Rankings & Recognition
Rankings & Recognition
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Recognized for Excellence: How Valparaiso University is Getting National Attention
September 18 , 2023– Valparaiso University is dedicated to creating a first-class college experience, and that dedication has garnered the attention of publications, national reviewers and state representatives. The University prides itself on its exceptional courses, facilities and expert faculty members and is proud to be recognized for its efforts. “The recognition bestowed upon Valparaiso University is a validation of the collective efforts of our faculty, students and staff to be a premiere higher education institution dedicated to excellence,” said Eric Johnson ’87, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “We are deeply grateful for this acknowledgement, and it strengthens our resolve to continue to shape the future of higher education.” The University continues its three-decades long legacy of being recognized as one of the best choices in higher education by U.S. News & World Report. The College of Engineering continues to maintain an impressive position on the…
Valparaiso University Professor Wins American Meteorological Association Award
Sept. 6, 2023 – Teresa Bals-Elsholz, Ph.D., professor of meteorology and chair of the Valparaiso University meteorology department, has been recognized by the American Meteorological Association (AMS) with the 2024 Edward N. Lorenz Teaching Excellence Award. This annual award goes to a professor who demonstrates "innovative and engaging teaching, making challenging curricula accessible and enjoyable, enthusiastic career-long mentoring, and inspiring the next generation of atmospheric scientists, especially empowering women” (award citation). “I really love getting to that ‘a-ha!’ moment with students,” Professor Bals-Elsholz says. “I am very proud and happy that I have been able to teach so many Valpo meteorology students, and especially to so many women meteorologists.” Professor Bals-Elsholz has been at Valpo for 23 years. As an instructor, she covers a wide range of students, from freshman coming in to Introduction to Meteorology to upper-classmen learning atmospheric dynamics and the ins and outs of meteorological computer systems.…
Valparaiso University Mathematics Professor Wins MAA Award
Aug. 8, 2023 – Valparaiso, Indiana – Valparaiso University professors continue to show excellence and leadership in their fields as Lara Pudwell, Ph.D., professor of mathematics and statistics receives the Trevor Evans Award from the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) for her paper, “The Hidden and Surprising Structure of Ordered Lists,” appearing in the February 2022 edition of Math Horizons. The award includes a $1,000 prize. “It's a joy to share beautiful mathematics with others and an honor to be named this year's Trevor Evans award recipient,” Professor Pudwell said. Professor Pudwell’s project was originally a presentation at the National Museum of Mathematics, but with encouragement from former MAA president Jennifer Quinn and Math Horizons editor Tom Edgar, the work was later turned into the award-winning paper. “I find this back story to be a wonderful illustration of the good that comes from having encouraging leaders throughout the MAA who…
Valparaiso University Orchestra Director Honorary Mention for American Prize
Diego Piedra, DMA, assistant professor of music and director of orchestra at Valparaiso University received an honorary mention in the coveted American Prize in Orchestral Performance in 2022. The Prize grew from the belief that exemplary musical performance too often goes unappreciated and unrewarded, and is issued for the best orchestral performances by American-based orchestras. “It felt very good for me,” Professor Piedra says. “It was the first national prize that I ever got in the U.S. I think it’s a sensational feeling. I’m very proud.” The Prize is awarded in various divisions based on submitted performance recordings. Professor Piedra took an honorary mention in the college/university orchestra division for a performance he did with Luther College Symphony Orchestra, where he was a sabbatical replacement for conductor and violin teacher in 2019. He was also a finalist in the professional orchestra division for a performance with the London Classical Soloists.…
Valparaiso University MBA Program Continues to Lead in Green Practices
February 15, 2023 – Valparaiso, Indiana – The master of business administration program (MBA) at Valparaiso University’s College of Business has been ranked fifth on the Princeton Review's national Best Green MBA for 2023 list. This ranking is based on students' ratings of how well they feel their program is preparing them to address environment, sustainability, and social responsibility issues in the careers they pursue after graduation. This year marks the third time the program has received this honor and reflects the goals in Uplift Valpo, the University’s strategic plan, to move toward more environmentally-friendly operations. “In addition to viewing climate change as an existential threat to the planet, students of business, business owners, and future entrepreneurs have come to regard climate change as replete with transformational opportunities for future economic growth and success,” said Elizabeth Gingerich, J.D., professor of business law, Morgal-Vaughan Chair in Christian Business Ethics, and teacher…
Valparaiso University Ranked Among Best in the Nation
Sept. 12, 2022 – Valparaiso, Indiana – Valparaiso University continues its amazing, three-decades long legacy of being recognized as one of the best choices in higher education by U.S. News & World Report. In the 2022-2023 Best Colleges rankings, Valpo has been named number 176 out of 440 of the most elite public and private institutions in the nation. In addition to the impressive placement in overall ranking, Valpo’s College of Engineering is ranked no. 15 Best Undergraduate Engineering Program in the nation. Other honors for Valpo programs include making the Best Undergraduate Business, Best Undergraduate Computer Science, and Best Undergraduate Nursing lists. The College of Engineering has made great strides in living Valparaiso University’s values of learning, service and leadership as outlined in the new strategic plan, Uplift Valpo. With the assistance of the Kern Family Foundation, the College has been instrumental in opening exciting new pathways for student…
Valparaiso University Professor Named Beta Gamma Sigma Chapter Advisor of the Year
April 7, 2022 – Valparaiso, Indiana – Coleen Wilder, Ph.D., retiring associate professor of information and decision sciences at Valparaiso University, has been named the 2022 Chapter Advisor of the Year by the international business honors society Beta Gamma Sigma. “Being nominated for the award by itself was an honor, so I was extremely excited to find out I had been named the winner,” Wilder said. “I can’t think of a better way to end my career.” Wilder agreed to take over as Beta Gamma Sigma’s chapter advisor in 2017 and saw the role as an opportunity to continue pursuing the passions that initially drew her to teach at the University. “I enjoy the student side of what I do,” Wilder said. “Acting as chapter advisor for Beta Gamma Sigma was a way to work with the best of the best students.” During her tenure as chapter advisor, Wilder has…
Valparaiso University’s College of Engineering Recognized for Diversity
Jan. 25, 2022 – Valparaiso, Indiana – Valparaiso University’s College of Engineering has been recognized as a national leader in program diversity by the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE). The ASEE Diversity Recognition Program (ADRP) publicly recognizes engineering and engineering technology programs that make significant, measurable progress in increasing diversity, inclusion and degree attainment outcomes. The ADRP has recognized Valparaiso University at the bronze level, the highest level of recognition attainable during this award cycle. “The College of Engineering is very pleased to have been recognized by the ADRP,” Doug Tougaw, Ph.D., P.E., interim dean of the College of Engineering and professor of electrical and computer engineering said. “We believe that building an organizational culture that values and welcomes all people will help us achieve our mission of preparing students to lead and serve around the world.” Bronze level recognition indicates that the College of Engineering is dedicated to…
Nursing Program at Valparaiso University Named One of Nation’s Best by US News & World Report
Oct. 6, 2021 – Valparaiso, Indiana – In its first-ever listing of the top undergraduate nursing programs in the United States, US News & World Report has recognized the high quality of Valpo’s nursing program, which has a history spanning more than five decades. The rankings are based on surveys of top academics and officials at nursing schools or departments across the country. Out of thousands of accredited programs nationwide, only 694 were recognized, and Valpo nursing is in the top 17% of the list. “This recognition from our peers and US News & World Report affirms the high caliber and outstanding character of Valpo’s undergraduate nursing program and faculty,” said Karen Allen, dean, Ph.D., RN, FAAN. “Valpo nurses are adaptive, collaborative and visionary, with the passion to go out and create the world they want to live in.” Valpo nursing is a direct-admit program that emphasizes collaboration, hands-on education…
Valparaiso University Ranked Among Best National Universities by U.S. News & World Report
Sept. 17, 2021 – Valparaiso, Indiana – Continuing an accomplished legacy spanning three decades, Valpo has once again been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best choices for higher education. In the 2022 Best Colleges rankings, Valparaiso University was named No. 172 among more than 380 of the most elite public and private doctoral granting institutions in the nation. In addition to the overall rankings, Valpo’s ABET-accredited College of Engineering is the no. 16 Best Undergraduate Engineering program nationally. Other programmatic honors include Best Undergraduate Business, Best Undergraduate Computer Science, and Best Nursing in the nation. Valpo has introduced several new programs in recent years, including: Bioengineering Cyber security Data science Environmental engineering Integrated business and engineering Mechatronics Music therapy Occupational therapy Physician assistant studies Public health Statistics Supply chain and logistics management The AACSB-accredited College of Business also recently revised its MBA curriculum to…
Valparaiso University Graduate Placement Rate Exceeds 90% for 28 Consecutive Years
June 16, 2021 – Valparaiso, Indiana – More than 90% of recent Valpo graduates have secured employment or enrolled in graduate school within nine months of graduation for the 28th straight year. The overall placement rate for 2019–2020 alumni is 94.4%. Valparaiso University’s Career Center sponsors career preparation opportunities including networking events, mock interviews, panel discussions and professional development workshops. In addition, the Career Center hosts five to six major career fairs each year, with more than 350 total employers in attendance. Of the 2019–2020 respondents, 91% reported using Career Center resources as students. Achieving a high placement rate even in the midst of a global pandemic, 2019–2020 alumni are employed across the country and around the world, with companies such as Netflix, Caterpillar, Allstate, the Indiana Department of Health, Ford Motor Company, Eli Lilly and Company, Sinclair Broadcast Group and Valparaiso Community Schools. Highlights of the 2019–2020 Graduate Report include: Graduates…
Valpo Recognized Among Most Transfer Friendly Schools in the Nation
March 3, 2021 – Valparaiso, Indiana – Valparaiso University has been named to the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Transfer Honor Roll for the second consecutive year. The designation recognizes excellence in the development and support of dynamic and innovative transfer pathways for community college transfer students. Valpo is among 150 colleges and universities named to the 2021 Transfer Honor Roll, only two of which are in Indiana. The Phi Theta Kappa Honor Roll distinction indicates that Valpo was selected as being among the most transfer friendly schools in the nation, determined by admission practices, cost of attendance, campus life, and recruitment practices. “At Valparaiso University we pride ourselves on taking care of each transfer student and working with them individually,” said Carrie Palkovich, M.S., director of transfer enrollment. “We have students transferring into all five of our colleges, including Christ College — The Honors College. The variety and caliber…
Valparaiso University Honored as Military Friendly School
Feb. 18, 2021 – Valparaiso, Indiana – Valparaiso University is a 2021–2022 Military Friendly® School as announced by VIQTORY, a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business and the leader in successfully connecting the military community and civilian world. This designation demonstrates that Valparaiso University strives toward and succeeds in the areas that matter most in helping veterans make the transition from the military to school and, ultimately, satisfying careers in the civilian world. Established in 2009, the Military Friendly® Schools designation provides service members and their families with transparent, data-driven rankings about post-military education and career opportunities. The 2021–2022 list honors the top colleges, universities, community colleges and trade schools nationwide that employ best practices to embrace America’s military students and to dedicate resources to ensure success in the classroom and after graduation. Member institutions are evaluated through a survey of more than 100 questions covering 10 categories, including military support on…
Four Valparaiso University Seniors Named Orr Fellows
Hannah Forton ’21, Lillia Pogue ’21, Maggie Schaller ’21 and Kaitlyn Steinhiser ’21 have been named to the prestigious Orr Fellowship, recognizing them as future business leaders of Indianapolis. Orr Fellowship is a prominent, two-year, post-graduate program combining a full-time position at an innovative, Indianapolis-based company with a curriculum focused on community involvement, professional development and leadership. With an acceptance rate of less than 6%, it is a hard-earned position. “Obtaining an Orr Fellowship is a significant achievement and these women will have the ability to positively impact each of their placements and do excellent work in their future careers,” said Richard A. Gillman, D.A., interim provost. “The accomplishments of these four Valpo alumnae reflects on the preparation they received throughout their time as students.” Forton, a native of Macomb, Michigan, will receive her bachelor’s in music industry and communication. She is a member of Lambda Pi Eta, the National…
Valparaiso University Named Among Nation’s Best Universities by U.S. News & World Report
For three decades, U.S. News & World Report has identified Valparaiso University as one of the best universities in the country. In the 2021 edition, released today, Valpo was ranked No. 160 among more than 380 of the nation’s most elite public and private doctoral granting institutions. “We are honored that U.S. News & World Report has once again recognized the outstanding education at Valparaiso University,” said Colette Irwin-Knott ’81, University Interim President-Elect. “These rankings are more than badges and accolades — they are a testament to the dedication and perseverance of our students, faculty and staff and to Valpo’s steadfast commitment to deliver quality, affordable education to young women and men of promise who are called to seek truth, serve generously and cultivate hope.” In addition to overall University rankings, Valpo’s ABET-accredited College of Engineering is the No. 13 Best Undergraduate Engineering program nationally. The College features six distinct…