Gardner-Webb’s Online Graduate Business Program Ranked Nation’s Best for Student Services and Technology

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.— The U.S. News released today its rankings of America’s Top Online Education Programs for 2012, naming Gardner-Webb University’s Online Graduate Program in Business first in the nation among 161 college and university business programs in the “Student Services and Technology” category. 

The GWU Business Program also ranked 15th in “Faculty Credentials and Training,” 27th in “Teaching Practices and Student Engagement,” and was one of 14 institutions to make the honor roll for Master’s Programs in Graduate Business in this year’s report.

The rankings are based on points earned from institutions’ responses to survey indicator questions related to each category.  The highest total score a school could receive was 100. For “Student Services and Technology,” Gardner-Webb’s program earned a score of 98.8, more than nine points higher than the second-ranked program.  In fact, GWU was the only institution to score in the 90s in that category, and the only Carolinas institution in the top 15 in any category. 

Gardner-Webb was also the only Carolinas institution to make the honor roll for placing in the top third of at least three out of the four category rankings.  The fourth category was “Admissions Selectivity.” 

A thrilled Dr. Anthony Negbenebor, dean of GWU’s Godbold School of Business, said he has received calls from colleagues around the country congratulating him, but said the honor is not his own. “This was a total team effort,” he said.  “Credit must be given to our president, Dr. Frank Bonner, our administrators and faculty, and most certainly our students.  The performance of our students made this accomplishment come true.” 

“This recognition affirms the hard work and commitment to the mission of Gardner-Webb that the faculty of the School of Business and the staff of Technology Services have demonstrated over the past several years in developing and maintaining the online delivery program for our students,” said Dr. Jeff Tubbs, vice president for planning and institutional effectiveness. “In a broader context, it is yet another in a long line of university programs that have received national acclaim for quality and distinction.”

More information is available at usnews.com/rankings. 

Located in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb University seeks a higher ground in higher education – one that embraces faith and intellectual freedom, balances conviction with compassion, and inspires in students a love of learning, service, and leadership.

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