June 6 , 2006 CONTACT: Ron Podell 734.487.4400 Ron.Podell@emich.edu

Diverse magazine recognizes EMU for increases in African Americans receiving undergraduate degrees

YPSILANTI - For the third consecutive year, “Diverse” magazine (formerly “Black Issues in Higher Education”) has recognized Eastern Michigan University for its growing number of African-American students who earn undergraduate degrees.

In its June issue, the national publication ranked EMU 74th (out of more than 300 colleges and universities) for the number of baccalaureate degrees bestowed upon African-American students. Eastern Michigan awarded 390 (254 women, 136 men) bachelor’s degrees to African-American students in 2005. 

EMU ranked 76th last year, when it awarded 371 bachelor’s degrees to African American students. In 2003, EMU ranked 81st with 346 African-American graduates.

Approximately 18.3 percent of EMU’s 19,000 undergraduate students are African American, said Courtney McAnuff, vice president for enrollment services.

“I think it’s indicative of the fact that EMU’s population mirrors the state and mirrors the world, and the fact that we’re able to provide a quality education to our students,” McAnuff said. “A lot of this starts with our outreach, which starts with seventh-grade students.”

Eastern Michigan’s relatively small class size and access to faculty who can mentor students also makes a big difference, McAnuff said.

 “All Eastern Michigan University students, staff and faculty benefit from our diverse population,” said Judy Sturgis Hill, EMU’s interim director of diversity. “Acknowledging and interacting with diverse populations is a positive factor in the preparation for the future.”

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 2004-05 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 (tied for 12th, up from 25th in 2004);

• the number of minorities receiving baccalaureate degrees in education (35th up from 40th in 2004);
• the number of Asian Americans receiving baccalaureate degrees in education (tied for 35th);
• the number of Native Americans receiving baccalaureate degrees in education (44th, no ranking in 2004);
• the number of African Americans receiving baccalaureate degrees in area, ethnic, culture and gender studies (25th, no ranking in 2004); and
• the number of Native Americans receiving baccalaureate degrees in health professions and related clinical services (tied for 32nd).

“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

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Eastern Michigan University is a public, comprehensive university that offers programs in the arts, sciences and professions. EMU prepares students with the intellectual skills and practical experiences to succeed in their career and lives, and to be better citizens.

Editor's Note: Looking for an expert source for a story? Check out EMU's Eastern Experts online at www.emich.edu/univcomm/easternexperts.

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