Lamar Institute of Technology is being recognized as the top community college in Texas, and one of the top 50 best community colleges out of almost 1,000 nationwide by AcademicInfluence.com.
The ranking was featured in the March 7 issue of Forbes Magazine.
“The system uses artificial intelligence technology to search massive databases and measure the impact of work by individuals who’ve been affiliated with colleges and universities throughout the world,” Forbes contributor Michael Nietzel said in the magazine. “Its approach is based on the premise that the people affiliated with a school determine its quality.”
Leadership at LIT welcomed the recognition, which is the latest in a growing list of accolades.
“This news is beyond phenomenal”, LIT President Lonnie L. Howard said in a statement. “The fact that Forbes Magazine recognized this honor and that Academic Influence used these specific metrics solidifies what we as an institution have always believed and upheld--the importance of the people here—faculty, staff and students. We are proud of our LIT family and this latest accomplishment.”
The website that provided the ranking also highlighted the need for strong community colleges.
“The top rated community colleges offer a broad selection of associate’s degrees, affordable tuition rates, and strong partnerships with public four-year schools so that students can easily transfer their credits into accredited bachelor’s degree programs,” the organization said in the LIT press release.
The website said it generates rankings by scanning the web and maps, noting the impact of a school’s thought leadership across various disciplines. Criteria for the schools in this ranking include a minimum of 1,000 enrolled students, full accreditation and exclusively two-year (or associate) degree programs.
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