wfn.org | ELCA's Wittenberg University Ranks among America's Best Colleges

[News News <NEWS@ELCA.ORG>]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

October 15, 1999

ELCA'S WITTENBERG UNIVERSITY RANKS AMONG AMERICA'S BEST COLLEGES
99-250-MR

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Wittenberg University, Springfield, Ohio, was
ranked among the Midwest's best liberal arts colleges, according to U.S.
News and World Report's 2000 edition of "America's Best Colleges,"
issued Aug. 30.  Wittenberg is one of 28 colleges and universities of
the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
     A typographic error in the "America's Best Colleges" edition left
Wittenberg University out of the rankings.  A correction was issued in
U.S. News and World Report's Sept. 6 issue.
     "Here is a good example of how vulnerable we become in a ranking
system that just about everyone in higher education believes doesn't
have much validity," said Dr. Baird Tipson, president of Wittenberg.
     "Higher education leaders have protested to U.S. News and World
Report for years that relying on such a reputational survey destroys any
validity their rankings might possess, but U.S. News persisted in using
it," Tipson said.  "Unfortunately for Wittenberg, the simplicity of U.S.
News' rankings appeals to many prospective college students and parents
and can build or undermine alumni pride."
     Wittenberg University, a liberal arts university, offers more than
50 different majors and programs.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html