The University of Toronto is recruiting three top U.S. researchers in astrophysics, innovation economics, and public policy to join its faculty in 2026-27, strengthening its global research reputation and addressing major societal challenges.
The University of Florida has maintained its position as the No. 7 public university in the U.S. for the eighth consecutive year in the 2026 rankings, also ranking No. 30 among all universities, reflecting its strong reputation in academics, research, and student success.
UC San Diego has been ranked 9th globally for having the most influential researchers, tied with Germany's Max Planck Society. This recognition highlights the university's strong impact across various disciplines, including neuroscience, bioengineering, and environmental science. UC San Diego is the top-ranked public research university in the U.S. and the only UC institution in the top 10. The university's culture of innovation supports researchers in translating their work into real-world solutions, exemplified by projects like wearable ultrasound devices and microrobots for cancer treatment. Notable researchers like Rob Knight and Pieter Dorrestein have been recognized for their groundbreaking contributions in multiple fields.
The NCAA Woman of the Year Selection Committee has announced the Top 30 honorees for the 2023 NCAA Woman of the Year Award. These female student-athletes, representing all three NCAA divisions, have excelled in academics, athletics, community service, and leadership. The finalists will be chosen from the Top 30, and the NCAA Woman of the Year will be named at the NCAA Convention in January.
Five Alabama schools, including Cordova Elementary School, Mt. Carmel Elementary School, Creek View Elementary School, Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School, and Skyline High School, have been named 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education. These schools were recognized for their academic performance and progress in closing achievement gaps. The Blue Ribbon award is the highest national honor given to schools by the U.S. Department of Education.
The University of Texas at Austin has been ranked as the ninth-best public university in the United States, according to the 2024 undergraduate rankings released by U.S. News & World Report. UT Austin also secured the top spot among public universities in Texas. Overall, the university climbed six places to rank 32nd among both public and private schools. The McCombs School of Business and the Cockrell School of Engineering were recognized for their strong programs, with several specialties listed among the top rankings. UT Austin President Jay Hartzell attributed the university's success to its exceptional talent, commitment to academic excellence, and the opportunities available in Austin as an innovation and cultural hub.
UNC-Chapel Hill has been ranked as the 4th best public university in the United States and 22nd overall in the 2024 U.S. News & World Report Best College rankings. The university has consistently been among the top 5 public universities for over 22 years and is also recognized as the best value among public institutions for the 19th consecutive year. UNC-Chapel Hill excels in various academic disciplines, including nursing, management, marketing, undergraduate business, and entrepreneurship. Additionally, the university is ranked 9th for Best Colleges for Veterans, reflecting its commitment to military and military-affiliated students.
The Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) has changed its name to the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) to reflect its recent expansion along the Atlantic coast. The conference will still be referred to as the CAA and will continue to use the same logo. With 14 institutions spread across nine states, the CAA has reached its highest membership in its nearly 40-year history. The name change also applies to the football conference, which will be officially recognized as the Coastal Athletic Association Football Conference. The CAA has a strong reputation for both athletic and academic excellence, producing national champions and scholars.
Howard University has appointed Ben Vinson III as its 18th president. Vinson is a respected academic scholar with a commitment to excellence and a vision for Howard's future. He has experience in the academy and a reputation for getting things done in a collaborative, inclusive, and integrity-driven way. The Howard community and leaders in education have expressed excitement and confidence in Vinson's ability to lead the university to new heights of success and distinction.
Dennis Barnes, a 16-year-old high school senior from New Orleans, has received over $9 million in academic scholarships from 170 colleges and universities across the US. Barnes, who has a 4.98 GPA and is fluent in Spanish, plans to pursue a dual undergraduate degree in computer science and attend law school. He has not yet announced which school he will attend, but plans to do so in May. While it is unclear if Barnes set a world record for the most scholarships earned by a high school student, he has certainly made his mark in the academic world.
Dennis Barnes, a 16-year-old high school senior from New Orleans, has broken records by receiving over $9 million in college scholarships. Barnes was accepted into 170 colleges and universities for the upcoming fall semester, with a cumulative GPA of 4.98. He is even beating out a Guinness Book of World Records holder from his native state of Louisiana, who was awarded $8.7 million in 2019. Barnes will announce his school choice on May 2, with his high school graduation set for May 24.