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University of Saint Mary named 2010 "Best Midwestern College" by The Princeton Review Honor is Fifth Consecutive for USM

7/29/2009
John Shultz

(Leavenworth, Kan.)–For the fifth straight year, the University of Saint Mary has been named a "Best Midwestern College" by The Princeton Review. USM was one of only 158 Midwestern schools to make the cut, and only about 25 percent of the nation’s 2,500 four-year colleges are included on one of the organization’s four regional lists. University of Saint Mary, William Jewell, and Baker are the only colleges in the Kansas City Metro area to be named a "Best Midwestern College."

Inclusion on the regional lists is based on student surveys and strong academics. The full lists can be found online at www.PrincetonReview.com. Schools on the regional list are not ranked. USM’s Midwestern region includes colleges from Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

"We chose the University of Saint Mary as one of our ‘regional best’ colleges primarily for its excellent academic programs," said Robert Franek, Princeton Review’s vice president of publishing.

According to The Princeton Review’s student survey information, students say USM offers "a ‘quality’ liberal arts education…with a personal touch." The Princeton Review also notes "undergrads here rave about the ‘helpful and caring’ faculty and promise that wherever or whoever you go to on campus you’ll find ‘friendly people who are always willing to do what it takes to solve your problem.’ According to a sophomore, ‘The students at Saint Mary are more than just an ID number or paycheck. The staff and professors make an effort to learn who people are."

Surveyed students also said that USM’s professors are the "school’s greatest strength" and create "a close-knit community of students who are expected to think. Classes are not just lecture halls."

Dr. Bryan Le Beau, USM’s vice president for academic affairs, said the designation "provides us with an external confirmation of what we already think–that the University of Saint Mary provides a great, quality education."

The Princeton Review is a New York City-based company known for its test-prep courses, books, and educational services.

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