Colgate University has recently been recognized as a prestigious Research University by the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education. This announcement came on February 13, showcasing Colgate’s dedication to research and scholarship.
The Research University classification dates back to 1973 and has always been a significant benchmark within U.S. higher education. A new initiative for 2025 has updated the criteria, allowing more schools to be acknowledged for their academic efforts.
Now, universities that invest at least $2.5 million in research can earn this title. Colgate leads the way, dedicating over $4 million to research projects in the last fiscal year.
Colgate’s President, Brian W. Casey, credits the success of their fundraising campaign, known as the Third-Century Plan, for this achievement. He believes this designation reflects Colgate’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence.
Casey pointed out several areas of improvement, such as better funding for academic programs, increased startup funds for new faculty, and a strengthened network for academic support. He emphasized Colgate’s focus on a teacher-scholar model, which encourages faculty to deeply engage in their research and share insights with students.
This approach has led to significant research collaborations. Recently, Associate Professor Joe Levy and his students conducted a groundbreaking study on Antarctica’s impact on climate change. Their work exemplifies Colgate’s commitment to hands-on learning.
Provost and Dean Lesleigh Cushing welcomed the new designation as a testament to Colgate’s focus on experiential education, highlighting the importance of involving undergraduates in innovative research.
“As faculty, we aim to create new knowledge and often include our students in this process,” Cushing stated. “The opportunities for undergraduates to participate in groundbreaking research are what makes Colgate truly special.”
