most Innovative School in the Country Among National Liberal Arts Colleges

*Originally published on Monday, September 10, 2018 by agnesscott.edu.

Decatur, GA, September 10, 2018—Agnes Scott College is ranked No. 1 in the country among national liberal arts colleges on the Most Innovative Schools list in U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 edition of Best Colleges. The leadership at Agnes Scott attributes this recognition to SUMMIT, an innovative program that reinvents a liberal arts education for the 21st century by preparing every student to be an effective change agent in a global society.

“We are incredibly excited to be named the No. 1 Most Innovative School. With its focus on global learning and leadership development, SUMMIT has redefined a liberal arts education, offering students a unique academic experience that sets them on the path of success in their careers and in the world,” said President Leocadia I. Zak. “SUMMIT has been truly transformative for Agnes Scott, and as we continue to rise in the rankings, we are proud to be recognized as one of the premier institutions in the country.” 

The Most Innovative Schools ranking identifies “schools that the public should be watching because of the cutting-edge changes being made on their campuses.” It is based on a peer assessment survey in which college presidents, provosts and admissions deans nominate up to 15 colleges or universities “that are making the most innovative improvements in terms of curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology or facilities.”

Julia King '22 was immediately drawn to Agnes Scott’s SUMMIT curriculum, seeing it as the perfect way to prepare herself for the ever-changing world. “The biggest thing that helped me during my college search was finding schools that had programs that excited me—for me, that was SUMMIT,” she said.  “In every part of my journey through SUMMIT, my education will be given thought and care. As a conscientious learner, I appreciate this concept.”

Agnes Scott was also ranked second nationally for Best Undergraduate Teaching, which recognizes institutions where faculty have a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching.

“The students are why we are here, and no one understands this more than Agnes Scott’s faculty, who are models of teaching excellence,” said Zak. “They care deeply about their work and are invested in their role of shaping tomorrow’s leaders, thinkers and game changers. Their passion, creativity and dedication foster the inspired and effective teaching happening in our classrooms.”

Agnes Scott climbed in the U.S. News best national liberal arts colleges rankings, placing No. 51, ten spots higher than last year, while remaining among the top 25 best value colleges.

U.S. News publishes the Best Colleges guidebook annually. The 2019 rankings can be viewed on the U.S. News website.

Agnes Scott College educates women to think deeply, live honorably and engage the intellectual and social challenges of their times. Students are drawn to Agnes Scott by its excellent academic reputation, exceptional faculty and metropolitan Atlanta location—offering myriad social, cultural and experiential learning opportunities. This highly selective liberal arts college is known for its diverse and dynamic intellectual community. Through SUMMIT, it provides every student, regardless of major, with an individualized course of study and co-curricular experiences that develop leadership abilities and understanding of complex global dynamics. 

Media Contact:
Danita Knight
Vice President for Communications and Marketing
404.596.2939 (cell)
dknight@agnesscott.edu