BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) - The University of Alabama and Auburn University have both been classified as top doctoral research institutions nationally.
The Carnegie Foundation has recognized the schools with its “Very High Research Activity” status in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
In addition, the University of Alabama holds the Carnegie designation as a Community Engaged Institution.
Research funding, staff and the number of doctoral graduates are among the criteria used in determining Carnegie classifications, Al.com reported .
In a statement, Auburn President Steven Leath said the “tremendous designation acknowledges the hard work involved in the pioneering discoveries happening at Auburn every day.”
“Auburn is on the move, and this prestigious distinction recognizes Auburn’s critical role in creating new knowledge and helping others live better lives,” he said.
The classification “recognizes the dedication, commitment and hard work of Auburn’s faculty and student researchers across all disciplines,” said Jennifer Kerpelman, Auburn’s interim vice president for research.
University of Alabama President Stuart Bell said in a statement that the classification demonstrates the school’s “increased emphasis on research and scholarship productivity and innovation that impacts economic and societal development.”
“Our transformational faculty and staff are investing their talents, ingenuity and sheer determination to ensure our efforts enrich our three-pronged mission of teaching, research and service,” he said.
Achieving the certification was a long-term goal of the University of Alabama, said John Higginbotham, interim vice president for research and economic development.
“This is another indication the University of Alabama’s research initiatives are headed in the right direction and that our forward-thinking approach is successfully covering new ground as we find innovative ways of serving our state and nation,” Higginbotham said.
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