For the fourth consecutive year, "Diverse Issues in Higher
Education" magazine has recognized Eastern Michigan University
for its growing number of African-American students who
earn undergraduate degrees.
EMU improved to 67th (out of more than 300 colleges and
universities) for the number of baccalaureate degrees bestowed
upon African-American students. EMU ranked 74th in the
previous year. Eastern Michigan awarded 420 (264 women,
156 men) bachelor's degrees to African-American students
in 2006. The statistics appeared in the June 1 issues
of Diverse magazine.
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MAKING THE GRADE: Freshmen Antonetta Hall,
of
Pontiac, and Chirlaya Cadwell, of Detroit, study
together on campus last year. Eastern Michigan
University was recently recognized by Diverse
Magazine
for its growing number of African-American
students
who earn bachelor's degrees. Eastern
ranked 67th
out of more than 300 schools for the
number of
baccalaureate degrees bestowed upon
African-American
students. |
Approximately 18 percent of EMU's 19,000 undergraduate
students are African American, said Tom Green, vice president
for enrollment management at EMU.
"EMU is proud of its long track record of enrolling and
graduating underrepresented students. Students of all backgrounds
are interested in a quality education and we provide that," Green
said. "We also provide a welcoming and supportive environment
for students, including small classes with faculty who
mentor students, as well as teach them."
"Diversity is our strength and we are very pleased to
be recognized for our efforts in achieving and maintaining
the highest standards for student access and attainment," Green
said.
"I am pleased that "Diverse Issues" continues to recognize
our efforts to attract underrepresented students," said
Sharon Abraham, director of diversity at EMU. "We support
these efforts with things such as enhancements to the general
education curriculum, in which diversity is a course requirement."
The analysis was compiled by the U.S. Department of Education's
National Center for Education Statistics' Integrated Postsecondary
Education Data Set (IPEDS). The analysis reflects degrees
awarded during the 2005-06 academic year.
EMU also ranked in a number of subcategories, including:
- Ranked first among the 12 Mid-American Conference schools.
- the number of African-American students receiving baccalaureate
degrees in education (13th);
- the number of African Americans receiving baccalaureate
degrees in area, ethnic, culture and gender studies (42nd);
- the number of African Americans receiving master's degrees
(86th).
"Diverse," formerly "Black Issues in Higher Education," was
founded in 1984 and is considered America's premiere news
source for information relative to African-American educational
issues. To see a list of the rankings, go to www.diverseeducation.com