KNOXVILLE — The University of Tennessee recently was named one of the best universities in the nation for recruiting, retaining, educating and graduating Hispanics.
The recognition came from the Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education magazine’s 10th annual Publisher’s Picks list of more than 500 U.S. universities with strong outreach efforts and service to the Hispanic community.
Hispanic Outlook publisher Jose Lopez-Isa said Tennessee and the other schools on the list are doing a commendable job.
“We tip our hats to all the hardworking and talented faculty, counselors, mentors, fundraisers and active alumni who make their colleges and universities welcoming and supportive of Hispanic students,” he said.
“It’s an honor to receive this recognition,” UT Chancellor Loren Crabtree said. “Our commitment to diversity is stronger than ever, and being included in this list speaks to the hard work of faculty and staff in nurturing, supporting and encouraging our Hispanic students.”
The U.S. Census Bureau reports that Tennessee’s Hispanic population grew to more than 167,000 in 2004, a 35 percent increase from 2000.
UT’s fall 2005 entering freshman class was one of the most ethnically diverse and academically qualified groups ever admitted, Crabtree said, with 26 percent more Hispanics enrolled than the year before.
Vanderbilt was the other Tennessee university named in the list.
Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education is distributed to subscribers and high school guidance counselors across the U.S.
For more information on the Publisher’s Picks list, visit the Hispanic Outlook Web site at http://www.hispanicoutlook.com/scholar.htm.
For more information on Tennessee’s growing Hispanic population, visit the U.S. Census Bureau Web site at http://www.census.gov/popest/states/asrh/SC-EST2004-03.html.
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Contact:
Charles Primm (865-974-5180)
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