A year in review

Matt Olson, Copy Editor

As 2015 drew to a close, TWU was weighed against other universities across the state and across the nation. A TWU press release outlined how the university performed well and received numerous accolades on the basis of diversity, academic and athletic achievements as well as campus safety and programs available for students.

Diversity

In U.S. News and World Report, TWU was placed highly amongst diverse schools in the nation; the university has the 3rd most diverse student population across Texas and is tied in 10th place nationally, with the likes of University of California – Santa Cruz and University of Illinois – Chicago.

Academia     

Several educational programs and departments were singled out for recognition. U.S. News and World Report distinguished the occupational therapy program as 15^th in the nation, while the physical therapy and library and information studies programs were placed in the top 40.

The website www.dance-colleges.com singled out TWU Dance as the best dance program in Texas and 17^th nationally, while the university is ranked as the 9th best performing art school in the state.

Other programs to receive recognition included nursing, nutrition, sociology and education. Accolades were given on the basis of student feedback as well as resources provided by the school.

Athletics

The TWU Gymnastics team was honored for its overall GPA of 3.7947, placing first out of 74 National Collegiate Athletic Association institutions, while the basketball, soccer and volleyball teams were awarded for having high GPAs amongst other teams for the 2nd year in a row in the Lone Star Conference.

The LSC also recognized softball head coach Ginny Stidham as coach of the year. Softball senior Kendra Sancet, soccer junior Gabby Larson and volleyball senior Hillary Schaffer each received accolades for their athletic performances.

Safety

TWU was commended for being among the safest schools in the U.S., ranked at number 40 in the nation by www.stateuniversty.com.

Programs

Washington Monthly lauded TWU’s affordability, placing it at 9^th place in the U.S. south with the uniquely titled award “Best Bang for the Buck.” Additionally, Best Master of Science in Nursing credited TWU’s graduate nursing program with being the 17^th most affordable nursing administration degree program in the U.S., out of a list of 30.